INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE ILO Library SAFETY IN COAL MINES VOLUME II LEGISLATION GENEVA 1955 STUDIES AND REPORTS New Series, No. 33 PUBLISHED B Y T H E INTERNATIONAL L A B O U R OFFICE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Published in t h e United K i n g d o m for t h e INTERNATIONAL LABOUE OFTICE b y Staples Press Limited, London PRINTED B Y " IMPRIMERIES RÉUNIES " , L A U S A N N E , SWITZERLAND CONTENTS Pages INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER I : Registration of Mines: Plans of Operation 6 CHAPTEB I I : General Provisions 1. General Safety Rules 2. Boundary Pillars 3. Procedure in Circumstances Endangering the Mine . . . . CHAPTER I I I : Means of Access and Egress 1. General 2. Ladderways CHAPTEB IV : Mine Plans and Surveyors 1. Mine Plans 2. Surveyors CHAPTER V : Explosives 44 1. General 2. Transport 3. Handling and Storage CHAPTEB VI : Shot firing 1. General 2. TJnexploded and Partly Exploded Shots 3. Fiery and Dusty Mines 4. Airdox, Cardox, Hydrox 5. Shotfirers CHAPTER V I I : Supports: Roof Control CHAPTEB VIII : Haulage of Materials on Roads and Inclines 1. General 2. Locomotive Haulage : General Provisions 3. Petrol Locomotives 4. Diesel Locomotives 5. Compressed-air Locomotives 6. Trolley Locomotives 7. Battery and Cable Reel Locomotives 8. Rope and Chain Haulages 9. Conveyors 10. Inclines CHAPTEB I X : Travel of Workers on Roads and Inclines 1. General 2. Mechanical Passenger Haulage CHAPTER X : Winding of Materials and Men 1. General 2. Examination and Testing of Winding Plant 3. Shafts 4. Winding Engines 5. Cages 6. Suspension Gear 8 8 16 18 22 22 32 38 38 42 44 51 57 71 71 105 112 125 131 136 . . . 153 153 164 172 174 189 191 205 208 212 216 220 220 225 230 230 234 238 247 259 264 IV SAFETY IN COAL MINES Page 7. Ropes A. General B. Examination and Testing C. Registers 8. Signalling Appliances 9. Winding Operations 10. Winding Staff 267 267 274 282 283 291 306 CHAPTER X I : Ventilation 311 1. General 2. Supervision 3. Main F a n s 4. Auxiliary Fans 5. Ventilation Doors and Brattice 6. Air Measurements and Analysis 7. Ventilation Plans and Registers CHAPTER X I I : Precautions against Firedamp 1. General 2. Detection and Measurement of Firedamp CHAPTER X I I I : Precautions against Goal-dust 1. General 2. Stone-dusting 311 327 327 334 337 341 344 346 346 360 369 369 371 CHAPTER X I V : Lighting 385 1. General 2. Portable Electric Lamps 3. Servicing of Lamps CHAPTER X V : Precautions against Inrushes of Water CHAPTER X V I : Prevention, Extinction, etc., of Mine Fires . . . . 1. General 2. Fireproof Construction 3. Fire-extinguishing Equipment 4. Storage of Flammable Materials 5. Procedure in Case of Fire CHAPTER X V I I : Precautions against Pneumoconiosis CHAPTER X V I I I : Shaft Sinking 1. General 2. Winding of Materials and Men 3. Shotfiring 385 397 400 404 411 411 416 419 422 425 429 439 439 442 450 CHAPTER X I X : Electricity 453 1. Authorisation Procedure 2. General Rules 3. Earthing 4. Conductors 5. Communication Systems 6. Lighting Systems 7. Fiery and Dusty Mines 8. Operation and Maintenance 9. Electrical Staff CHAPTER X X : Machinery and Miscellaneous Plant 1. General 2. Boilers a n d Pressure Plant CHAPTER X X I : Managing Officials 1. Qualifications and Appointment 2. Powers a n d Duties 453 455 481 483 495 499 502 512 520 525 525 528 530 530 539 CONTENTS V Pase CHAPTER X X I I : Appointment, Qualifications and Duties of Various Grades of Mineworkers 1. Medical Examination of Personnel 2. Subordinate Supervisory Officials 3. Miners CHAPTER X X I I I : Notification and Investigation of Accidents, etc. CHAPTER XXTV : First Aid and Rescue 1. First Aid 2. Rescue CHAPTER XXV : Mine Safety Organisation CHAPTER X X V I : Miscellaneous 1. Telephones 2. Carrying of Matches, Smokers' Materials, Lighters, etc.. . . 3. Protective Equipment 4. Employment of Women and Juveniles Underground. . . 5. Shaft Maintenance and Repairs 6. Precautions against Falls of Persons and Objects . . . . 7. Checking of Workers 8. Abandonment of Mines and Workings 9. Unauthorised, Sick and Intoxicated Persons 10. Solitary Employment 11. Posting Up, etc., of Regulations 12. General Registers 13. Exemptions 14. Other Rules APPENDIX : List of Laws and Regulations INDEX 546 546 548 561 571 576 576 582 593 597 597 599 601 603 605 606 608 609 611 613 614 615 617 618 620 637 INTRODUCTION This second volume of Safety in Goal Mines presents, in analytical form, the most important safety provisions of the mining laws and regulations of a number of countries. It thus complements the first volume, which provided statistical material showing the incidence and chief causes of underground accidents in coal mines, together with a description of administration and inspection and of general safety activities in nine coal-producing countries and at the international level. The total quantity of coal-mining safety legislation is so enormous that it has been possible to deal here only with a limited selection. In the first place, the selection has been confined to Belgium, Canada, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands, the Union of South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. The omission of other coalproducing countries must not, of course, be taken to imply that their safety regulations are necessarily inferior to those reproduced here : it is for purely material reasons that many of them have not been included. Similarly, it would have been impossible to include the entire mining legislation of several of the countries selected : in Canada safety in coal mines is exclusively a matter for the provinces and in the United States largely a matter for the states. Since it was not practicable to reproduce the safety regulations of all the coalproducing provinces and states—over 30 in number—the Office has selected one Canadian province (Alberta) and three American states (Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania 1 ). These territories have been chosen as offering some of the best examples of mining safety regulations in North America. In the United States the mining legislation of the various states is supplemented by two sets of federal legislation—the regulations of 1937 applying to leased lands on the public domain, and the Federal Mine Safety Code of 1953, in which is incorporated the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1952.2 Both these sets of regulations are dealt with in the 1 Pennsylvania has two codes of regulations, one for bituminous mines and one for anthracite mines. Only t h e bituminous regulations are dealt with in the present volume. 2 Provisions of t h e Act are printed in italics in the Code. 2 SAFETY I N COAL MINES present volume. Finally, in the Federal Republic of Germany the General Mines Act (Prussia) of 24 June 1865, which still applies to the most important coalfields (situated in former Prussian territory), contains only general provisions ; the detailed technical provisions concerning safety are to be found in the regulations of the divisional mining offices. As these regulations are very largely identical, those of the Dortmund division have been used almost exclusively.1 Even for the few territories selected it has not been possible to reproduce in full all regulations bearing on safety in coal mines. Some have been summarised ; others have been only briefly mentioned or omitted altogether. As a general rule technical provisions have been reproduced in full but it has been necessary to omit a number of voluminous regulations relating to the design and construction of mining equipment such as electrical equipment, locomotives and lamps. Provisions of an administrative character, such as those relating to the qualifications and duties of various classes of officials and workers, have been summarised. Provisions of a purely legal character, such as those defining legal procedure in cases of offences, and the procedure of examining boards and law courts have usually been omitted, as have penal provisions. Provisions defining the circumstances and the conditions in which exemptions may be granted in specific cases have either been omitted or summarised according to their importance. It may be reasonably argued, however, that the provisions omitted, while of importance from the safety standpoint in the country concerned, are not essential for the purposes of an international comparison of safety regulations undertaken with the primary aim of providing all coal-producing countries with a general review of the most advanced legislation on underground safety in coal mines. A few words may be added about the arrangement of the subject-matter. An attempt has been made to classify the provisions of various regulations by subject. Accordingly, the volume has been divided up into a number of chapters and sub-chapters (which have been called divisions). Where the same provisions relate to more than one chapter or division, cross-references have been inserted. 1 The electrical regulations, however, are largely those of t h e Association of German Electrical Engineers (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker), and apply uniformly throughout the Federal Republic. INTRODUCTION 3 Texts quoted in full appear T7ithin quotation marks ; in summarised texts numbers have been inserted in parenthesis indicating the relevant articles, sections, etc., of the legislation in question. In both cases the texts rule, followed by an abbreviated reference at the right-hand margin indicating the legislative text quoted or summarised and referring to the Appendix, where a complete list of the laws, regulations, etc., included in this volume will be found classified in groups corresponding to the chapter headings. For convenience the following abbreviations are used : A D FMC IGR MI MO MR O R RO VDE = = = = = = = = = = = Act. Decree. Federal Mine Code. Inspector-General's Regulations. Ministerial Instruction. Ministerial Order. Mines Regulations. Order. Regulations. Royal Order. Regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers (Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker). CHAPTER I REGISTRATION OF MINES : PLANS OF OPERATION BELGIUM All workings in a mine must be made in accordance with a general plan of operation, which must be communicated each year to the divisional director of the coalfield. This programme must be communicated before 1 December of each year, accompanied by the plans and sketches required to facilitate understanding of it. Any considerable alteration made in the programme must have been previously notified to the same official ; in urgent cases this notification must be made within eight days of the alteration (7B). (RO 5.5.1919) CANADA Alberta (1) No person may commence any mining operations or recommence any mining operations at an abandoned mine or a mine at which rnining operations have been discontinued for a period of more than twelve months, unless and until a permit has been issued by the Director of Mines. (2) Where a change of ownership takes place, the Director of Mines and District Inspector must be forthwith notified, and all mining operations must be discontinued after ten days from the change of ownership unless a permit has been issued by the Director of Mines. (3) The Director of Mines may not grant any permit unless and until he is satisfied that proper provision has been made for the conduct of the proposed operations in conformity with the provisions of the Act. (4) Every applicant for a permit must submit to the Director of Mines with his application a programme prepared by a person holding a first-class or second-class certificate of competency or who is a registered professional mining engineer setting out with sufficient particularity the proposed operations for the development of the mine. (5) I n any case where mining operations at any mine have been commenced or recommenced after the issuance of a permit under this section, the owner, agent or manager of the mine must not depart from or go beyond the programme of operations submitted with the application unless and until notice of intention to do so, with particulars of the proposed departure or extension, prepared by a person who is the holder of a first-class or second-class certificate of competency or who is a registered professional mining engineer, has been submitted to the Director of Mines and he has consented in writing thereto. (6) When any change occurs— (a) in the name of any mine ; or (b) in the name of the owner, agent, manager, assistant manager, or overman of a mine ; or (c) in the officers of any incorporated owner ; or when (d) any working is commenced for opening a mine or seam ; or (e) any mine is abandoned or the working thereof discontinued ; or 6 I. REGISTRATION OF MINES : PLANS OP OPERATION (f) the working of a mine is commenced after an abandonment or discontinuance for a period not exceeding two months ; the owner, agent or manager of such mine must within ten days advise the Director of Mines and the District Inspector thereof in writing (102). (A 1945) FRANCE Before undertaking the regular operation of a mine, the mineowner must communicate to the district inspector of mines, together with the necessary plans and other drawings, a statement describing the proposed method of working. A fresh statement must be communicated for every appreciable change made in the method of working (6). If the district inspector of mines considers t h a t the proposed workings may occasion some ofl the abuses or dangers referred to in Part V of the Act of 21 April 1810 (as amended) he must communicate his observations to the mineowner within a month. If the mineowner receives no observations within this period he may proceed with the operations. I n the contrary case the mineowner may not begin the operations that have formed the subject of observations on the part of the district inspector of mines until he has informed the inspector of the measures proposed to meet these observations. If the mineowner does not take the necessary steps to remedy the defects notified to him the prefect, on the report of the district inspector of mines, informs him of his objection to all or part of the operations and these may then only be carried out on the basis of a new scheme t o which no objections have been made. The mineowner may appeal to the Minister against the prefect's adverse decision (7). If necessary, the prefect, on the proposals of the inspectors of mines, specifies the safety pillars to be left in each seam or deposit ; these pillars may only be holed or removed in the conditions specified by the prefect ; the whole without prejudice t o any special provisions in the terms of the concession (9). v ' (D 14.1.1909) GERMANY Before beginning mining operations the mineowner must notify the mining authorities in writing a t least four weeks in advance. The operation of the mine must conform to a plan examined and approved by the mining authorities. Examination of the plan by mining authorities must cover— safety of the workings ; safety of the life and health of the workers ; protection of the surface in so far as concerns the safety of persons and public traffic ; protection against injury to public interests by the mine (67). If unforeseen events make immediate alterations in the plan of operations necessary, it suffices for the manager to notify them within a fortnight to the mining authorities (69). I n the event of offences against the regulations as regards the plan of operations, the mining authorities are empowered to close the mine (70). (A 24.6.1865) NETHERLANDS (1) As regards both activities preparatory to the working of the mine and the working itself, nothing may be done otherwise than in conformity with plans of operation which must be communicated in advance to the Inspector-General of Mines in writing. 1 Part V oí the Act of 1810 deals with the supervision of mines by the Mines Administration. KEGISTRATION OK MISTES : PLANS OF OPERATION 7 (2) Through the Minister more detailed rules may be laid down concerning the items to be included in the plans of operation. (3) The plan of operation must be sent to the Inspector-General of Mines before 1 December of each year and is valid from 1 J a n u a r y to 31 December inclusive of the following year ; if the Inspector-General of Mines considers it necessary, the plan of operation must be adequately explained or clarified by drawings (12). Every alteration or addition to the plan of operation must be notified in advance to the Inspector-General of Mines except in unforeseen circumstances, in which case the Inspector-General must be notified of the alteration in writing within eight days (13). (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM The mineowner must, within two weeks, notify the district inspector of— (a) the beginning of operations for the purpose of opening a mine or a seam or vein in a mine, the abandonment of a mine or a seam or vein in a mine, the expiration of a period of two months from the day on which a mine or a seam or vein in a mine was last worked, and the resumption of the working of a mine or a seam or vein in a mine after abandonment ; and (b) the beginning of operations for the purpose of driving a new shaft or a new outlet, the abandonment of the use of a shaft or outlet, the expiration of a period of two months from the day on which a shaft or outlet was last used, and the resumption of the use of a shaft or outlet after abandonment (139). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Federal Before regular mining operations begin, the lessee must submit t o the district mining supervisor for approval a preliminary plan, together with vertical sections to indicate, as far as is known, the position, dip and thickness of each coal bed. The plan must show, inter alia, the proposed entries, airways, shafts and structures, including fans, and the proposed method of underground development and ventilation, with a description thereof (22). The lessee must develop and mine the coal in accordance with plans approved in advance so far as natural conditions permit ; if radical changes are required he must immediately submit modified plans with an explanation to the district mining supervisor for approval (23). (R 23.12.1937) New Mexico Each coal mine or ruining operation must register with the state mine inspector annually before the first of August of each year or upon start of operations the name of the operation, post-office address, name of operator or person in charge and character of operation (501). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania The operator or the superintendent of every mine must within 30 days thereafter, send to the inspector notices of the following occurrences : First. When any work has commenced for the purpose of opening a new mine. Second, When the working of a mine is resumed after an abandonment or a discontinuance for a period exceeding two months. Third. When any change occurs in the name of a mine, or in the name of the operator of a mine (8). (A 9.6.1911, art. Ill) CHAPTER I I GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. GENERAL SAFETY RULES BELGIUM " 7 1 . Every worker who by insubordination or disobedience disturbs the arrangements made by the mine management for the safety of persons and things shall be prosecuted and punished, according to the seriousness of the circumstances, in accordance with the provisions of the present regulations and without prejudice to any penalties to which he may be liable under sections 418 and following of the penal code. The arrangements made may be set out in rules to be submitted to the Permanent Committee (Deputation permanente) * after consultation of the mine inspectors." (R 28.4.1884) CANADA Alberta "149 Rule 5. No person shall wilfully damage or without proper authority remove or render useless any fence, fencing, casing, lining, guides, means of signalling, signal, cover, chain, flange, horn, brake, indicator, ladder platform, steam gauge, water gauge, safety valve or other appliance or thing provided a t the mine. Rule 7. Before commencing work in or about any mine every person shall personally attend a t the office and be registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Rule 8. Every person shall a t all times obey the lawful demands or orders of the person under whose charge he m a y be. Rule 9. No person occupying a position of trust shall delegate his work to another person without the sanction of the person under whose charge he is and n o person occupying a position of trust shall absent himself from duty without a legitimate cause or without having previously obtained permission from t h e person under whose charge he is. Rule 10. Where work is carried on continuously for more than one shift, no person having charge of other persons, machinery, signals, or ventilating apparatus shall leave work until relieved, unless authorised b y the person under whose charge he is. Rule 11. No person in or about any mine shall commit an act likely to cause danger t o the mine or to himself or to any person. _ Rule 12. (a) Any person receiving personal injury in or about any mine shall, if able, before leaving the mine, report the same to the manager, overman, examiner or outside foreman. 1 A provincial executive authority. 1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES 9 (b) All accidents occurring in or about any mine must be reported in detail by the examiner in whose district tho accident occurred, or by tho outside foreman if the accident occurred on the surface of the mine, as soon thereafter as practicable, and a special book shall be kept a t the mine for that purpose in which the reports shall be entered. Rule 13. When any person becomes aware of any contravention of this Act, he shall as soon as possible report it to the manager, overman, examiner or outside foreman. Rule 15. No person without proper authority shall interfere with any notice, timber, door, fence, air-course, brattice, stopping or other appliances, nor shall he leave open any door which he found shut, nor shall he do anything to interfere with the ventilation of the mine, impede the working thereof, or damage the property of the owner. Rule 16. No person shall enter or remain in any place in or about any mine where he is not absolutely required by duty to be. Rule 20. (a) All persons employed underground shall be subject generally to the control of the manager, overman, examiner and any other person properly appointed. (d) Every person in charge of a working place shall— (i) before commencing work satisfy himself that the same is in a safe condition to work in ; (ii) inspect his working place carefully at frequent intervals during his shift ; (iii) set sufficient timber to safely support the roof and sides of his working place, and remove or renew the same when necessary and take down all dangerous or doubtful pieces of loose material, but if he finds it impossible to make the said place safe, he shall fence it off and at once report it to the manager, overman or examiner and shall a t no time leave his working place until it is made safe or fenced off. (f) Any person in charge of a place shall see that the work is done therein according to the directions or orders of the manager, overman or examiner. (g) When any person discovers any stoppage or disarrangement of ventilation, damage to any air-crossing, cloth, door, stopping, brattice or air pipe, or observes any obstruction in any air-course, weakness in the roof, deficiency of timber weight or creeping of roof in any working place or roadway, accumulation of gas or water or any other danger, he shall immediately give notice to every person exposed to danger and t o the manager, overman or examiner. Rule 29. No person shall attempt to go on or across the uncovered space of the shaft bottom except for the purpose of working in the shaft bottom and no person shall be allowed to work in the bottom of the shaft unless the cages are stopped." (A 1945) " 1 . Each owner, agent, manager, assistant manager, overman, assistant overman, examiner, electrician and mine surveyor, shall carry out and, to the best of his ability, enforce the provisions of all regulations, rules and orders made under The Coal Mines Regulation Act, and every person shall comply with the provisions of such regulations, rules and orders. 10. No person shall, unless authorised to do so by the manager, overman or examiner, pass beyond any fence or danger signal." (R 1945) 10 II. GENERAL PROVISIONS FRANCE Mines may only be operated under an act of concession which has beon considered by t h e Council of State (5). If the prospection or operation of a mine is liable to be prejudicial to public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety and health of the miners, the preservation of means of communication, etc., the necessary steps must be taken by the prefect (50). 214 ^ Every mine m u s t keep a register and a plan showing the daily advance of the workings and any operational circumstances that it may be useful to record. The inspector of mines must see the register and the plan in the course of every visit ; he must enter on them the report of his visit and his observations on t h e operation of the mine. Whenever he considers it useful he must enter written instructions in the register indicating the precautions to be taken for t h e safety of men and things (6). \JJ o.1.1813) The prefect of each département must determine, by way of order, the technical conditions to be satisfied in the erection and maintenance of mining installations and equipment, and the operation of the mine as regards public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety and health of the miners, the preservation of means of communication, etc. These orders are not executory until they have been approved by the Minister of Public Works after consultation with the General Mines Council (4). The name of t h e chief of service responsible for the technical direction of the operations must be notified by the mineowner to the district inspector of mines. The number of employees for the conduct and supervision of the operations, under the authority of the manager, must correspond to the nature and extent of the workings (5). Before opening or re-opening a main shaft or road leading to the surface, the mineowner m u s t notify the district inspector of mines at least one month in advance (6). Every person who enters a mine for whatever reason must comply with the provisions of statutory regulations and instructions, and with any instructions given him by the manager, engineers and officials with a view to ensuring the safety of the mine and the health of the workers (15). (D 14.1.1909) "127. The work shall be so organised that— (a) all the workers in any party understand one another, if necessary through the intermediary of one of them ; (b) every person in charge of a workplace or party and every worker working alone understands his supervisor. Further, French shall be understood by all the supervisors and by workers employed on jobs affecting the general safety. 128. Every workplace shall be visited by a supervisor at least once in every shift. 129. I n case of danger, the person in charge of the workplace or the party or, failing him, the eldest worker, shall have the supervisors immediately warned ; without awaiting their arrival he shall have the danger zone evacuated, and guard it, or have it guarded or bar the approaches to it." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 1 . (I) All plant and equipment that serves to maintain the safety of the undertaking and the safety of life and health shall be kept in a safe and working condition. (2) Such plant and equipment shall not be damaged, tampered with, improperly used, removed, altered or rendered inoperative or useless. 1. GENERAL SAFETY RULES 11 2. (1) Safety devices shall be used. (2) If for imperative technical reasons they have to be temporarily put out of action they shall be restored to working order as soon as possible ; in the meantime, other precautions shall be taken. 3. Anyone who notices a danger to life or limb or to the undertaking, or damage or irregularities in plant or equipment, shall immediately warn the persons endangered and report to the nearest available supervisory official. 309. Workers shall only be engaged when they know sufficient German to understand properly and repeat the oral instructions of their superiors and fellow workers. 310. On work on the performance of which the life and health of other persons particularly depend only such workers shall be employed as can speak, read and write German." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "2. The provisions of the present regulations shall also apply to electrical equipment, unless the contrary results from the special provisions for electrical equipment. 3. (1) Mine managers and master sinkers shall be bound to enforce the rules concerning safety, health and work issued in or in virtue of the present regulations. (2) A similar responsibility shall rest on the supervisory staff in so far as the manager has made them responsible for enforcing rules that have been communicated to them. (3) The responsibility of managers or master sinkers and supervisory staff mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) shall be discharged when they have given the necessary instructions, provided the necessary means, and exercised the necessary supervision to ensure compliance with the rules. I n such circumstances everyone to whom such instructions have been given shall be responsible for compliance with them. (4) The workers shall be bound to comply with the rules concerning safety, health and work given them in, or pursuant to, the present regulations. 4. (1) All rules made for special cases shall specify the time limit within which they must be complied with. (2) All authorisations and exemptions may be made dependent upon conditions and may be revoked. (3) All authorisations, exemptions, rules and other decisions issued in virtue of the present regulations shall be communicated in writing to the mine manager or the master sinker and shall be dated. Rules and other decisions shall be accompanied by a statement of the reasons for them. 5. Whenever the present regulations prescribe t h a t anything must be 'safe', 'suitable' or 'adequate', or that any measure must be carried out in a 'safe', 'suitable' or 'adequate' manner, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered, after consulting the mine manager, to issue more detailed rules in the matter. 6. (1) All books, registers, lists, rosters and plans required under the present regulations shall be maintained in a n adequately legible manner and be available at a place to be approved by the Inspector-General of Mines. (2) Unless a longer period is prescribed, they shall be kept available for at least one year. 2 12 H . GENERAL PROVISIONS (3) Our Minister shall be empowered to prescribe models of the documents mentioned in subsection (1). 7. All documents mentioned in section 6 and all acts mentioned in section 4 shall, upon request, be sent at any time for inspection to the officials of the State Mines Inspectorate and, in so far as the InspectorGeneral of Mines shall require, to the workmen's inspectors authorised to inspect the mine. 9. The Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately notified in writing by the mine manager or master sinker of— (a) every appointment and dismissal of a manager or master sinker or a member of the supervisory staff of the mine or the sinking pit ; (b) all instructions for the personnel, as referred to in section 3, subsection (3). 10. (1) Duties and supervision on the satisfactory performance of which the safety and health of those employed in the mine or the sinking pit depend to a n y considerable extent shall only be performed by persons who possess the necessary physical and mental qualities, technical knowledge and trustworthiness. The duties imposed on them shall not be more extensive or more difficult than they can reasonably be expected to perform. (2) In the case of evident incompetence or untrustworthiness, these persons shall immediately be relieved of such duties or such supervision. (3) The members of the supervisory staff shall be able to express themselves adequately in Dutch and be able to read and understand the provisions of the present regulations. (4) In special circumstances the Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemptions from the provisions of the preceding subsection. 38. The underground workings and the installations therein shall satisfy the requirements of safe work. 39. The use of open fire in the underground workings without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines shall be prohibited. 70. (1) Before beginning his work, every worker shall satisfy himself as to the safety of his workplace and shall be given an opportunity to do this. (2) In the event of danger of complete or partial collapse of a workplace or other imminent danger, the work shall be immediately stopped, the workplace evacuated if necessary, and the circumstances immediately notified to the responsible supervisor. Where persons are in danger, the necessary measures shall be taken to remove the danger as far as possible. (3) The charge-hand of a party shall, when being relieved, notify the charge-hand of the following party of any special incidents that have occurred or have been noticed during his spell at that place and are liable to affect safety. As far as possible these notifications shall be made on the spot. (4) If, after the end of the shift of one party, work is not immediately taken over by another party, the notifications referred to in the preceding subsection shall be made to the responsible supervisor, who shall take care that they are communicated to the charge-hand of the next following party. 197. Whenever two or more persons perform work as a group, one of them, shall be appointed as charge-hand to be responsible for all measures for the prevention of accidents." (MR 1939) 1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES 13 SOUTH AFRICA " 5 . ( 1 ) T h e m a n a g e r of a m i n e m a y m a k e special rules, n o t i n c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h i s A c t or a n y r e g u l a t i o n , for t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of order a n d discipline, a n d t h e p r e v e n t i o n of a c c i d e n t s in a n y s u c h m i n e . T h e rules, w h e n m a d e , shall b e s u b m i t t e d t h r o u g h a n i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s t o t h e G o v e r n m e n t M i n i n g E n g i n e e r , w h o shall s e n d t h e s a m e t o t h e Minister for his a p p r o v a l , a n d w h e n a p p r o v e d b y h i m t h e y shall t a k e effect after t h e y h a v e b e e n p o s t e d u p i n a conspicuous place a t t h e m i n e for 14 clear d a y s . (2) T h e Minister if he considers a n y such r u l e u n r e a s o n a b l e , u n n e c e s s a r y , or otherwise u n d e s i r a b l e , m a y disallow it, or a t a n y t i m e r e q u i r e i t t o b e .altered. (3) A n y objection t o s u c h rules m a y be lodged a t t h e office of t h e inspect o r of m i n e s , a n d shall b e f o r w a r d e d b y h i m t o t h e G o v e r n m e n t M i n i n g E n g i n e e r , w h o shall s u b m i t t h e s a m e , w i t h h i s r e m a r k s t h e r e o n , t o t h e Minister, w h o m a y either confirm or a l t e r t h e rule r e g a r d i n g w h i c h t h e object i o n m a y h a v e b e e n lodged. (4) All s u c h rules, w h e n a n d so long as t h e y a r e p o s t e d u p a n d a r e legible, shall, u n t i l so disallowed a n d s a v e in so far as t h e y a r e so a l t e r e d , h a v e t h e s a m e force a n d effect a s t h e r e g u l a t i o n s . . . . " , _, , .„..,. ° (A 15.4.1911) X o m e m b e r of a g a n g m a y w o r k a t a n y place w i t h a n i n c l i n a t i o n of m o r e t h a n 45° if t h e r e is a risk of sliding down, unless he is secured b y a lifeline or otherwise safeguarded. X o p e r s o n m a y e n t e r a n a c c u m u l a t i o n of w a t e r u n d e r g r o u n d unless a d e q u a t e p r e c a u t i o n s a r e t a k e n t o ensure his safety (103). W h e n a working place b e c o m e s d a n g e r o u s , t h e ganger m u s t r e m o v e all persons in his c h a r g e from s u c h place, a n d m u s t m a k e it safe before r e - a d m i t t i n g t h e m , or else fence i t off (105). A t each shaft h e a d or c h a n g e h o u s e t h e m a n a g e r m u s t p r o v i d e a r e c o r d b o o k in w h i c h persons m a y e n t e r a n y c o m p l a i n t s t h a t t h e y wish t o b r i n g t o his n o t i c e . T h e b o o k m u s t be open for inspection b y t h e I n s p e c t o r of Mines. A n y defect i n a n y a p p l i a n c e s p r o v i d e d for t h e h e a l t h o r s a f e t y of persons w o r k i n g u n d e r g r o u n d m u s t b e recorded in t h e r e c o r d b o o k b y a n y e m p l o y e e h a v i n g k n o w l e d g e of such defect i m m e d i a t e l y o n c o m i n g off shift. A n y p e r s o n a w a r e of a n y conditions prejudicial t o h e a l t h or s a f e t y m u s t similarly record t h e m a t t e r w i t h o u t delay in t h e record b o o k . I n a d d i t i o n , w h e r e v e r p r a c t i c a b l e , defects a n d defective c o n d i t i o n s m u s t be r e p o r t e d v e r b a l l y t o a shift boss o r o t h e r official (143). No p e r s o n m a y d a m a g e a n y e q u i p m e n t for t h e p r o t e c t i o n of t h e m i n e or for t h e s a f e t y or h e a l t h of t h e w o r k m e n , or interfere w i t h a n y a r r a n g e m e n t s for s u c h p u r p o s e s (172). X o p e r s o n m a y d e p u t e a n y o t h e r p e r s o n t o do his w o r k w i t h o u t p r o p e r a u t h o r i s a t i o n (173). W h e r e a n y w o r k m a n is u n a b l e t o r e a d t h e r e g u l a t i o n s , t h e p e r s o n i n charge m u s t see t h a t h e is m a d e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h those c o n c e r n i n g h i m or his p a r t i c u l a r o c c u p a t i o n a n d d u t i e s (178). 1 ^ ' ' (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM I t is t h e d u t y of t h e o w n e r of every m i n e t o m a k e such financial a n d o t h e r provision a s m a y r e a s o n a b l y b e calculated t o secure— (a) t h a t t h e m i n e is m a n a g e d a n d w o r k e d in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h t h e provisions of t h e A c t a n d r e g u l a t i o n s a n d orders m a d e u n d e r it, a n d is so p l a n n e d a n d laid o u t as t o e n a b l e t h e s e r e q u i r e m e n t s t o b e r e a d i l y c o m plied w i t h ; a n d (b) t h a t all t h e provisions of t h e A c t a n d orders a n d r e g u l a t i o n s m a d e u n d e r it, a r e d u l y complied w i t h . I n p a r t i c u l a r , h e m u s t give t o a n y p e r s o n s 14 H. GENERAL PROVISIONS appointed by him for carrying out his responsibilities under the Act, or orders and regulations made under it, written instructions defining the matters with respect to which the person is charged with carrying out the owner's responsibilities (1). A person employed a t a mine who contravenes— (a) any transport or support rules ; (b) any directions given to him by or on behalf of the owner or manager of the mine, or any rule made by the manager for regulating either the conduct of all persons employed thereat or any class of persons so employed to which t h a t person belongs, being directions given or rules made for securing compliance with the Act or regulations, orders and rules made under it or securing the safety or health of persons employed at the mine, is guilty of an offence (89). A person employed a t a mine who negligently or wilfully does anything likely to endanger the safety of the mine or the safety or health of persons employed at the mine, or negligently or wilfully omits to do anything necessary for securing the safety of the mine or the safety or health of himself or other persons employed at the mine is guilty of an offence. A person other t h a n a mine official who without permission removes, alters or tampers with anything provided at the mine for the purpose of securing the safety or health of persons employed at the mine is guilty of a n offence (90). The Minister may make regulations for any purpose for which regulations may be made under the Act and for prescribing anything which by the Act is required or authorised to be prescribed, and generally for making provision with respect to any matter or thing with respect to which it appears to the Minister requisite or expedient to make provision for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of accidents at mines, securing the safety, health or welfare of persons employed at mines, or maintaining proper discipline amongst them, and otherwise for carrying the Act into effect (141). (A 1954) Workmen must examine their working place before commencing work and before resuming work after shotfiring or after any interruption (5). If any person notices any source of danger, he must either remedy it or report it to a superior official ; if he is working a t the place endangered he must cease work (7). No person m a y without authority pass beyond any fence or danger signal or open any locked door (9). Every workman a t the face must try a t all times to leave a free passage for the air current and also try to leave his workplace in a safe condition a t the end of the shift. If he finds this impossible he must fence it off and report as soon as possible to a supervisory official (17). Every person passing through any door, canvas screen, etc., must carefully close it (18). No person m a y attempt to go on or across the uncovered space of the shaft bottom except for the purpose of working there, and no person may be allowed to work there unless the cages are stopped (22). No person m a y throw any stone or other missile or fight or behave in a violent manner (28). Every workman who receives an injury must report this as soon as possible to an official, and, if required by the official, must immediately go for first-aid treatment (29). The manager must keep posted up at the pit-head a sketch plan of the mine showing the main roads, the means of egress, and the telephone stations underground (31). No person m a y engage any helper, drawer, or other assistant without due permission (33). (R 10.7.1913) 1. GENERAL SAFETY BULES 15 UNITED STATES Federal Where practicable the available coal in the upper beds must be worked out before the coal in the lower beds is mined ; otherwise the workings in the upper coal bed must be kept in advance of those in each lower bed. The decision as to practicability rests with the mining supervisor. Where more than one coal bed is known to exist, the lessee must not remove the pillars in any lower bed before mining the available coal in each workable upper bed. The mining supervisor must decide whether or not extraction of the pillars in the lower workings will have serious results on the upper beds. Where mining operations are in progress in a bed t h a t lies either below or above another bed in which mining has been or is being carried on, the lessee must, if the room-and-pillar system is employed, superimpose pillars in the respective beds. Modifications of this provision may be necessary in steeply dipping beds and may be approved by the raining supervisor where conditions make them advisable (24). (R 23.12.1937) "Article XII. General Safety Conditions 3. Reporting of dangers, (a) Any employee of a mine who discovers an unsafe condition at the mine shall immediately report such unsafe condition to his immediate supervisor." (FMC 1953) New Mexico The mine operator must at any time, upon the mine inspector's written request, furnish any reasonable information or data desired by the mine inspector (503). Every mine employer must furnish such employment and such place of employment as are reasonably safe for the employees therein, and furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, adopt and use methods and processes reasonably adequate to render such employment and place of employment safe, and do every other thing reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of such employees (601). Mine employees may not remove, displace, damage or fail to use safety devices, safeguard notices or warnings, interfere in any way with their use by any other person, interfere with any method or process for the protection of any mine employee, or disobey safety orders issued by the mine operator or the mine inspector. They must also do everything else reasonably necessary to protect the life, health, safety and welfare of employees (701). No underground coal-mine employee or other person may obstruct or throw open any airway or open a door or regulator and not immediately close the same ; carry matches, pipes, cigars, cigarettes, or any device capable of producing fire except as otherwise provided in this Act ; carry into any mine or parts of any mine any other explosive than permissible explosive except as otherwise provided in this Act. An underground coal-mine employee must use or provide for use only incombustible tamping ; he may not drill or pick out or attempt to drill or pick out any missed shots, refuse or neglect to procure his check or deposit it as provided in this Act, neglect or refuse to securely prop the roof in his working place or to sprag the coal when necessary, or unlock any safety lamp underground (702). I I . GENERAL PROVISIONS 16 N o m i n e r o r o t h e r p e r s o n m a y c a r r y i n t o a m i n e i n t o x i c a t i n g liquors o r alcoholic b e v e r a g e s or e n t e r t h e m i n e u n d e r t h e influence of i n t o x i c a t i n g liquor ; o r d e s t r o y a n y p a r t of t h e m a c h i n e r y o r e q u i p m e n t of t h e m i n e ; n o u n a u t h o r i s e d p e r s o n m a y e n t e r a n y p a r t of t h e m i n e against a d a n g e r sign or t r a v e l a n y h a u l a g e w a y in a m i n e w h e r e a m a n w a y is p r o v i d e d (703). I n e x p e r i e n c e d m e n in u n d e r g r o u n d m i n e s m u s t a t all t i m e s be u n d e r t h e s u p e r v i s i o n of a n experienced m i n e r or m i n e official (807). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " R u l e 4. N o inexperienced p e r s o n shall be e m p l o y e d t o m i n e pillars unless i n c o m p a n y w i t h one or m o r e experienced m i n e r s . out R u l e 5. E v e r y w o r k m a n e m p l o y e d in t h e m i n e shall e x a m i n e his working p l a c e before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k , a n d after a n y s t o p p a g e of w o r k d u r i n g t h e shift h e shall r e p e a t such e x a m i n a t i o n . R u l e 7. All e m p l o y e e s shall notify t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or t h e a s s i s t a n t mine f o r e m a n of t h e unsafe condition of a n y w o r k i n g place, h a u l i n g r o a d s , o r t r a v e l l i n g w a y s , or of d a m a g e t o d o o r s , b r a t t i c e s or s t o p p i n g s , or of o b s t r u c t i o n s i n t h e air passages, w h e n said conditions a r e k n o w n t o t h e m . R u l e 12. All p e r s o n s a r e forbidden t o m e d d l e or t a m p e r in a n y w a y w i t h a n y electric or signal wires, or a n y e q u i p m e n t in or a b o u t t h e m i n e . R u l e 27. N o p e r s o n shall go i n t o a n old or a b a n d o n e d p o r t i o n of a n y m i n e , or i n t o a n y o t h e r place t h a t is n o t in a c t u a l course of w o r k i n g , w i t h o u t p e r m i s s i o n from t h e m i n e f o r e m a n . R u l e 28. W o r k m e n a n d all o t h e r p e r s o n s a r e expressly f o r b i d d e n t o c o m m i t a n y n u i s a n c e s , or t h r o w i n t o , d e p o s i t or leave coal or d i r t , s t o n e s o r o t h e r r u b b i s h , i n t h e a i r w a y or r o a d , so as t o interfere w i t h , p o l l u t e , or hinder t h e air passing into and through the mine. R u l e 3 3 . I f a n y p e r s o n shall receive a n y i n j u r y in or a b o u t t h e m i n e a n d t h e s a m e s h a l l c o m e w i t h i n t h e k n o w l e d g e of t h e m i n e f o r e m a n , a n d if he shall b e of t h e opinion t h a t t h e injured p e r s o n requires medical or surgical t r e a t m e n t , h e shall see t h a t s a i d injured p e r s o n receives t r e a t ment . . . . " (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 2. BOUNDARY PILLARS BELGIUM " 7 A . A l o n g t h e b o u n d a r y of e v e r y concession a n d t o t h e full h e i g h t of t h e d e p o s i t t h e r e shall b e r e s e r v e d a n u n w o r k e d m a s s or b o u n d a r y pillar a t least 10 m t h i c k . I n t h e e v e n t of sub-leasing, t h e pillar shall b e b r o u g h t t o t h e b o u n d a r y of t h e p a r t sub-leased. T h e divisional d i r e c t o r of t h e coalfield m a y a u t h o r i s e t h e working of a specified p a r t of t h i s pillar. T h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n t h u s given shall p r o v i d e for t h e m e a s u r e s of p r o t e c t i o n d e e m e d necessary, a n d shall b e notified t o t h e n e i g h b o u r i n g concession holders, w h o m a y a p p e a l against t h e a u t h o risation t o t h e M i n i s t e r h a v i n g t h e m i n e s u n d e r his a u t h o r i t y . " (RO 5.5.1919) 2. BOTTiTOABY PILLARS 17 CANADA Alberta "144. (1) I t shall be obligatory on the owners of adjoining coal properties, to leave or cause to be left, a pillar of coal in each seam of coal worked by them, along the boundary line of any adjoining property, of such width that, taken in connection with the pillar to be left by the adjoining property owner, it will be a sufficient barrier to ensure the safety of the employees in a mine on one such property in case a mine on the other property is or may at any later date be abandoned and allowed to fill with water, such width of pillar to be determined by the engineers of the adjoining property owners together with the District Inspector of the district in which the mines are situated and the surveys of the face of the working along such pillars shall be made in duplicate and shall be in substantial agreement. A copy of the duplicate surveys shall be certified and filed with the owners of the adjoining properties and with the District Inspector of the district in which the mine or property is situated." (A 1945) GERMANY "10. (1) Within a distance of 20 m measured at right-angles to the boundary line and the concession boundary, workings shall only be driven and prospecting boreholes sunk with the approval of the District Mining Office. (2) As regards approval for driving workings and sinking prospecting boreholes at mine and concession boundaries that are at the same time boundaries of mining districts, the Divisional Mining Office shall be competent." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "15. (1) At the boundary of every mine there shall be left intact a boundary pillar at least 10 m thick. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered to grant exemption from the provisions of subsection (1) and also by means of a reasoned decision to prescribe a greater thickness for the boundary pillar in special cases. (3) An application for an exemption referred to in the preceding subsection shall be submitted at least two months before the removal of the part in question of the boundary pillar is begun. (4) Without prejudice to the exemption referred to in subsection (2), the workings of adjacent mines shall remain completely separated. No underground connection of any kind shall be established or made possible without the special authorisation of Our Minister." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA Inside the boundary lines of every coal mine continuous safety pillars must be left standing, and their width must not be less than 50 ft. measured perpendicularly to the boundary line. In certain circumstances the Inspector of Mines, or the Government Mining Engineer, may allow the pillars to be partially worked, weakened or cut through (13). (R 11.8.1937) H . GENERAL PROVISIONS 18 UNITED STATES Illinois I n no case m a y the workings of any mine be driven nearer than 50 ft. to the boundary line of the coal right pertaining to an abandoned mine except for the purpose of establishing an underground communication between contiguous mines, or except by mutual agreement in writing between the adjoining owners (24 (a)). (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania As a general rule the superintendent may not permit the mining of coal in any seam the entire distance to a property boundary line, when on the adjoining property there are mine workings in the seam within 3,000 ft. of the boundary line, but must leave a barrier pillar, from the operation to the property boundary line, of not less than 10 ft. plus 2 ft. for every foot or part of a foot of thickness of the bed measured from the roof to the floor, plus 5 ft. for each 100 ft. or part of 100 ft. of cover over the bed a t the boundary line. The thickness may be increased if the inspector or either of the two superintendents concerned considers it necessary (5). (A 9.6.1911, art. Ill) 3. P R O C E D U R E I N CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE M I N E BELGIUM When the general safety of a mine, the solidity of the workings or the safety and health of the workers may be imperilled for any reason, the operator (exploitant) or his representative must notify the local authorities and the divisional director of the coalfield, who must immediately report to the government of the province, and propose suitable measures for eliminating the danger (1). After hearing t h e operator or his representative, the Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council (Deputation permanente du Conseil provincial) must, by means of an order, determine the measures to be taken. This order does not come into force until it has been approved by the Minister of Industry, Labour and Supply, after consultation with the Mines Council. In emergencies, the divisional director of the coalfield must mention the urgency in his report, and the Permanent Committee may have its order temporarily enforced (2). In case of imminent danger, either underground or at the surface, the mines inspector, a t his discretion and under his responsibility, must give the necessary orders for removing the danger. The Governor of the province and the District Commissioner are responsible for the execution of the inspector's orders ; they must take all steps to see that they are carried out at once, and for this purpose the inspector may make use of the police and the gendarmerie (4). When a part or the whole of underground workings is in a state of dilapidation or decay such that there is or may be danger to life and limb, and the chief inspector of the mining district does not consider it possible to carry out suitable repairs, this official must report to the Governor of the province, who will thereupon hear the operator or his representative. The Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council may order the workings to be closed and t h e necessary steps to be taken for public safety. The Minister of Industry, Labour and Supply decides the owner's appeal without prejudice to the provision of the last paragraph of section 2 concerning emergencies (5). 3. PROCEDURE IN CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE MINE 19 If the owner refuses or delays the execution of the works ordered under the above provision, or under other regulations, the necessary steps must be taken under the direction of the chief inspector of the mining district, or his representative, and under the supervision of the mayor of the commune concerned (6). (RO 5.5.1919) CANADA Alberta " 8 . (1) In every case which is not expressly provided for in this Act, if an inspector finds in any mine or any part thereof any matter, thing or practice in or connected with any mine to be dangerous or so defective as in his opinion to threaten or tend to the bodily injury of any person, he shall forthwith give notice in writing thereof to the owner, agent or manager of such mine and shall state in such notice the particulars in which he considers such mine or any part thereof or any matter, thing or practice to be dangerous or defective and require the same to be remedied ; and he may direct the men to be withdrawn from the mine or part thereof until the same is remedied, and unless the same is forthwith remedied he shall, unless he is the Director of Mines, report the same to the Director of Mines. (2) Every direction by an inspector for the withdrawal of men under this section shall be obeyed in accordance with the inspector's written instructions. (3) If the owner, agent or manager of the mine objects to remedying the matter complained of in the inspector's order or direction, he shall within 48 hours after the receipt of such notice from the inspector, forward his objections in writing stating the grounds thereof to the Director of Mines, and in the event of the failure of the owner, agent or manager and the Director of Mines to settle the matter in dispute, the same shall thereupon be decided by arbitration." (A 1945) FRANCE When the safety of the workings or of the workers may be imperilled for any cause, the mineowner must inform the local authority, and the inspector of mines, as soon as he is aware of the situation, must report to the prefect and propose such measures as he thinks fit for the removal of the danger (3). The prefect, after hearing the mineowner or his authorised representatives, must prescribe suitable measures by way of an order, which will be submitted to the Director-General of Mines. In urgent cases the prefect may require his order to be provisionally complied with (4). If an inspector of mines, in the course of a visit of inspection, discovers a cause of imminent danger, he must on his own responsibility make the necessary requisitions to the local authorities so that precautions can immediately be taken in such manner as the inspector thinks fit (5). When a part or the whole of underground workings is in a state of dilapidation or decay such t h a t there is or may be danger to life or limb, and the inspector of mines does not consider it possible to carry out suitable repairs, this official must report to the prefect, who will thereupon hear the owner or his representatives. If the party concerned admits the danger, the prefect must order the workings to be closed. If he contests the danger three experts must be appointed to undertake the necessary investigations. One is nominated by the prefect, the second by the owner and the third is the local workmen's inspector, or failing him, is appointed by the magistrate. The experts' report on their investigations must be submitted to the prefect, who will forward it with his observations to the Minister. 20 n . GENERAL PROVISIONS A decision m a y be taken by the Minister in the light of the observations of the prefect and the report of the Director-General of Mines, subject to the right of appeal to the Council of State. The above provisions are without prejudice to those of section 4 concerning cases of urgency (7). (D 3.1.1813) When in t h e course of operations anything occurs t h a t is likely to be prejudicial to public safety, the preservation of the mine, the safety or health of the miners, the preservation of the means of communication, etc., the mineowner must immediately notify the inspector of mines. The prefect, on the proposals of the inspectors of mines and after hearing the mineowner (or without hearing him if he does not submit his observations within the required time), orders the necessary measures to be taken. Operations t h a t have been ordered and have not been carried out within the time limit fixed by the prefect may be carried out ex officio by the inspectors of mines, without prejudice to the application of Part1 X of the Act of 21 April 1810 and section 8 of the Act of 27 April 1838 (10). (D 14.1.1909) GERMANY "198. If in a mine the dangerous condition occurs in connection with the matters referred to in section 196 2, the Divisional Mining Office shall take suitable measures by means of an order, after consultation with the mineowner or his representative. 199. (1) If the danger is imminent, the district inspector shall immediately, and without prior consultation with the mineowner or his representative, take the necessary measures to eliminate the danger, but shall a t the same time so notify the Divisional Mining Office. (2) The Divisional Mining Office shall by an order either confirm or annul the measures taken, but before doing so shall consult the abovementioned persons. 200. (1) Notification of the measures taken under sections 198 and 199 to the mineowner or his representative shall be effected by communicating the order of the Divisional Mining Office or the instructions of the district inspector. (2) Notification to the mineowner and the mine officials shall be effected by the district inspector or on his instructions by an entry in the mine register, which for this purpose shall be kept at every mine. (3) I n so far as notification to the workers is necessary, this shall be effected on instructions from the district inspector both verbally and by posting up at the mine. 201. (1) I n the case referred to in section 199, a beginning shall be made without delay in carrying out the measures ordered by the district inspector without regard to subsequent confirmation or annulment by the Divisional Mining Office. (2) The carrying out of these measures shall not be stayed by the entering of an appeal. 202. If the measures ordered under sections 198 and 199 are not carried out in the prescribed time-limit by the mineowner, they shall be carried out b y the district inspector at the mineowner's cost. 1 Part X of the Act of 21 April 1810 deals with the legal procedure in the case of offences, and section 8 of the Act of 27 April 1838 refers to the closing of illegally operated shafts, roads, 1 etc. Section 196 enumerates the matters in respect of which mining is subject to the supervision of the mining authorities ; these matters include safety of the workings and the safety and health of the workers. 3. PROCEDURE IN CIRCUMSTANCES ENDANGERING THE MINE 21 203 As soon as a dangerous condition arises in a mine in connection with the matters referred to in section 196, the mineowner or, if he is prevented, the mine official representing him, shall notify the district inspector." (A 24.6.1885) NETHERLANDS "170. (1) Whenever the public safety or safety in or about the mine or a t a sinking pit is threatened in any way, or one or more persons are in immediate danger of their lives, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately. (2) A similar notification to t h a t referred to in the preceding subsection shall be made to the workmen's examiner authorised to inspect the mine whenever one or more persons in the underground workings are in immediate danger of their lives. 171. (1) Whenever the public safety or safety in or about the mine or at a sinking pit is threatened, such measures for removing the danger shall be taken as are prescribed by the Inspector-General of Mines, after consulting the mine manager or the master sinker. (2) If the danger is imminent the measures prescribed by any official of the State Mines Inspectorate shall be immediately taken. The measures prescribed by officials subordinate to the Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately confirmed, altered or revoked by him." (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM See Chapter X I I , Division 1. UNITED STATES Pennsylvania See Division 1 of this chapter. CHAPTER III MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS 1. GENERAL BELGIUM " 1 . All the -workings of every mine shall communicate with the surface by two distinct means of egress of solid construction (shafts or roads) and both shall be easily accessible to the persons employed in the workings. These means of egress shall be provided with equipment that allows the workers to travel, and as far as possible is protected against any destructive agency. Their surface openings shall not be in the same building. They shall be kept in a state such t h a t the health of the persons having to travel in them cannot be imperilled. I n all new installations the two means of egress shall be of large crosssectional area throughout and be separated by a t least 25 m of rock. These requirements shall also apply to all work of deepening, except the direct deepening of existing means of egress in so far as concerns the condition relating to the 25 m of rock. 2. I n fiery mines these means of egress shall both be sunk to the lowest depth at which workings are in operation, in the case of mines of the first and second categories 1 ; and to the lowest depth at which there are any workings, in the ease of mines of the third category. 5. The engines for the transport of the workers in each of the two exits from the same mine shall be driven from separate power supplies unless there are effective means of ensuring the travel of workers in the event of an accident to the power supply. 8. Competent officials specially appointed by the managers shall satisfy themselves by means of weekly inspections t h a t the ladders are in good condition, a n d a t least every fortnight that the appliances serving the exits provided for in section 1 and not in constant use are in good working order. 14. Access from the outside to shaft and road openings on the surface that are not permanently guarded shall be effectively prevented. 15. If a shaft ceases to be used, the mine management shall so inform the Permanent Committee of the Provincial Council a t least one month in advance, and the Committee on the advice of the Mines Administration shall frame the regulations that it considers suitable for the safety of persons and things." (RO 10.12.1910) 1 For the classification of mines as regards dangers from firedamp see Chapter XII. 1. GENERAL 23 CANADA Alberta "63. (1) The owner, agent or manager of a mine shall not employ any person therein, nor permit any person to be therein for the purpose of employment unless the following conditions respecting outlets t o the surface are complied with, that is to say : (a) every seam which is for the time being worked shall have a t least two outlets to afford proper means of egress available to the persons employed in the seam ; (b) such outlets shall not a t any point be nearer to one another than 100 ft. and there shall be between such outlets a communication road not less than 5 ft. wide and 5 ft. high, and every airway and travelling road shall be of the size herein specified unless exempted in writing by the District Inspector ; (c) proper apparatus or ladders for the descent and ascent of persons a t such outlets shall be kept on the works belonging to the mine and such apparatus or ladders shall be in good repair and constantly available for use ; (d) every part of a mine in which ten or more persons are employed at the same time shall be provided with at least two ways affording proper egress to the surface ; but this provision shall not apply when the same is exempt by written order of the Director of Mines ; (e) in any shaft or slope where the same is liable to freeze, adequate precautions shall be taken to keep the same clear of ice a t all times. 65. (1) The foregoing provisions of this Act with respect to outlets shall not apply to— (a) a new mine or seam being opened ; (b) any working for the purpose of making a communication between two or more outlets ; (c) any working for the purpose of searching for or proving minerals ; (d) any proved mine which is exempt by order of the Minister on the ground either— (i) that the quantity of coal or other mineral proved is not sufficient to repay the outlay which would be occasioned by sinking or making a second outlet, or by establishing communication with a second outlet in any case where such communication existed and has become unavailable ; or (ii) that the workings of any seam of the mine have reached the boundary of the property or the extremity of the mineral field of which that seam is a part, and t h a t it is expedient to work away the pillars already formed in course of ordinary working notwithstanding that one of the outlets may be cut off by so working away the pillars of the same ; (e) any mine, while an outlet is being made therefrom, or where one of the outlets thereof has become, by reason of some accident, unavailable for the use of the persons employed in the mine, so long as the mine is exempt by order of the Minister. (2) The provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) of subsection (1) shall only apply so long as not more than 20 persons are employed below ground at any one time in the whole of the different seams in connection with a single outlet." (A 1945) 24 IH. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS FRANCE "56. Except during the preparatory period, no work shall be done in a mine unless it has at least two means of communication with the surface by which the workers employed a t the various workplaces can travel a t all times. The surface entrances to these means of communication shall be at least 30 m apart, and shall not be in the same building. 58. (1) The entrances, both on the surface and underground, to shafts and roadways having a dangerous gradient, and the places where other roadways lead into such workings, shall be protected by an effective enclosure when they are not in use. I n the case of roadways not having a dangerous gradient, the surface entrances, if they are neither in use nor attended, shall, unless an exemption is granted by the local inspection authority, be closed by a door which, while it can be freely opened from the inside, can only be opened from the outside by means of a key. (2) The entrances both on the surface and underground of shafts and roadways having a dangerous gradient and the places where other roadways lead into such workings shall, while they are in use, be provided with barriers so arranged as to prevent the fall of men and material. (3) I n every shaft equipped with guided cages the landings in use shall be provided with devices such that the closing of the barriers is ensured automatically or b y interlocking whenever the cage is not at the landing. Nevertheless, if a landing is only little used, automatic closing or closing by interlocking shall not be compulsory, provided t h a t the barriers are padlocked and are operated exclusively by a workman personally appointed for this purpose, which workman shall ordinarily keep them closed and shall be permanently stationed at the landing throughout the hours of work. These provisions shall apply to underground balances and hoists, except balance cages. 59. (1) Workers engaged in operations between the barriers and the shaft, or at the edge of a shaft from which the barriers have been temporarily removed, shall be provided with safety belts furnished b y the operator. (2) In shafts without guides every landing both on the surface and underground shall be equipped with a strongly secured metal bar which can serve to support the onsetter or banksman during the operations. (3) All the landings, including the surface landings if necessary, shall be well illuminated by fixed lighting even if little use is made of them." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 6 . (1) From all workplaces underground (except for the duration of shaft sinking a n d the necessary development operations) there shall be accessible a t all times two separate travellable means of egress to the surface. (2) These means of egress shall be provided with transport equipment that is suitable for the conveyance of persons and is constantly maintained in working order. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Mining Office. 7. On every level in operation, at all intersections of the main roads, there shall be indications of the roads to, and the level and direction of, the usual exit shaft and the emergency exits." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 1. GBÍÍEBAL 25 NKIHERLANDS "37. (1) The underground workings shall be connected with the surface by at least two shafts. (2) These shafts shall throughout be at least 30 m distant from each other and equipped for the transport of persons in such manner t h a t the downcast shaft from the lowest loading level upwards shall be equipped for the transport of persons from all levels. Suitable precautions shall be taken to ensure that all persons in the underground workings are able, in the case of interruption of traffic in one shaft, to reach the surface safely a t all times through the other. (3) Our Minister may grant exemptions from the provisions of subsection (1). (4) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant partial or complete exemption from the provisions of subsection (2). 44. (1) The compartment containing the ladders shall be separated from other compartments in an adequate manner. (2) The openings that give access to the compartments shall be adequately protected. (3) I t shall be prohibited to render inoperative the protective devices referred to in the preceding subsection. (4) I t shall be prohibited so to deposit materials or other objects near the mouths of shafts, staple pits and raises that danger can arise. 59. (1) In default of an exemption granted by the Inspector-General of Mines, it shall be prohibited to begin mining operations at a new level before at least two connections that lead to another level and can be reached from all workplaces have been established. 60. (1) The underground workings shall be so installed and the work so performed that it is possible for the workers a t all times to leave the workplaces immediately and reach the main roads safely. (2) At crossings of main stone drifts, district stone drifts and bottom roads suitable signposts shall be installed. (3) The numbers of the staple pits and raises shall be indicated in an adequately clear manner at the shaft insets concerned." SOUTH AFRICA "46. (1) In connection with every mine, except as provided for in regulation No. 48, there shall be a t least two shafts or outlets to the surface such that every person employed in such mine shall have at least two separate means of ingress and egress available to him ; provided t h a t it shall not be necessary for such shafts or outlets to be situated in the same mine. (2) Such shafts or outlets must not lead to the surface in one and the same shaft-shed, and must not a t any point be nearer to one another t h a n 30 ft. (3) Every communication with such shafts or outlets for the purposes of this regulation shall be not less than 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. high. (4) Every main travelling road made after 1 October 1930 shall be maintained a t a height of at least 6 ft., unless exempted by the Inspector of Mines. 47. (1) I n any case in which the two outlets or part of them do not belong to the same mine, the managers of the respective mines shall be responsible for the outlet or part of it in their several mines being kept in 26 HI. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGKESS proper repair, and if any obstruction arise in any such outlet, or anything occur in the mine to jeopardise the safety of the outlet, the same shall be immediately reported to the manager or managers of the other mine or mines. If either of the two outlets or part of them be situated in an abandoned mine or mines, the manager or managers of the working mine or mines shall be jointly and severally responsible for the proper maintenance and repair of such outlet or outlets. (2) Proper arrangements to enable workmen to descend and to ascend from the mine shall be provided a t each such shaft or outlet, and kept constantly available for use, and shall be examined and reported upon a t least once a week by a competent person. 48. [Exemptions from the provision of regulation No. 46 (1) as regards small mines, shaft sinking, etc., and procedure for granting exemptions.]" (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM As a general rule no persons may be employed underground in a coal mine unless there are available, affording them alternative and ready means of ingress and egress, two shafts or outlets which are at no point separate from each other by less than 45 ft. (22). As a general rule, so long as in a coal mine more than one shaft or outlet is available for ingress or egress to any persons employed below ground, there must be provided and maintained between each entrance on each shaft or outlet, and some point or points on another shaft or outlet, a communication following a reasonably short and reasonably convenient route. Subject to certain exceptions, the height of every such communication provided must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be maintained throughout at not less t h a n 5 ft. and the width a t not less than 4 ft. (23). As a general rule not more than nine persons may be employed at any time below ground in a coal mine in a place from which there are not two ways, each of which leads to a different shaft or outlet, is entirely separate from the other, is traversable with safety and reasonable convenience, and has clearly marked on it the shaft or outlet to which it leads at each junction with another way, and is of a height or width, or both, not less than may be prescribed. Further, not more than nine persons in the aggregate may be employed in two or more such places if from none of them there is egress to the surface otherwise than by traversing a common junction (24). As a general rule it is unlawful for a number of persons greater than the permitted number to be employed a t any time in a shaft or outlet, including insets, a t a coal mine. The permitted number is 20 or such greater number as an inspector may determine (25). If an inspector is of opinion, with respect to a working face at a coal mine, that in the interests of safety it is necessary or expedient to provide thereat a greater number of ways out therefrom, he may require the manager to provide such additional roads as he may specify (27). For every shaft and unwalkable outlet provided at a coal mine for purposes of ingress and egress, there must be provided apparatus for carrying persons between the top of the shaft or outlet and the entrances therefrom to the workings and between those entrances themselves. Such apparatus must comply with such requirements as the Minister may impose for securing the safety of persons, must be properly maintained, and when not in use must be kept constantly available for use (28). Regulations m a y impose upon owners of mines such requirements with respect to the provision and maintenance of the prescribed machinery and apparatus for the purpose of their being available for use in the event of failure of apparatus for carrying persons through shafts or outlets as may appear to the Minister requisite or expedient for securing the safety of such persons (29). 1 . GENERAL 27 UNITED STATES Federal (See also Chapter XI.) " 3 1 . (a) In every mine the lessee shall provide an escapeway or second means of egress to the surface, which, if a drift, slope, or tunnel exit, shall be separated at the surface from the first exit by not less t h a n 50 ft. of rock or coal in place ; if either is a shaft or both are shafts, the exits shall be not less than 200 ft. apart. ( b) During the course of development of a shaft mine not more t h a n ten men shall be employed underground on any shift until connections are made to the second exit. (c) If the escapeway is a slope and more than 25° from the horizontal, steps or a stairway shall be provided. If the floor is slippery or wet, steps may be required where the dip is less than 25°. 32. (a) In every shaft mine, unless escape is available by drift, tunnel, or slope, one shaft shall be equipped with hoist and cage suitable for hoisting or lowering men : Provided that if less than ten men are employed underground and the shafts are less than 50 ft. in depth, a well-maintained ladder in each shaft will suffice as a means of entering and leaving the mine. (b) Where the main shaft and escape shaft are less than 300 ft. in depth, one shall be equipped for the hoisting and lowering of men and t h e other shall be equipped with a substantial stairway of approved design. The pitch of the flights shall not exceed 45°, the flights shall have suitable landings at each turn, and the hand rails and stairs shall be maintained in good order. (c) The escape shaft and main shaft, if more than 300 ft. in depth, shall each be provided with an adequate hoist and cage suitable for hoisting and lowering men, an efficient signalling system, and a qualified hoistman who shall be available on appropriate signal. The hoisting equipment and cages in each of the two shafts shall have sufficient capacity, independently of each other, to hoist out of the mine all persons on any shift in 30 minutes and with due regard to safety." (R 23.12.1937) "Article XI. Miscellaneous 4. Mine openings and escapeways. (a) Every underground mine shall have at least two separate surface openings except as provided for in subsections 4 (e) and 4 (f) of this section. (b) The distance between shafts a t any mine opened after the effective date of this Code shall be not less than 150 ft., and the distance between drift or slope openings a t such mine shall be not less than 50 ft. (c) New shafts and partitions therein, made after the effective date of this Code, shall be fireproof ; provided, however, t h a t buntons and guides may be of wood. (d) Mine openings shall have adequate protection against surface fires, fumes, smoke, and water from floods entering the mine. (e) Not more than 20 persons shall be allowed a t any one time in any mine until a connection has been made between the two mine openings, and such work shall be prosecuted with reasonable diligence. (j) When only one main opening is availablo, owing to final mining of pillars, not more than 20 persons shall be allowed in such mine at any one time ; provided, however, t h a t the distance between the mine opening and workings shall not exceed 500 ft. 3 28 m . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGBESS (g) There shall be at least two separate and distinct travellable passageways to be designated as escapeways from each working section to the surface of every mine. Such escapeways, one of which may be the haulageway, shall comply with the following provisions— ( 1) they shall be kept in safe condition for travel and reasonably free from falls, standing water, and other obstructions to the extent that men can escape quickly in an emergency ; (2) one of such escapeways shall be ventilated with intake air. (h) Where the designated escapeways are shafts— ( 1) they shall be equipped with hoist and cage or with travellable stairway or ladders maintained in good repair and in safe condition. . . . (j) Direction signs shall be posted conspicuously at all points of intersections with other passageways to indicate manways and designated escapeways." (FMC 1953) Illinois " 9 . (a) F o r every coal mine in this state, whether worked by shaft, slope or drift, there shall be provided and maintained, in addition to the hoisting shaft or other place of delivery, an escapement shaft or opening t o the surface, or an underground communicating passageway with a contiguous mine, so t h a t there shall be at least two distinct and available means of egress to all persons employed in such coal mines. (b) In mines sunk after the passage of this Act, the first escapement shaft shall be separated from the main shaft by such extent of natural strata as may be agreed upon by the inspector of the district and the owner of the property, but the distance between the main shaft and the escapement shaft shall not be less than 500 ft. nor more than 2,000 ft. : Provided that in mines employing ten men or less the distance between the hoisting shaft and the escapement shaft shall not be less than 250 ft. (c) I t shall be unlawful to employ underground, at any one time, more men than in the judgment of the inspector are necessary to complete speedily the connections with the escapement shaft or adjacent mine ; and said number must n o t exceed ten men at any one time for any purpose in said mine until such escapement or connection is completed. (d) If any escapement shaft, a t the time of the passage of this Act, be equipped with a cage for hoisting men, such shaft, cage and all equipment used in connection therewith must conform to the requirements of this Act in reference to the hoisting and lowering of men. Where an escapement way is connected to a compartment in which coal is hoisted in such manner t h a t men using the escapement way are endangered by falling coal or by themselves falling into such hoisting compartment, t h e state mine inspector shall have power to order suitable protection against such dangers. (e) Such escapement shaft or opening or communication with a contiguous mine as aforesaid, shall be constructed in connection with every seam of coal worked in such mine, and all passageways communicating with the escapement shaft or place of exit, from the main hauling ways to said place of exit, shall be maintained free of obstruction a t least 5 ft. high and 5 ft. wide. Such passageways must be so graded and drained that it will be impossible for water to accumulate in any depression or dip of the same in quantities sufficient to obstruct the free and safe passage of men. No passageway to an escapement shaft shall pass through a stable. At all points where t h e passageway to the escapement shaft or other place of exit is intersected by other roadways or entries, conspicuous signboards shall be placed indicating the direction it is necessary to take in order to 1. GENERAI 29 reach such place of exit. New shafts and partitions therein... shall be fireproof. Buntons and guides may be of wood. Mine openings at isolated locations, where there is danger of fire entering the mine, shall have adequate protection against surface fires entering the mine. There shall be a t least two travellable passageways, t o be designated as escapeways, from each working section to the surface whether the mine openings are shafts, slopes, or drifts. They shall be kept in safe condition for travel and reasonably free from standing water and other obstructions. One of the designated escapeways may be the haulage road : Provided, however, that one of the escapeways shall be ventilated with intake air. At mines now operating with only one free passageway to the surface, immediate action shall be taken to provide a second passageway. If a designated escapeway is a slope of not less than 20° nor more than 45°, it shall be equipped with a stairway or adequate walkway with cleats. If the slope is more than 45°, stairways shall be installed. All shafts by which men enter or leave the mine and the passageways leading thereto shall be carefully examined throughout at least once each week that the mine is operating and the date and findings of such an examination entered promptly in the books kept at the mine for that purpose. A daily visit to the bottom of all such escapement shafts shall be made by the mine examiner, and if obstructions to the free passage of men are found, their location and nature shall be stated in such report. Such obstructions shall be promptly removed. (f) When operators of adjacent mines have, by agreement, established underground communications between said mines as an escapement outlet for the men employed in both, the intervening doors shall remain unlocked and ready at all times for immediate use. When such communication has once been established between contiguous mines, the operator of either shall not close the same without the consent of the operator of the contiguous mine and of the state inspector of the district : Provided that when either operator desires to abandon mining operations the expense and duty of maintaining such communication shall devolve upon the party continuing the operations and using the same." (A 0.8.1911) Kew Mexico "901. Every underground coal mine shall have two or more ways of escape to the surface so arranged and equipped that men can escape quickly. In coal mines hereafter opened such ways of escape shall be spaced by at least 50 ft. of ground unbroken, save by crosscuts, throughout their length in drifts or slopes and by at least 200 ft. in shafts so that damage to one from any source shall not thereby lessen the effectiveness of tne other as a means of escape. If escapement is wholly from shafts over 300 ft. in depth (vertical or inclined from the vertical more than 35°) and the mine employs more than ten men underground on any one shift, in addition to the regular man-hoisting equipment in one shaft there must be emergency equipment in at least one other shaft for the handling of men. If such shafts are less than 300 ft. in vertical depth the second shaft serving as an escapeway may be provided only with a substantial stairway with landings or platforms not over 30 ft. apart measured vertically : Provided t h a t a ladderway may be used in lieu of a stairway if the restricted size of the shaft does not afford sufficient place for a stairway. 902. Not more than ten men shall be employed in any part of a mine on any one shift until a second way of escape has been provided from that part of the mine." (A 16.3.1033) Pennsylvania " 1 . I t shall not be lawful for the operator, superintendent or mine foreman of any mine to employ any person to work therein, unless there are at least two openings or outlets to the surface from every seam of coal 30 i n . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS actually being worked, and available from every entry thereof, which openings or outlets shall have distinct means of ingress and egress available a t all times for the use of the employees. The distance between two shafts shall not be less than 200 ft., and the distance between the openings to the surface of slopes shall not be less than 150 ft., and the distance between drifts shall not be less than 50 ft. : Provided that the distances between said openings shall apply only to mines opened after the passage of this Act : And provided further, that the distances specified may be less with the written consent of the inspector. The passageways between said two shafts shall a t all times be maintained in safe and available condition for the employees to travel therein, and the pillars in entries between said shafts shall not be removed without the consent of the inspector, in writing, to the superintendent. The foregoing requirements shall not apply to the openings of a new mine, nor to the openings of a new entry of a mine that is being worked for the purpose of making connection between said two outlets, as long as not more than 20 persons are employed a t any one time in making the connection or driving the second opening ; nor shall said requirements apply to any mine in which the second opening has been rendered unavailable by reason of the final robbing or removing of pillars, as long as not more than 20 persons are employed therein a t any one time. 2. The cage or cages or other safe means of egress shall be available a t all times for the persons employed in any mine t h a t has no second outlet available. 3. There shall be around the side, at the bottom, of every hoisting shaft (and similarly around the side of such shaft at any intermediate point where it intersects any entry) a passageway, not less than 5 ft. high and 3 ft. wide in the clear, which passageway shall be either cut through the solid strata or constructed of masonry, and shall be kept open at all times, so as to enable persons to pass around said shaft in going from one side thereof to t h e other. 4. Every mine generating explosive gas in quantities sufficient to be detected by an approved safety lamp, opened after the passage of this Act, shall have at least four main entries, two of which shall lead from the main opening and two from the second opening into the body of the mine: Provided that every new gaseous mine, where approved lamps are used exclusively, projected to open up a large acreage with main entries 5,000 ft. or more in length, shall have at least five main entries, two of which shall lead from the main opening and two from the second opening, into the body of the mine, and the fifth (which may be connected with an opening to the surface or with t h e intake airway a t or near the main intake opening) shall be used exclusively as a travelling way for the employees. Every non-gaseous mine opened after the passage of this Act shall have a t least two main entries, one of which shall lead from the main opening and one from the second opening, into the body of the mine : Provided t h a t in every new non-gaseous mine, projected to open up a large acreage with main entries 5,000 ft. or more in length, the operator shall either haul the employees into a n d out of the mine a t the beginning and end of each shift, or provide at least three main entries, one of which shall lead from the main opening and one from the second opening, into the body of the mine, and one (which may be connected with an opening to the surface or with the intake airway a t or near the main intake opening) shall be used exclusively as a travelling way for the employees. Should any mine opened as a non-gaseous mine become a gaseous mine, and in every gaseous mine opened prior to the passage of this Act, where approved safety lamps are used exclusively, having less than five main entries that have reached 5,000 ft. or more in length and are to be extended 2,000 ft. or more, the superintendent shall have a new opening of ample dimensions made from the surface, if the inspector of the district and two additional inspectors appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Mines deem such additional opening necessary for the proper ventilation 1. GENERAL 31 of the mine or the safety of the miners. The main entries and the travelling way shall be extended from this opening t o the face of the workings : Provided, however, should the inspector of the district be of the opinion that any mine is in need of an additional opening from the surface into the interior of the mine for the proper ventilation thereof or the safety of those employed therein, regardless of the number or length of main entries from the main opening of the mine, he shall so notify the Secretary of Mines, who shall appoint forthwith a committee of not less than five inspectors, including the inspector of the district, to immediately investigate and consider the alleged conditions making an additional opening necessary. [Procedure for appealing against decision of committee of inspectors.] The intake and return entries shall be kept drained, and free from refuse and obstructions of all kinds, so that persons may safely travel therein throughout their whole length and have a safe means of egress from workings in case of emergency. Said entries shall be separated by pillars of coal of sufficient strength and shall not be driven more than 200 ft. beyond the last cut-through, except for exploratory purposes. When the main entry of a non-gaseous mine, or both main entries of a gaseous mine, used for intake for air, are also used for mechanical haulage, a separate travelling way, leading into the body of the mine, shall be provided for the use of the employees in going to and from their work, or the employees shall be hauled into and out of the mine at the beginning and end of each shift. I n all mines where the coal seam is less than 3 % ft- i n height, such travelling way shall be at least 4 % ft. in height ; in all mines where the coal seam is 4 ft. in height, such travelling way shall be a t least 5 ft. in height ; and the width shall not be less than 6 ft. All such travelling ways shall be well drained, kept free from refuse of all kinds, and free from smoke, noxious gases, and electric wires, unless said wires are so placed and protected as not to endanger life and are kept in safe condition. 5. I n every slope with workings on both sides, an overcast or an undercast, not less than 6 ft. wide and 5 ft. high, shall be provided as a passageway for the use of employees to cross from one side of the slope to the other. Said overcast or undereast shall connect with available passageways leading to the workings on both sides of said slope. The intervening strata between the slope and the overcast or undereast shall be of sufficient strength a t all points to ensure safety to the employees : Provided, however, t h a t if it is impracticable to drive an overcast or an undereast in the solid, an overcast or an undereast, if substantially built with masonry or other incombustible material, will be deemed sufficient. 7. After the passage of this Act, when a mine is operated by a shaft more than 100 ft. in depth, the persons employed therein shall be lowered and hoisted by means of machinery, unless the second opening is a drift or a slope. When the employees are lowered into or hoisted from the mine at the main shaft opening, the second opening, if a shaft, shall also be supplied with a stairway, constructed in the manner hereinbefore designated in section 6 1 of this article, or with suitable machinery for safely lowering and hoisting persons in case of an emergency. 8. At any mine where one of the openings hereinbefore required is a slope, and is used as a means of ingress and egress by the employees, and where the angle of descent of said slope exceeds 15°, and its length from the mouth of the opening exceeds 1,000 ft., the employees shall be lowered into and hoisted from the mine, a t the beginning and end of each shift, a t a speed not to exceed six miles per hour ; and a t every such mine where the angle of descent of said slope averages from 5° to 15°, and where its length 1 See Division 2 of this chapter. 32 IH. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGBESS exceeds 3,000 ft., the employees shall be lowered into and hoisted from the mine, a t the beginning and end of each shift, at a speed not to exceed six miles per hour : Provided, however, t h a t when a separate travelling way is provided a t a n y such slope, the owner or operator may, a t his, their or its option, be exempt from the requirements of this section, if the angle of said travelling way does not exceed 20°." (A 9.6.1911, art. VI) 2. LADDERWAYS BELGIUM " 6 . From t h e commencement of operations ladders shall be installed in all new shafts, including staples, used for the travel of workers. This shall also apply t o extensions of existing shafts. 7. Ladders alone shall not be deemed sufficient to ensure the travel of workers in an exit shaft when the distance to be covered on the ladders exceeds 1,000 m. 8. Competent officials specially appointed b y the managers shall satisfy themselves by means of weekly inspections that the ladders are in good c o n d i t i o n . . . . 18. The ladders intended to serve as habitual means of travel or as means of rescue in one of the exits provided for in Chapter 1 1 shall be sloped a t an angle not exceeding 80°. This provision shall not necessarily apply in shafts in course of sinking or in staples, provided that these shafts or staples do not exceed 50 m in depth and t h a t t h e ladders are so arranged as to afford continuous support to the worker's back. 19. For all ladders landings shall be installed not more than 10 m apart. Every ladder shall extend a t least 80 cm beyond the landing ; otherwise fixed hand-grips shall be placed a t the same height. The ladders shall be so installed that travel is easy and safe. 20. If the shafts are used for a number of purposes the ladderway shall be suitably enclosed." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Aíierta "82 (3) Any ladder used permanently for ingress or egress in any such escapement shaft shall be set a t an angle of not more than 45°, and shall be provided with handrails and with platforms or landings a t each turn of the stairway." (A 1945) FRANCE "65. ( 1 ) I n a t least one of the means of communication with the surface provided for in section 56 \ ladders shall be installed from the lowest level to the surface unless the workers can leave by the roadways, or two of these means of communication are provided with independent means of conveyance by rope constantly kept in working order. 1 See Division 1 oî this chapter. 2. LADDERWAYS 33 (2) All shafts used for the ordinary travel of workers by rope shall be provided either with ladders or with a second means of conveyance or with an emergency rope conveyance independent of the principal conveyance. (3) I n shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel of personnel and provided with a sump, ladders shall be installed from the lowest landing in use to the bottom of the sump. 66. (1) The ladder compartment shall be separated by a partition from the winding compartment. As an exception, in shafts with a small cross-section, the ladders may be placed in the winding compartment, b u t no winding shall take place while men are travelling on the ladders. (2) Ladders placed in the main return airways of fiery mines or mines liable to spontaneous combustion shall not be used for the ordinary travel of personnel. (3) In shafts over 10 m deep, the slope of ladders shall not exceed 80° unless an exception is granted by the district inspector of mines ; rest landings shall be installed at intervals of not more than 10 m. Every ladder shall extend at least 1 m above its upper landing ; failing this, hand-grips shall be fixed at a suitable height above this landing. Ladders placed in sumps shall not be subject to the provisions of the present subsection. (4) The ladders and also the dividing partition provided for in subsection (1) of the present section shall be periodically inspected and maintained in good condition. 69. (1) When moving on ladders it shall be prohibited to carry in the hand any heavy tools or objects, except for lamps ; such tools or objects shall be attached to the body or carried in a bag firmly fastened to the shoulders. (2) If the ladders are out of use, measures shall be taken to prevent anyone from travelling on them except to repair them." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "78. (1) Shafts and inclines used for haulage shall have separate compartments for the travel of workers unless a special man-winding shaft or a special travel incline (Fahrüberhauen) is available. Exceptions for haulage inclines may be allowed by the District Mining Office. (2) Man-winding shafts shall always be provided with ladderway compartments, but shafts with two man-winding installations need only have such ladderways in the part t h a t is not directly reached by both installations. 79. (1) I t shall be possible to travel in the travel compartments, travel shafts and travel inclines when wearing anti-gas equipment. (2) Travel compartments shall be shut off from the winding or haulage compartments. Travel compartments with an inclination of over 75° shall be so shut off from the neighbouring compartments that men cannot put their heads through the separation. I n main shafts more than 300 m deep the travel compartments need not be enclosed to the depth of levels that can be reached with the winding installations of other main shafts. (3) Travel compartments of main shafts that are not used for regular travel need not be shut off if the clear distance between the buntons does not exceed 1.50 m. (4) Also in the cases referred to in subsections (2) and (3) the travel compartments shall be shut off from the winding compartments a t the rest platforms. 34 HT. MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS 80. In travel compartments, travel shafts and travel inclines with an inclination of over 75°, rest platforms shall be provided a t distances not exceeding 10 m . 81. (1) The slope of the ladders shall not exceed 90°. They shall be so arranged t h a t they cover the manholes of the rest platforms. (2) The ladders shall extend a t least 1 m above the platforms and the bank, or else fixed hand-grips shall be fitted. (3) Every ladder shall be separately fixed in position. 82. When travelling on ladders, mine lamps and tools shall be carefully secured against falling. Tools shall only be carried by persons who have to work in the shaft or inclined workings concerned. 84. Sections 78-83 1 shall also apply to other vertical and inclined mine workings with carriage or t u b haulage, except face workings." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 4 3 . (1) Every shaft, staple pit and raise shall throughout from the bottom to the mouth be provided with fixed stout ladders which shall be placed in a suitable manner. (2) I t shall be prohibited to carry bulky equipment on the ladders unless it is required for shaft repairs. (3) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemptions from the provisions of subsection (1)." (MR 1939) " 1 . Ladders in shafts, man-winding staple pits (tusaenschachten) and other staple pits (opbraken) shall not be placed a t an angle steeper than 80°, and a t vertical intervals of not more than 10 m shall be provided with rest platforms above which the ladders shall project 1 m. 2. Failing a n exemption granted by the Inspector-General of Mines the rest platforms referred to in the preceding section shall provide adequate space for the passage of a person equipped with a rescue appliance. 3. At places where it is not practicable to make the ladders project 1 m above the rest platforms, hand-grips shall be installed up to this height. 4. The ladders shall be so placed t h a t the opening in each rest platform is covered by the ladder standing on it ; if this is not possible then the opening shall be fenced or closed by a hatch t h a t swings open. 5. The ladder compartments of shafts, man-winding staple pits and other staple pits shall throughout be so separated from the transport compartments t h a t n o space is left open large enough for a person to put his head through it. 6. For other staple pits being driven it shall suffice to make the separation as far as the safety platform. 7. Where between the ladder compartments referred to in section 5 and the other shaft spaces not intended for transport no sufficient separation is made, the rest platforms in the ladder compartments shall be continued to the shaft wall. 8. The ladder compartments of man-winding staple pits and other staple pits that are not in use and therefore serve only as air shafts and consequently are not used for the movement of persons shall, in order to protect persons against falling, be provided a t the platforms either with 1 For section 83 see Chapter X, Division 1. 2. LADDEBWAYS 35 a separation a t least 1 m high or with a toe-board 18 cm high, provided t h a t the shaft buntons between the ladder and the transport compartments are not spaced at intervals exceeding 1 m." (IGR 21) SOUTH AFRICA "49. (1) (a) At every mine where... a single shaft shall be allowed to afford the only means of ingress and egress to the persons employed underground, such shaft shall be provided with a proper ladderway. (b) Under special circumstances exemption may be granted with the written consent of, and under conditions laid down by, the Government Mining Engineer. (2) (b) In shafts and winzes having an inclination of not less than 35° and not more than 70° from the horizontal, chains or chain ladders shall be provided from the end of such ladderway to the bottom of such shaft or winze, or where such winze is not provided with a permanent ladderway, chains or chain ladders shall be provided from the top to the bottom of such winze. (c) In shafts or winzes having an inclination of more than 70° from the horizontal, chain ladders or wire rope ladders shall be so provided. 50. (1) (a) I n ladderways exceeding 60 ft. in depth and having an inclination of more than 70° from the horizontal, resting places (platforms) shall be provided at distances apart of not more than 30 ft. ( b ) The ladders shall be so placed as to cover the manholes of the resting places. (2) No ladder shall be erected at an inclination of more than 80° from the horizontal, except with the written permission of the Inspector of Mines. (3) No ladder shall be fixed in an overhanging position in a travelling way. (4) Ladders having an inclination of more than 15° and less than 70° from the horizontal shall not be so constructed as to be continuous over a greater distance than 50 ft. (5) Ladders constructed before the date of the coming into force of these regulations in accordance with any regulations previously in force may be exempted from any of the provisions of this regulation by the Inspector of Mines. 51. (1) Every ladder used in a mine shall be— (a) of strong construction ; (b) securely fastened to the timbering or wall of the shaft, winze, or stope, and (c) maintained in good repair. (2) Every ladder shall project a t least 3 ft. above the mouth of the shaft or winze, and above every resting place therein, except when strong handrails are fixed at such mouth or resting place. 52. I n vertical shafts and shafts having an inclination of 45° or upwards, any compartment regularly used as a foot travelling way shall be securely bratticed off from the other compartments. I n shafts having a n inclination between 10° and 45° such compartment shall be securely bratticed to a t least the height of the handrail and railed off above the bratticing to a height of a t least 5 ft. from the ladder by means of rails spaced not more than 9 in. apart, provided t h a t shafts not used for winding purposes may be exempted from the provisions of this regulation by the Inspector of Mines. 53. (1) No person shall enter or leave a mine except by means of the travelling way or ladderway specially set apart for the purpose ; provided 36 l u . MEANS OF ACCESS AND EGRESS always that this regulation shall not apply to any person lawfully engaged in making an inspection or in effecting repairs. (2) Wire ropes or strands of wire ropes shall not be used or allowed to be used for climbing purposes in any mine if they are frayed or have projecting broken wires. 54. No person shall carry or be permitted to carry any drill, tool or any loose material on a ladderway in a vertical or steeply inclined shaft or winze, except so far as may be necessary in executing repairs." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal "32 (c) . . . A stairway or emergency ladderway of approved design, shall be provided in a t least one of the shafts. If a ladderway is constructed it shall be provided with landings not more than 20 ft. vertically apart, and the pitch shall not exceed 80°." (R 23.12.1937) "Article XI. Miscellaneous 4. Mine openings and escapeways (h) Where the designated escapeways are shafts— (1) They shall be equipped with hoist and cage or with travellable stairway or ladders maintained in good repair and in safe condition. No shaft more than 30 ft. deep sunk after the effective date of this Code shall be equipped with ladders. (2) Stairways shall be of substantial construction, set at an angle not greater t h a n 45° with the horizontal, and equipped on the open side with a suitable handrail ; landing platforms shall be at least 2 ft. wide and 4 ft. long and shall be railed properly. (3) Ladders shall be anchored securely. (4) Permanently installed ladders that are more than 10 ft. in length and that are set at an angle of 60° or more with the horizontal shall be provided with substantial backguards, and all ladders shall be maintained in good repair. (5) Where ladders or stairways set a t an angle greater than 45° are now installed, their use may be continued provided they are of substantial construction, with platforms at intervals of not more than 30 ft., and equipped with suitable handrails in the case of stairways. (i) If a designated escapeway is a slope of more than 19° and less than. 46°, it shall be equipped with a stairway or adequate walkway with cleats. If the slope is more than 45°, stairways shall be installed." (FMC 1953) Illinois "9 (d) The escapement shaft a t every mine opened after the passage of this Act shall be equipped with a substantial stairway, set at an angle not greater t h a n 45°, which shall be provided with handrails and with platforms or landings a t each turn of the stairway : Provided that, in all coal mines more than 200 ft. in depth, opened on or after 1 July 1919, the escapement shaft shall be equipped with both a cage and stairway : Provided, further, t h a t if the coal mine is equipped with a stairway in the main shaft, no stairway shall be required in the escapement shaft." (A 6.6.1911) 2. LADDEBWAYS 37 New Mexico "1001. All underground ladders shall be of substantial construction and maintained in good condition and free of loose rock. The distance between the centre of the rungs shall not exceed 12 in. 1002. Every permanent ladderway hereafter installed and all other ladderways so far as practical with an inclination of more than 45° from the horizontal shall have substantial platforms at intervals of not more than 30 ft. measured vertically. Where the inclination of any ladderway installed exceeds 60° the sections of this ladder shall be staggered at each platform. 1003. No ladders inclining backward from the vertical shall be installed. 1004. The run of a ladder shall not be less than 4 in. from the wall, or other obstruction behind it. 1005. (a) Ladderways or stairways shall be provided in all manways steeper than 35° from the horizontal hereafter driven. 1006. I n shafts of more than 10O ft. in vertical depth and used for hoisting purposes all ladderways and stairways shall be partitioned off completely, if possible, from the hoistway compartments. 1007. Ladders shall be extended a t least 3 ft. above every ladderway platform, unless convenient and secure handholds are fixed at such places." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 6 . I n mines opened after the passage of this Act, if the opening or outlet other than the main opening is a shaft not more than 100 ft. in depth, and is used by employees for the purpose of ingress to or egress from t h e mine, it shall be kept available and in safe condition, free from steam, dangerous gases and all obstructions ; and shall be fitted with safe and convenient stairways, with steps of an average tread of 10 in. and a rise of 9 in., not less than 2 ft. in width and not to exceed an angle of 45° with landings not less than 2 ft. in width and 4 ft. in length, at easy and convenient distances. These stairways shall be made safe by having handrails of suitable material placed on one side or on both sides when requested by the inspector, and shall be inspected every 24 hours by a competent person employed for that purpose. Water that may come from the surface or from the strata in the shaft shall be conducted away so that it will not fall on the stairways or on persons while descending or ascending t h e m . " (A 9.6.1911, art. VI) CHAPTER IV MINE PLANS AND SURVEYORS 1. MINE PLANS BELGIUM Every owner of a mining concession must keep a separate plan and register showing, separately for each seam or deposit, the monthly advance of t h e workings, the lie and nature of the deposits and any other circumstances t h a t may be usefully recorded in the interest of the mine or of the safety of the workers (1). The plans and registers must be kept a t the pit-head or a t the offices of the mine if they are not too far away ; copies must be communicated to t h e Mines Administration (2). If the plans and registers are not properly kept up or not supplied to the authorities within the prescribed time, the mines inspectors must report this to the provincial authorities, who will have them made up a t the owner's cost without prejudice to other penalties (4). Topographical work underground for the purposes of plans may only be done by sworn mine surveyors (5 (a)). (R 28.4.1884) CANADA Alberta Section 92 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1945 requires the owner, agent or manager to appoint in writing a mine surveyor who is the holder of a n Alberta Mine Surveyor's Certificate. A correct plan of t h e mine, showing the workings on a scale of not more than 200 ft. to the inch must be kept a t the mine office. The details to be shown on the plan are specified by the Act. A similar plan must be made to show the workings of every seam on which operations are conducted. The owner, agent or manager must post in. some conspicuous place a t the mine a plan showing the principal ways of ingress and egress to and from the various outlets, together with the travelling roads leading to them. On demand t h e plan of the workings must be produced to an inspector and brought u p to date. FRANCE Independently of the plans of the underground workings required b y section 6 of t h e Decree of 3 January 1813 1 the operator must keep u p to date a surface plan t h a t can be superimposed on the underground plans. Copies of all the plans must be sent to the inspector of mines and renewed at least once a year. 1 See Chapter II, Division 1. 1. MINE PLANS 39 The prefect, on a report from an inspector of mines, may have correct plans made when any plan has been found to be inaccurate or not in conformity with the regulations (12). (D 14.1.1909) In every mine for each deposit or seam, or for each bench, there must be drawn up a plan of the workings oriented to true north and correlated with the surface. The plan must be on a scale of 1 m m to 1 m . The particulars to be entered on the plans are specified in the regulations. I n addition, there must be a general plan for the workings on a scale of 1 m to 2,500 m or 5,000 m (324 and 325). (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY The mineowner is bound to have a mine plan prepared in duplicate a t his own cost by a licensed mine surveyor and to have it brought up to date at such regular intervals as the Divisional Mining Office may prescribe. One copy of the plan must be given to the mining authorities for their own use and the other must be kept at the mine or, if there is no suitable place there, kept by the manager (72). (A 24.6.1865) On the mine plan required by section 72 of the General Mines Act the mine workings including preparatory and development workings must be brought up to date a t least every quarter. Any things on the surface that have to be taken into account in operating the mine must be brought up to date on the plan a t least once a year (300). The following must be entered on the plan immediately : (a) safety pillars and the safety zones prescribed in mining regulations ; ( b) explosives magazines above and below ground, existing or suspected bodies of water, water stoppings, burning districts and fire stoppings ; (c) any other data required by the District Mining Office (301). For the protection of workings a t the mine boundary the owner of the neighbouring mine must allow such of his workings as are within. 100 m of the boundary to be entered on the plan of the other mine (303). Workings may only be driven at the boundary and near prescribed safety pillars under the special direction of the surveyor (305). The manager must inform the surveyor in writing of all the data that have to be entered on the mine plan. Whenever an addition is made to the plan the manager must satisfy himself t h a t the addition is complete (306). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS Under section 109 of the Mines Regulations, 1939, mine managers are required to see t h a t in each mine there exist and are regularly kept up to date— (a) a surface plan showing the general situation and also buildings, roads, railways and waterways ; (b) a general horizontal plan including all main roads, shafts, staple pits, stone drifts, etc. ; (c) a horizontal plan of each seam ; (d) a general section of all the underground workings ; (e) a survey register containing all measurements. 40 IV. MINE PLANS AND SURVEYORS SOUTH AFRICA A t every mine where more than 200 persons on an average are employed underground, the manager must appoint a duly certificated surveyor and report his appointment to the inspector of mines. The surveyor is responsible for the accuracy of all statutory mine plans. At mines in which less than 200 workmen on an average are employed underground responsibility for the plans may be assumed by the manager. If the inspector of mines considers any plan unsatisfactory he may order a new one to be made (108). At every coal mine there must be kept a general surface plan and an underground plan. The underground plan must be up-to-date to within three months (109). ( R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Regulations may require the manager to keep a t the office of the mine or at another place approved by an inspector (a) accurate plans of specified mine workings, and (b) accurate sections of the seams or veins being worked and, so far as practicable, of all the strata overlying them (17). (A 1954) Note: The particulars to be shown on plans are specified in the Coal Mines (Surveyors and Plans) General Regulations of 20 October 1952 and the Coal Mines (Plans) Rules made on 9 December 1952. UMTED STATES Federal New workings must be accurately surveyed and mapped at least every six months. Before any mine or section of a mine is abandoned, it must be surveyed, and the survey recorded on the map. Maps must show certain particulars specified in the regulations. Where the dip of the coal bed exceeds 45°, vertical cross-sections, not more than 1,000 ft. apart, must be made on the same scale as the mine maps. Blue prints or duplicates of the maps and drawings prescribed in the regulations, and such other maps as may be required, must be submitted to the district mining supervisor annually, or, if he so requests, semi-annually (28). If the lessee fails to furnish the maps required, the supervisory authorities must employ a competent mine surveyor to survey and map the mine at the lessee's expense. If any map is found to be substantially incorrect, the cost of the necessary new surveys and maps falls on the lessee (29). (R 23.12.1937) "Article XI. Miscellaneous 1. Mine map. (a) An accurate map of the mine shall be posted in a place accessible to employees. Such map shall be brought up to date a t least every six months at mines producing 500 tons a day or more and a t least annually a t all other mines." (FMC 1953) Illinois The operator of every coal mine must have an accurate map made of the mine to a scale of not more t h a n 400 ft. to the inch (7 (a)). 1. MINE PLANS 41 The particulars to be entered on the maps of the underground workings are specified in section 7 (c). Similar maps drawn to the same scale must be made of each seam worked (7 fd)). The mine surveys must be extended every 12 months and the results entered on the maps (7 (hj). The state inspector or the Department of Mines and Minerals may order a survey to be made of the workings of any mine in addition to the regular annual survey whenever the safety of the workmen, the safety of an adjoining mine, unlawful injury to the surface, etc., so requires. Additional surveys may also be required if there is reason to believe that any mine map is inaccurate or imperfect (7 (j)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico The owner of every underground coal mine must have made by a competent surveyor a clear and accurate map or maps showing the surface plant and the underground workings of the mine, and the map or maps must be extended and corrected every year. One copy must be kept at the mine office and one sent to the mine inspector (603 (a)). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania The operator or the superintendent of any bituminous coal mine must make, or have made by a competent mining engineer or surveyor, an accurate map of the mine showing certain specified particulars (1). When the workings of a mine are within 300 ft. of the boundaries of adjacent mines the operator or the superintendent must apply to the inspector for information as to the proximity of the workings of such adjacent mines and if these workings are within 300 ft. of the boundary the operator must have the adjacent workings surveyed and shown on the map of his own mine (2). A copy of the map must be kept in the mine office for the use of the mine officials and the inspector, and for the inspection of any person working in the mine whenever such person may fear that any working place is becoming dangerous by reason of its proximity to other workings that may contain dangerous accumulations of water or noxious gases (3). At least once every six months the operator or the superintendent of the mine must have the map brought up to date. When in the opinion of the inspector a portion of the mine is approaching accumulations of water or noxious gases the operator or the superintendent at the inspector's request must order that portion to be surveyed and entered on the map. Whenever any of the workings or excavations are driven to their destination the operator or the superintendent must have all the surveying work checked so that he can certify that the map is correct The operator or the superintendent must furnish the district inspector with a correct copy of the original map and bring it up to date every six months. When more than one seam of coal is being worked in any mine the inspector must be provided with a separate map of the complete workings of each seam. When one mine is working a seam of coal under another mine with a different operator, the two operators must exchange copies of their mine maps (5). If the inspector has reason to believe that any map is inaccurate or imperfect, he may order a survey and have a new map made (7). (A 9.6.1911, a r t . i n 42 IV. MIKE PLANS AND SURVEYORS 2. SURVEYORS BELGIUM The qualifications required of mine surveyors are specified in a Royal Order of 22 November 1939, amended on various occasions, regulating the use of the title and the exercise of the profession of mine surveyor. The title may only be used by persons who have passed the examination provided for in the order. Candidates must possess specified surveying diplomas or certificates. The examination comprises the following subjects : cosmography ; mining geology and operations ; levelling and topography and their application to underground surveying ; vertical sections ; and regulations concerning mine plans. CANADA Alberta Under section 40 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945, no person may be granted a certificate of competency as a mine surveyor unless— (a) he has had two years' practical experience in the underground STirveying of coal mines ; or (b) he has had one year's practical experience in the underground surveying of coal mines and two years' practical experience in surveying with an Alberta land surveyor or a Dominion land surveyor ; or (c) he is the holder of a diploma or degree in scientific and mining training after a course of study of at least two years a t an educational institution or university approved by the Minister ; or (d) he is a n Alberta land surveyor or a Dominion land surveyor who has had three months' experience in mine surveying under a mine surveyor in Alberta. Section 42 provides that no certificate of competency as a mine surveyor shall be granted to any person who does not produce to the examining board satisfactory evidence of his sobriety, experience and general good conduct. SOUTH AFRICA The Commission of Examiners for a mine surveyor's certificate of competency consists of the Government Mine Surveyor or his deputy (Chairman) and four certificated mine surveyors. An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination unless he has satisfied the Commission that he is of a sober and generally good character, and t h a t he has had at least one year of practical underground surveying experience satisfactory to the Commission. A certificate may not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that, t o the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the candidate possesses a sufficient knowledge of surveying, mathematics, mine valuation, geology and the relevant portions of the mining laws of the Union of South Africa. An applicant who can satisfy the Commission t h a t he possesses certain specified qualifications may be qualified to receive a certificate of competency, if he further satisfies the Commission that he has a sufficient knowledge of mine valuation, geology and the relevant portions of the mining laws of the Union of South Africa (303). (R. 11.8.1937) 2. SURVEYORS 43 UNITED KINGDOM No mine may be worked unless there is a surveyor appointed by the owner and having such qualifications as may be prescribed. A mine surveyor has such responsibilities in relation to plans and other documents as may be imposed under the Act (11). J r (A 1954) Regulations of 20 October 1952 lay down t h a t a surveyor shall be appointed by the mineowner a t every mine, and t h a t the surveyor shall be responsible for the preparation of the prescribed plans, sections and drawings. The appointment of a surveyor must be notified to the divisional inspector in writing. Surveyors must hold a prescribed certificate and have had a t least three years' experience in work relating to surveys in mines. Detailed provisions concerning the qualifications of surveyors and examinations for surveyors' certificates are set out in the Mining Examinations (Surveyors) Rules of 1952. 4 CHAPTER V EXPLOSIVES 1. GENERAL BELGIUM "318. Explosives of all kinds, detonators and fuses shall only be issued by the employee in charge of the key of the explosives magazine. The quantities issued shall not exceed the estimated requirements of the shift. Every worker and each of the persons mentioned in section 321 shall return directly to the employee issuing them any explosives and detonators not used. 319. Explosives in general, detonators and fuses shall be issued near the shaft or slope giving access to the mine in the case of underground workings, or near the workplace in the case of open workings. 320. Powders may be distributed directly to the workers responsible for using them. These persons shall carry them in hermetically closed receptacles. 321. Dynamites and non-sensitive explosives (explosifs difficilement inflammables) (high explosives detonating in the open-air) as well as detonators shall only be entrusted, for use in any workings whatsoever, to specially appointed persons (overmen, foremen, under-foremen) who alone shall carry them in the workings. Nevertheless in workings in mines and underground quarries, explosives, except detonators, may be carried by a person other than the specially appointed person mentioned above, but on the latter's responsibility. The keys of the cartridge pouches shall remain in the hands of the specially appointed persons. These persons shall be present at the loading and firing of shots made u p of one of the explosives mentioned above. They shall sign a receipt in the magazine register mentioning the number of detonators and each of the cartridges of dynamite or of non-sensitive explosive that they have received. They shall also enter in a note-book the number of detonators used and the number and nature of the cartridges used at each workplace. I n addition t h e employee responsible for issuing explosives shall every day sign a receipt in the above-mentioned note-book mentioning the total number of detonators or of non-sensitive explosives not used and returned to the magazine. The magazine register shall be balanced every day. . . . 322. I n all workings dynamites and non-sensitive explosives shall be carried to the place of use in leather cartridge pouches in a good condition, carefully closed, a n d containing no detonators. In mines, the provisional storage and the use of the above-mentioned explosives shall be subject to compliance with sections 52 to 56 of the mines regulations of 28 April 1884 x and subject to the condition that the explosives are out of the workers' reach. 1 The provisions oí the 1884 regulations as regards explosives have been replaced by the Royal Order of 24 April 1920 (see below). 1. GENERAL 45 323. I n mines and similar workings (minières) the explosives distributors and the specially appointed persons mentioned in sections 318 1 to 321 shall be notified as such to the checking staff required by section 68 of the above-mentioned2 mines regulations and by section 27 of the Decree of 3 January 1813 on mines and similar workings. 324. Verification of the consumption of dynamites, non-sensitive explosives and detonators shall be effected by a comparison of the registers and notebooks required by sections 237 2 and 321. 325. Exemptions from the provisions of the present chapter may be granted by the Permanent Committees after consultation with the mine inspectors in the case of mines or similar workings . . . . " (R 29.10.1894) " I . Explosive substances shall only be brought into mines and their ancillary establishments by employees (shotfirers) of recognised competence, who satisfy the necessary requirements in respect of order and character and are appointed by the manager, who shall draw up such precautionary instructions as he considers necessary. These employees shall comply with the present regulations and with the provisions of sections 318 and following of the general regulations of 29 October 1894 concerning explosives. Nevertheless, they shall themselves load, tamp and fire shots when the charge is dynamite or a non-sensitive explosive. 3. I t shall be prohibited to bring into mine workings dynamites and similar compositions that have been affected by frost or are not in a perfect state of preservation. I n frozen ground, only explosives that are not sensitive to cold shall be used. Before delivery electric detonators shall be tested with an ohmmeter and classified according to the electrical resistance of the priming. They shall be supplied in packets. Each packet shall only contain priming of the same resistance. The resistance shall be indicated on the wrapping of the packets. The mine operator shall periodically verify the resistance indicated by the manufacturers. These verifications shall take place at intervals not exceeding three months and whenever required by the mine inspector." (RO 24.4.1920) CANADA Alberta "73. (1) No machinery, equipment, tool or appliance operated otherwise than by hand and no explosive or machinery shall be taken into any mine or used underground in any mine unless such machinery, equipment, tool, appliance or explosive is of a kind and description approved by the Director of Mines. (2) The Director of Mines may, if he thinks fit upon application being made to him for the purpose, issue a special permit authorising the applicant to install and use below ground for demonstration or experimental purposes at such time, during such period or periods and subject to such conditions as he may prescribe, any specified machinery, equipment, tool, appliance or explosive which is not of a kind or description which has been approved by the Director of Mines. 2> See Chapter XXVI, Division 7. Not reproduced. 46 V. EXPLOSIVES (3) Any such machinery, equipment, tool or appliance may be operated at the working face by a demonstrator who is not the holder of a miner's certificate if the demonstrator is accompanied by and is under the direction of a person who is the holder of a miner's certificate, and not otherwise, and whilst the demonstrator is at the working face he shall obey the directions of the holder of the miner's certificate accompanying him. (4) Any such explosive may be used for the purpose of blasting by a demonstrator who is not the holder of a third class certificate, if the demonstrator is accompanied by and under the direction of a person who is the holder of a first, second or third class certificate of competency and not otherwise, and the demonstrator shall obey all directions given to him by such person. 145. (1) No explosives shall be stored in any mine. (2) No explosive shall be taken into or used in any mine, except explosives provided by the owner and permitted by the regulations made pursuant to this Act." (A 1945) " 1 . 'Permitted explosives' mean such explosives as are named and defined from time to time by the Director of Mines ; provided t h a t where the composition, quality or character of any explosive is defined by him, any article alleged to be such explosive which differs therefrom in composition, quality or character by reason of deterioration or otherwise, shall not be deemed to be the explosive so named and defined ; provided further, that an owner, agent or manager shall not be responsible for the composition, quality or character of an explosive if he shows that he has in good faith obtained a written certificate from the maker of the explosive that it complies with the terms so named and defined, and that he has taken all reasonable means to prevent deterioration of the explosive while stored. 3. No explosive other than 'permitted explosives' shall be taken into or used in any anthracite or bituminous coal mine or other mine where explosive gas has been found in dangerous quantities during the preceding 12 months, unless expressly authorised to do so by the Director of Mines. 4. No person shall, without authority from the manager, overman or examiner, have in his possession in any mine any explosive and, if any explosives remain in his possession at the end of his shift, he shall bring the same out of the mine and return the same at once to the place of storage provided for that purpose, and the owner, agent or manager shall appoint some person to take charge of the explosives and put them back into storage immediately. 5. Every person authorised to use explosives shall use the greatest precaution in the care and handling of them ; when handling a cartridge he shall not keep an open flame lamp on his head, nor have a pipe, cigarette or cigar in his mouth, and he shall place all open lights a t least 4 ft. away, and at a point where the air will carry a spark away from him. 6. No explosives shall be taken underground except in cartridges and in a secure case or canister containing not more than 6 lb., and such case or canister shall be kept closed until immediately before the charging of a shot-hole, and shall be closed immediately after and no person shall have in his possession at any one time more than one of such cases or canisters, and if, by reason of two or more persons working together in the same working place, more t h a n one case or canister is in any one working place, they shall be kept as far apart as possible, but for the driving of a rock tunnel, or where shotfiring in coal is done at a time when the ordinary working of the mine is not being carried on, a sufficient amount of explosives may with the consent in writing of the Director of Mines, be taken into the mine by one or more persons in secure cases or canisters containing not more than 25 lb. in each case or canister. 1. GENERAL 47 7. On any longwall face, or other place where mechanical loading and cutting is being carried on, it shall be permissible for one or more persons to take into such a place a sufficient amount of explosives in secure cases or canisters containing not more than 5 lb. in each and not in excess of 5 lb. for each and every 25 ft. in length of the longwall face, or places where mechanical loading and cutting is being carried on, all such explosives being kept until about to be used in secure cases or canisters, and each case or canister shall be kept as far away from any other case or canister as is reasonably practicable. 17. No explosive shall be thawed in any mine underground and, when it is necessary to thaw any explosive at any mine, a proper thawing apparatus on the surface shall be provided by the owner of the mine. 18. No black powder shall be taken into or used underground in any mine unless the same is compressed and made up in stick form. 22. No explosive, detonator, shell or heater shall be improperly used or improperly applied in any way by any person." (Explosives Regulations) FRANCE "210. (1) The provisions of the present p a r t 1 shall apply to explosives and detonators and devices for firing explosives. (2) The use of substances, appliances and means intended to produce effects similar to those produced by the explosives and appliances referred to in the preceding subsection shall be regulated by a Ministerial Order. 211. Within the scope of the requirements laid down in sections 2132 4 1 2 below, internal rules approved by the district inspector of mines shall— (a) regulate the organisation of the transport and distribution of explosives and ignition devices and also the keeping of them at or near the workplaces ; (b) lay down the precautions to be taken in loading, priming, tamping, firing, returning to the workplace after firing and arranging substitute shots ; (c) determine the conditions for the examination, maintenance, and supervision of exploders ; (d) specify the conditions for collecting unused explosives a t the end of the day ; (e) indicate the precautions to be taken with respect to defective or suspect explosives especially greasy or frozen dynamites ; (j) regulate the organisation of the accountancy of explosives used in the workings and for the supervision of their use. The rules shall define the duties assigned to the shotfirers and their assistants. 213 (1) I t shall be prohibited to bring into or use in the mine explosives, priming and ignition devices, ohmmeters, current detectors and tamping rods other than those furnished by the operator. Ño defective or suspect explosive and, in particular, no greasy or frozen dynamite, shall be brought into the mine or distributed. (2) Except on the express orders of the operator it shall be prohibited to take explosives or detonators away from the mine or its pit-head. 1 2 Part X, Explosives. For sections 215-241 see the subsequent divisions of this chapter and also Chapter VI. 48 V. EXPLOSIVES 214. (1) Explosives shall only be used in the form of cartridges prepared outside the underground workings. (2) Exploders, ohmmeters and current detectors shall be of a type approved b y the Minister. (3) Tamping rods shall be made entirely of wood." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY A Police Order of the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and the Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour concerning the authorisation of explosives and ignition appliances for mines, dated 13 December 1934, lays down that only explosives and ignition appliances authorised by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour may be sold to mines. Ignition appliances (Zündmittel) include electrical igniters, electric exploders, current detectors, fuses and fuse igniters. Special regulations are laid down for explosives for rock blasting and permitted explosives. These deal with the nature of the explosive (powders, high explosives), and packing and marking (cartridges, packets, cases). The divisional mining offices are empowered to allow the use of nonauthorised explosives or ignition appliances for limited periods for testing purposes. Other exceptions to the regulations may also be allowed by the Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour. The Order is accompanied by detailed instructions concerning its enforcement. The following rules are those of the Dortmund Division. "168. (1) Only such shot firing material (Sprengmittel) shall be used as has been authorised by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia. (2) The maximum charges of permitted explosives of class I shall be fixed at 1,600 gm and of class I I at 2,500 gm. 169. The manager shall have permanently posted up the maximum charge of permitted explosives. 170. [Cost of testing.] 171. Taking delivery, conveyance, storage, issue and return of explosives shall b e effected by the manager or b y persons expressly appointed by him for these purposes. These persons, unless intended only as occasional helpers, shall be made responsible by the District Mining Office, and their names shall be permanently posted up. 172. I t shall be prohibited to bring into the mine other explosives and ignition appliances than those provided by the mineowner and, without authorisation, to take away any explosives and ignition appliances issued. 173. (1) Any explosives or live detonators that are found shall be immediately handed to the nearest available supervisory official. The supervisory official shall promptly see that the explosives or live detonators found shall be properly taken in charge by a person authorised to fire shots, and handed over to the explosives issuer (section 171) before the end of the shift. In addition, the supervisory official shall inform the manager. (2) The manager shall immediately notify the District Mining Office. (3) Explosives or live detonators detected in the borehole or found in the loose material after shotfiring need not be reported to the District Mining Office. The shotfiring overman shall decide as to their further use." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "138. (1) I t shall be prohibited to bring into the mine or to use explosives and ignition devices other than those furnished by the mine manager and approved by the Inspector-General of Mines. 1. GENBBAIi 49 (2) I t shall be prohibited to have explosives in the mine or to take them away when leaving the mine otherwise than under instructions from the mine manager or the person appointed by the mine manager for this purpose. (3) I t shall be prohibited without the concurrence of the InspectorGeneral of Mines to use explosives for drilling or other mining exploration from the surface. 148. The explosives shall not be issued or used except in an unfrozen, unspoiled and properly usable condition. 149. (1) Frozen explosives shall not be used before they have been thawed at a place appointed for this purpose, by means of a source of heat with a maximum temperature of 50° C and by a person appointed for the purpose. (2) Explosives that appear to be spoiled shall be removed as quickly as possible to the surface where they shall be rendered harmless by a person appointed for the purpose a t an open place appointed for the purpose and in a safe manner." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA "98. I n every fiery mine or in collieries which in the opinion of the Inspector of Mines are so dry and dusty as to render an explosion from coal dust probable, no person shall use explosives other than the 'permitted explosives' specified in the first schedule 1 to these regulations, b u t the Minister may at any time prohibit the use of any one or more of such 'permitted explosives', and he may permit the use of any other explosive not on the said list if he is satisfied that such explosive has passed the requisite tests." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Regulations may prohibit or restrict the supply, storage or use at mines of blasting materials and devices, or any class thereof, and in particular prohibit or restrict the use of such materials and devices, or any class thereof, in a part of a mine at any time a t which the amount of inflammable gas in the general body of the air in t h a t part exceeds the prescribed percentage by volume and in such other circumstances as may be prescribed. In specified cases the Minister may by order impose prohibitions or restrictions on the use at mines, or any class of mines, of any blasting material or device or any class of blasting materials and devices. No blasting material or device may be taken or used below ground other than one provided by the owner of the mine (69). (A 1954) "PART Types of Explosives II and Detonators, and Their Storage and Conveyance Types of Explosives and Detonators. 2. (1) No explosive (which expression does not in the provisions contained in this order include a detonator) shall be taken or used below ground in any mine, unless it is in the form of a cartridge. 1 Not reproduced. 50 V. EXPLOSIVES (2) No explosive other than a permitted explosive (as defined in this order) shall be— (a) taken below ground or used in any mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used ; or (b) taken into or used in any part of a mine, being a part which is dry and dusty or in which safety lamps are being used as a temporary precaution. (3) No explosive other than a permitted explosive shall be used in a main intake airway or coal transport road in any mine. (4) Any dispute between the manager of a mine and the inspector of the division whether a part of the mine is dry and dusty shall be determined in manner provided under the Act for settling disputes ; and, until so determined otherwise, t h a t part shall be deemed to be dry and dusty. 3. (1) No detonator shall be used in firing a round of shots electrically, unless— (a) it is a low tension detonator or a delay detonator ; and (b) it has copper leading wires. (2) No delay detonator shall be taken or used below ground, unless the period of delay (which shall not exceed five seconds) is clearly marked thereon. (3) I n any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to be used— (a) no detonator shall be used, unless it is an electric detonator with a copper t u b e ; and (b) no delay detonator shall be used, except in a stone drift or sinking pit." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Federal "82 (e) Thawing of explosives, when necessary, shall be done in a magazine a t least 300 ft. from the storage magazine, mine openings, or structures. No explosive of any kind shall be thawed, kept or stored in dwellings or buildings other t h a n magazines. 87. Explosives shall be issued to miners only by authorised persons, and, if they are distributed underground, distribution shall be made as soon as they are taken into the mine. No smoking shall be permitted in the vicinity of explosives either in storage or in transportation. 89. (a) Only permissible explosives shall be used in a mine that is termed gassy under these regulations and due regard shall be given to the requirements for permissibility." (R 23.12.1937) "Article IV. Explosives and Blasting 5. Blasting practices, (a) (Section 209 (h) (5)—Title II.) Black blasting powder shall not be stored, handled or used underground in a mine. (b) All explosives used underground in coal mines shall be of the permissible type. . . ." (FMC 1953) 2. TRANSPORT 51 All permissible explosives for use in blasting coal must conform to the specifications laid down by the United States Bureau of Mines (1). State mine inspectors, county mine inspectors and the accredited representatives of the coal operators and coalminers are empowered to sample permissible explosives (2). If such persons desire to have the samples tested they must send them to the United States Bureau of Mines for the purpose (3). (A 26.6.1913) Pennsylvania " 2 . In dusty mines or parts thereof, and in mines in which explosive gas is regularly or intermittently generated to the extent that it can be detected by an approved safety lamp, no explosives shall be used except 'permissible' explosives as designated by the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines. Each charge shall consist of only one kind of explosive . . . . No 'permissible' explosive shall be sold for use in bituminous mines, unless the name of the manufacturer, name of explosive, method of handling, and full instructions for use are conspicuously displayed on or in the package containing the explosive. 3 The Chief of the Department of Mines, when satisfied by tests t h a t any permissible explosive has deteriorated from the standard established by the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines, and thereby becomes dangerous, may prohibit the use thereof, either absolutely or subject to conditions." (A 9.6.1911, a r t . X V I ) 2. TRANSPORT BELGIUM " 2 . In mine workings explosives shall only be transported in the form of entire cartridges. Powders, high explosives (explosifs brisants) and detonators, shall be in separate receptacles that are carefully closed. These receptacles, in the case of high explosives, shall be leather cartridge pouches in good condition and locked ; and in the case of detonators, strong boxes also locked." (RO 24.4.1920) CANADA Alberta "149 Rule 17 (b) No explosive shall be carried in any mine in any conveyance which is moved by electric locomotive or on any such locomotive unless with the permission of the Director of Mines in writing and subject to any conditions he may prescribe. 161. No person shall carry any explosives on a cage in any shaft or on a mantrip on any slope, level or incline while the men are being hoisted or lowered and the owner, agent or manager shall make proper arrangements for the safe transportation and distribution of explosives in such shafts or slopes." (A 1945) 52 V. EXPLOSIVES FRANCE "215. (1) Detonators and explosives shall not be transported simultaneously except in separate containers. (2) The transport of explosives in shafts shall also be subject to the following rules : (a) the speed of the cage shall not exceed t h a t laid down for man winding ; only the workers responsible for transport and the supervisory staff shall travel in this cage ; the winding-engineman and the onsetters and banksmen shall have been previously warned ; (b) the simultaneous transport of detonators and explosives shall be prohibited ; (c) detonators and explosives intended for storage in an underground magazine shall only be transported in their original packing." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "174. When delivered the explosives shall be immediately conveyed t o the explosives magazine. 175. Explosives shall only be transported as packed by the factory, and only in tubs (explosives tubs) that are enclosed and recognisable from the outside as explosives tubs. 176. (1) Explosives shall not be conveyed together with other materials and tools. (2) Detonators shall not be conveyed together with other explosives. 177. I n shafts, explosives shall only be conveyed out of man-winding hours and at not more than man-winding speed. The persons in charge of them may travel with them. The winding-engineman and the banksmen and onsetters above and below ground shall be informed beforehand. 178. (1) On level roads, explosives tubs shall only be moved by hand. They shall be k e p t a t least 10 m apart. (2) At a distance of 10 m in front of the consignment of explosives a man shall walk with a lamp. He shall warn any person who approaches by calling out 'Look out ! Explosives'. (3) On locomotive haulage roads, while explosives are being conveyed, haulage shall be stopped within distances of 100 m in front of and behind the consignment. 179. Loaded explosives tubs shall not be left unattended." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "139. (1) The transport of explosives both on the surface and to the underground magazines shall be effected in a safe manner under the supervision of a specially appointed person, and shall not be effected otherwise than in the packing in which the explosives were delivered by the factory. (2) In the transport referred to in the preceding subsection, it shall be prohibited to convey explosives together with tools or other objects. (3) In the transport referred to in subsection (1), it shall be prohibited to convey detonators together with other explosives. 140. (1) I n shafts and staple pits, explosives shall be conveyed in the cage and shall be placed in well-blocked tubs in such a manner that the cases cannot move during transport. 2. TRANSPORT 53 (2) The further transport of the explosives to the magazines in the underground workings shall be effected in tubs ; these shall be provided with a lamp throwing an easily visible red light. (3) The transport referred to in subsections (1) and (2) shall not be carried on during the conveyance of a shift in the shafts or staple pits. 141. (1) Before the transport of explosives in the shaft or staple pit is begun, the winding-engineman and the onsetters concerned shall be informed. (2) The winding-engineman shall take care to ensure smooth operation of the winding engine, and the speed shall not exceed that authorised for man-winding subject to a maximum of 6 m / s e c , and all shocks in the starting and stopping of the cage shall be avoided." (MR 1939) " 5 . The transport of quantities of explosives exceeding 20 kg shall be effected on wheels. 6. The carrying of explosives shall only be permitted to the persons responsible for shotfiring or persons under their immediate supervision. 7. (1) Explosives shall be carried in a tin shotfiring box which, in accordance with the provisions of section 12 1 , shall not contain more than 10 kg or 15 kg, respectively, of explosives, and which are provided with an indelible number and also an efficient lock t h a t cannot be opened by unauthorised persons. (2) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall always keep the key of the said lock with them, and shall be responsible for seeing that this key can never fall into the hands of unauthorised persons. (3) The transport of shotfiring requisites in a shotfirer's box containing not more than 15 kg m a y be effected on foot over distances not exceeding 2,000 m ; if transport on foot is over a distance exceeding 2,000 m not more than 10 kg shall be allowed. 8. Detonators or fuses with detonators shall be transported either in the special boxes, cases or pouches issued for the purpose, or in a special compartment of the shotfirers' boxes referred to in the preceding section. 9. (1) The transport of explosives in raises shall only be allowed subject to compliance with the following provisions : (a) the detonators or the fuses with detonators shall be conveyed through the ladder compartment of the raise, not in the shotfirer's box but in the boxes, cases or pouches referred to in the preceding section ; (b) during the transport of explosives in the cage no other objects shall be transported with them ; (o) before the transport of explosives begins the persons responsible for shotfiring shall notify the signallers a t the top and bottom of the raise thereof ; transport shall not be begun before both signallers have indicated that they have been informed of it ; (d) during the transport of explosives no person shall be in the ladder compartment of the raise ; (e) explosives shall only be put into and taken out of the cage b y the persons responsible for shotfiring. The cage in which the box with the explosives is placed shall always be a few metres above or below the loading or unloading place so long as the person responsible for shotfiring is not at the place. (2) If the transport is carried on in a staple pit only the provisions of subsection (1) (c) and (d) shall apply, and accordingly the persons responsible for shotfiring may be conveyed together with the explosives in their charge. In this case they shall carry the shotfirer's box by the strap and 1 See Chapter VI, Division 1. 54 V. EXPLOSIVES the detonators shall remain in the box, case or pouch, or in the special compartment of the shotfirer's box referred to in section 8. Persons other than the signallers shall not be conveyed a t the same time." SOUTH AFRICA " 9 3 . I n no case shall detonators be transported in the same conveyance or carried in the same receptacle with any other explosives, safety fuses excepted ; provided that made-up primers may be carried in the receptacle approved by the Inspector of Mines in terms of regulation No. 91 (4).1 94. Immediately before any person conveys explosives in a shaft by means of machinery he shall give notice to the engine-driver, banksman, and onsetter. 95. The engine-driver shall gently lower or raise the cage or other conveyance containing explosives, and no person shall place in or take out from the shaft conveyance any explosives except under the immediate supervision of the person duly authorised thereto by the manager or mine overseer. 96. (I) Whilst carrying explosives other than detonators, safety fuses, and fuse igniters underground, unless such explosives be contained in unopened cases, n o person shall carry any light, unless it is a safety lamp, or, in a non-fiery mine, an enclosed light, but immediately in front of the explosives a person shall go with a light and it shall be his duty to give proper warning of the approach of explosives. (2) No person shall, when handling or carrying explosives, smoke." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "Conveyance of Explosives. 7. (1) Subject to the provisions of article 8, no explosive shall be taken into any mine, unless it is in a closed canister stoutly constructed and containing n o t more than 5 lb. of explosive : Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict the conveyance (subject to article 41) 2 of primer cartridges fitted with detonators for the purpose of sinking operations from the surface. (2) Every person having any canister of explosives in his possession or control shall ensure that it is not deposited except in a place of safety. (3) Unless the shotfirer concerned requires to check the quantity of the explosive, or the explosive is required immediately for charging a shot-hole, or the act in question has been authorised by a deputy or a superior official of the mine, no person below ground shall unlock or open any canister of explosives or take any explosive from any canister. 8. (1) If a scheme for the conveyance of explosives in bulk (in this order refered to as a 'scheme of transit') is in operation under paragraph (2) for any mine or p a r t of a mine, explosives packed at a place appointed as a store in securely locked canisters of any size may, subject to the provisions of this article, be conveyed in accordance with the scheme in a special carriage to one or more reserve stations in that mine or that part. (2) No scheme of transit shall be operated, unless— (a) it makes provision adequate for safety to the satisfaction of the inspector of the division for each of the matters specified in the second schedule to this order ; or (b) it has been determined in manner provided under the Act for settling disputes, to make provision adequate for safety for each of them. 1 See Division 3 oí this chapter. * See Chapter XVIII, Division 3. 55 2. TRANSPORT (3) Where any scheme of transit is in operation, a copy thereof shall be attached to the copy of this order posted at or near the mine in pursuance of article 53 l, and a copy of the scheme shall be supplied to each shotfirer employed at the mine. (4) The total quantity of explosives conveyed into a mine under a scheme of transit in any period of 24 hours shaU not exceed the quantity estimated to be required for use during the period of 24 hours next following. (5) No explosives shall, while being conveyed in bulk, be taken nearer to a working face than the reserve station nearest to that face, unless the relevant scheme of transit expressly so provides. (6) The person in charge of the explosives at any reserve station shall, before the end of his shift, ensure that any of the same remaining unused, and not delivered by him to a person appointed to have charge of them during the next following shift, are returned to the store from which they were taken into the mine. Second Schedule : Matters to Be Covered by a Scheme of Transit 1. Reserve stations, location, construction and marking. 2. Explosives carriage, design and construction. 3. Explosives, supervision in transit and at reserve stations (including custody of keys). 4. Explosives, precautions during transit. 5. Explosives, provision (if any) for conveyance in bulk to the working face. 6. Explosives, maximum quantities to be held at reserve stations. 7. Explosives, control of issues from reserve stations. 8. Explosives, requirements for return to reserve stations." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Federal "88. Where electricity is used as a source of power and the power circuit is not complety cut off, explosives shall be transported into a mine only in a closed powder car or box constructed of electrically non-conducting material, with no bolts or nails exposed on the inside ; and no person other than explosives distributors and men necessary to operate the trip shall ride on a trip carrying explosives in bulk." (R 23.12.1937) "Article IV. Explosives and Blasting 3. Underground transportation, (a) Explosives or detonators carried anywhere underground by any person shall be in containers constructed substantially of non-conductive material, maintained in good condition, and kept closed. (b) When explosives or detonators are transported underground in cars moved by means of a locomotive or rope, or in shuttle cars, they shall be in substantial covered cars or in special substantial covered containers used specifically for transporting detonators or explosives. 1 See Chapter VI, Division 1. 56 V. EXPLOSIVES (1) The bodies and covers of such cars and containers shall be constructed or lined with non-conductive material. (2) If explosives and detonators are hauled in the same explosives car or in the same special container, they shall be separated by a t least a 4-in. substantially fastened hardwood partition or the equivalent. (3) Explosives, detonators, Cardox shells, or other explosive items shall not be transported on the same trip with men ; provided, however, that explosives and detonators not to exceed one day's supply may be carried on the same trip with workmen, where this is now the practice, if they are carried in separate individual containers constructed of substantial, rigid, non-conductive material. (4) When explosives or detonators are transported in special cars or containers in cars, they shall be hauled in special trips not connected to any other trip ; provided, however, that this does not prohibit the use of such additional cars as needed to lower a rope trip, or to haul supplies including timbers ; and provided further t h a t materials so transported shall not project above the top of the car. Exposed highly flammable materials such as hay, oil, or grease shall not be hauled on the same trip with explosives. (5) Explosives or detonators shall not be hauled into or out of a mine within five minutes preceding or following a man-trip or any other trip. (c) Explosives and detonators shall be transported underground by belt only under the following conditions : (1) I n the original and unopened case, in special closed cases constructed of non-conductive material, or in suitable individual containers. (2) Clearance requirements shall be the same as those for transporting men on belts. (3) Suitable loading and unloading stations shall be provided. (4) Stop controls shall be provided a t loading and unloading points, and a n attendant shall supervise the loading and unloading of explosives and detonators. (d) Neither explosives nor detonators shall be transported on flight or shaking conveyors, scrapers, mechanical loading machines, locomotives, cutting machines, drill trucks, or any self-propelled mobile equipment ; provided, however, t h a t this does not prohibit the transportation of explosives or detonators in special closed containers in shuttle cars or in equipment designed especially to transport such explosives or detonators." (FMC 1953) Illinois "19 (a) No blasting powder, or other explosives, shall be stored in any coal mine and n o workman shall have at any time in the mine more than 35 lb. of black powder nor more than 25 lb. of permissible explosives : Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the operator of any mine from taking into the mine, when miners are not therein, and in electrically equipped mines, while the current is turned off on roadways through which it is transported, a sufficient quantity of powder for the reasonable requirements of such mine for the next succeeding working day. The delivery of powder into coal mines shall be during the interval after the shotfirers have come out of the mine and prior to the entry of the day shift into the mine in the morning ; but in the interim, before such powder is delivered to the men, it shall be kept in a closed receptacle. Provided, further, t h a t in mechanical loading mines a sufficient quantity of explosives for the reasonable requirements of such mines for the next two working days may be stored in and for each location. Explosives shall not be carried in the same car with tools or other materials." (A 6.6.1911) 3. HANDLING AND STORAGE 57 New Mexico "1308. In coal mines electric detonators shall be transported and handled in the mine solely by shotfirers ; they shall be carried in separate containers from other explosives. The leg wires of detonators shall be twisted together or otherwise adequately short circuited before being taken into the mine. 1309. The operator may permit men to carry their individual supplies of explosives into the mine, provided the explosives are carried in nonconducting covered containers, and that these containers are kept in good repair. 1310. In mines where electricity is not used as a source of power or in mines electrically equipped if the electric current is cut off from other than properly installed lighting circuits when explosives are being transported, explosives in bulk may be taken into the mine in an ordinary mine car when propelled by man, animal or cable. If the electric current is not cut off from the mine, explosives in bulk must be transported in a properly insulated car with a t least two empty cars between the locomotive and the cars containing the explosive." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "1 No black powder, high explosives, or detonators shall be hauled on any electric motor trip in any mine, or carried by individuals through passageways in mines in which electricity is used or conducted unless the same are encased in non-conductive boxes or receptacles made of material approved by the Secretary of Mines." (A 9.6.1911, art. XVI) 3. HANDLING AND STORAGE BELGIUM " 4 . Only the quantity of explosives and detonators considered necessary for the shift shall be taken to any workplace. 5. Explosives that have not been used during the shift shall be returned to the surface at the end of the shift. 6. Until the moment of use, cartridges of explosives and detonators, and also fuses, shall be deposited in a safe place to be indicated by the manager or by his substitute, and placed in a strong chest reserved for this purpose and locked. The detonators shall be placed in a special compartment of this chest." (RO 24.4.1920) FRANCE "216 (1) The explosives and detonators shall be distributed separately. They shall only be handed over to shotfirers or their assistants and only in quantities corresponding to the day's requirements. (2) Unused explosives and detonators shall be collected a t the end of the day under conditions that permit of the verification of daily consumption. 217. Explosives shall not be kept a t or near the workplace except in chests furnished by the operator and provided with a strong lock; detonators shall be placed in boxes or cases. I t shall be prohibited to put into the same chest— (a) detonators and explosives ; (b) cartridges of which the conditions of use are different." (R 4.5.1951) 58 V. EXPLOSIVES GERMANY "180. Every self-contained mine (selbständige Betriebsanlage) shall have an explosives magazine for the storage of explosives. 181. (1) The erection of an explosives magazine and the maximum quantity of the explosives to be stored therein shall have been authorised by the District Mining Office. (2) The conditions in which the explosives are stored shall at all times comply with the terms of the authorisation. (3) In the magazine and the individual chambers, notices indicating the nature of the explosive to be stored and the maximum permissible quantity shall be posted up. 182. Ignition appliances t h a t have to be given out in the explosives magazine shall be kept in special containers or in recesses in the rooms authorised for the issue of explosives. 183. (1) Explosives cartridges shall only be stored in the original packing. (2) The cases of explosives shall be stored on racks or in piles. The racks and piles shall not be higher than 1.80 m. The cases shall be so arranged that air can flow between them. (3) Various kinds of explosives shall be separated by aisles, and be indicated by notices. 184. Cases of explosives shall not be opened in any room in which over 100 kg of explosives are stored. 185. No implements or tools, except pincers and screw-drivers, used in explosives magazines shall be made of iron. 186. (1) Spoiled explosives shall be immediately destroyed as directed by the manager. (2) Frozen explosives shall only be thawed under the supervision of a supervisory official. 187. The temperature in storerooms for explosives shall not be less than + 8 ° C or more than + 3 0 ° C. 188. (1) Inflammable substances shall not be stored within 50 m of the explosives magazine. (2) E m p t y containers, wrappers and other packing materials shall be removed daily from the magazine. 189. Explosives magazines shall be kept securely under lock and key. Admittance to storerooms and issuing rooms shall only be allowed to the persons referred to in sections 1 7 1 l and 238 2 and to their superiors, in the performance of their duties. 190. Explosives shall only be issued at the approved place. 191. (1) Explosives shall be issued in the order in which they were delivered. (2) Damp ammonium-nitrate explosives and frozen explosives with 10 per cent, or more nitro-glycerine shall not be issued. (3) If the explosives are not issued in packets, the individual cartridges shall be clearly marked by letters or in some other suitable way. 192. (1) Explosives shall only be issued by the persons responsible for handling them to persons authorised to fire shots. The recipient shall be personally known to the issuer. 1 See Division 1 ol this chapter. ' See Chapter VI, Division 1. 3. HANDLING AND STOBAGB 59 (2) The quantity of explosives and the number of live detonators t h a t may be issued in one shift to a person authorised to fire shots shall be indicated in writing by the shift overman or shotfiring overman, and shall be limited to the requirements of the shift. Unless otherwise approved by the District Mining Office, no issue shall exceed 25 kg. (3) The explosives issuer may issue a smaller quantity than that indicated. 193. (1) Returned powder boxes (Oeschosskästen) shall be kept a t a place appointed for this purpose in the explosives magazine. (2) Locked powder boxes that have not been fetched by their owners within a week shall be opened by the explosives issuer in the presence of the shotfiring overman. The shotfiring material in them shall be returned to stock. 194. (1) For every explosives magazine a register on a model satisfying the requirements of the Divisional Mining Office shall be kept and shall contain, in respect of each chamber, particulars of the delivery, issue and return of explosives. (2) In every case the delivery, issue and return of explosives shall be immediately entered in the registers. The registers shall be balanced daily and compared with the stock. (3) A copy or a duplicate shall be made of every register and kept at least five years on the surface. (4) If any quantity of explosive is missing, the District Mining Office shall be immediately notified. 198. (1) Explosives that have been issued shall only be carried by the shotfirers themselves and only in locked metal containers (powder boxes) that hold not more than 25 kg. The powder boxes shall be provided by the mineowner ; they shall be numbered in a durable manner. (2) If more than 15 kg explosives is issued to a shotfirer, an assistant shall help him carry it ; the key of the powder box shall remain in the hands of the shotfirer. 199. During man-winding, persons carrying shotfiring material shall not travel together with other persons except supervisory officials and onsetters employed on man-winding. 200. (1) Explosives for rock work and permitted explosives of classes I and I I shall only be carried together between the explosives magazine and the shotfiring chambers (Schiesskammer) (section 201 (1)). (2) Live detonators shall be kept separate from the cartridges in the powder boxes. 201. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff who are appointed for a number of workplaces shall, during the shift, keep explosives and ignition appliances that they do not carry themselves in a special room for this purpose (shotfiring chamber) that can be securely locked. (2) For other authorised shotfiring staff a chest (shotfiring chest) (Schiesskiste) that can be securely locked shall suffice for this purpose. I t shall be supplied by the mineowner and kept as directed by the shift overman. (3) Tools shall not be kept in the shotfiring chests. 202. (1) Powder boxes, shotfiring chests and shotfiring chambers shall be carefully locked so long as they contain explosives or ignition appliances. The key shall be carried by the authorised shotfiring official. (2) Empty powder boxes, shotfiring chests and shotfiring chambers shall not be locked. 203. Detonators that are not left in the powder boxes shall be kept in special compartments of the shotfiring chests or the shotfiring chambers. 5 60 V. EXPLOSIVES 204. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff shall, at the end of the shift, return their powder boxes with all unused explosives to the issuing room and hand them over to the person responsible for collecting them ; they shall keep the key of the powder box. This shall also apply to empty powder boxes. (2) The issuer or the recipient of explosives shall keep a list of the issues and returns of powder boxes. 205. Authorised shotfiring staff shall not hand over explosives to other persons even if they also are authorised to fire shots. 206. If explosives, live detonators or exploders are mislaid, this shall be immediately reported to the shift overman and the shotfiring overman. The manager shall notify the District Mining Office." 6 e (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) The following principles have been adopted by the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office for the approval of underground explosives magazines and the determination of the maximum quantities to be stored under Section 181 of the Mining Regulations of 1 May 1935. "I. Site (1) The explosives magazines shall be so sited that the surface is protected against the effects of an explosion. (2) The magazines shall be at least 100 m from the main exits to the surface and at least 10 m from other mine workings used for travelling or haulage, both distances to be reckoned in the direction of the air current. (3) Two or more magazines shall be so far apart that the explosion of one magazine cannot be propagated to the other. (4) The magazines shall have a direct connection with the return air current so t h a t the fumes of any explosion cannot reach occupied mine workings. (5) if in a n explosives storage chamber that is not connected to the return air current more than the requirements of one shift have to be stored, or the requirements of one shift exceed 500 kg, an application shall be made to the Divisional Mining Office accordingly. I I . Arrangement (1) The roads constituting immediate approaches to the explosives magazine shall not be in a straight line. At the bends in these roads and opposite the entrance to each of the explosives chambers blind headings at least 4 m deep shall be provided. (2) If separate entrance and exit roads are not provided, the approach roads shall be so separated by barriers that the workers entering and leaving do not meet each other. (3) The individual chambers of the magazine shall be separated from one another by walls at least 5 m thick. (4) Chambers in which more than 100 kg explosives are stored shall, if the explosives are issued from the chamber, have an ante-chamber that is separated by a wall from the storage space. (5) For the storage of returned shotfirers' boxes (section 193) either a special chamber or a special room in the ante-chamber separated from it by a strong door shall be provided. In magazines in which not more than 100 kg explosives are stored the shotfirers' boxes may be stored in the storage space itself. III. Installation (1) All rooms in an explosives magazine shall have a clear height of at least 2.20 m. 3. HANDLING AND STORAGE 61 (2) The magazine shall be dry. (3) If the ground is not stable the magazines shall be lined with masonry. (4) The main entrances to the magazines and also the entrances to the individual chambers shall be closed by strong doors opening outwards and provided with box locks. The doors of the explosives chambers shall be made of iron, or at least of wood faced with iron. (5) The chambers shall be isolated in a fireproof manner. Openings required for ventilation shall by special precautions be protected against the penetration of flame. (6) The installation of heating equipment shall require special approval of the district inspector. (7) I n every chamber there shall be a thermometer with a centigrade scale. (8) I n the storage chambers the temperature shall not exceed 40° C, and, in storage chambers for dynamite and similar explosives that are liable to freeze, shall not fall below 8° C. (9) Fixed lighting shall be provided by fixed electric filament lamps. The switches and fuses for the filament lamps shall be outside the chambers. The magazines shall be deemed to be places with fire and explosion risks within the meaning of the regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers for the installation and operation of electrical heavy-current equipment. (10) If the magazine is illuminated by portable lamps, only electric lamps or flame safety lamps shall be used for this purpose. (11) On the outside of the main approach doors of the magazine, notice boards shall be affixed with the wording 'Caution. Explosives. Admission prohibited to unauthorised persons'. IV. Quantities to Be Stored [Specifies the maximum quantities of the various kinds of explosives and detonators that can be stored in underground magazines.] V. Taking into Use An explosives magazine shall not be taken into use until the district inspector has approved the installation and issued the operation permit in writing." NETHERLANDS "142. (1) I t shall be prohibited to establish, install or use a surface or underground explosives magazine without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. (2) The application shall be submitted in writing accompanied b y a clear drawing showing the installation and the situation of the magazine to be established and indicating the quantity and the kind or kinds of explosives and ignition devices to be stored in the magazine. 143. The magazine shall only be entered by persons responsible for the issue and transport of explosives, and for supervision. 144. (1) A register for the issue and reception of explosives shall be provided and regularly kept up to date. (2) The register shall contain— (a) a record of the quantities of each kind and make of explosive and ignition device received in the magazine and issued from it ; (b) the times of the above operations ; (c) the name of the person to whom the issue was made ; 62 (d) (e) V. EXPLOSIVES the serial numbers of the cases and cartridges ; an indication of the place where the explosives were used. (3) Every day the register shall be balanced and signed by the person responsible. 145. The person responsible for the issue of explosives shall issue them only to the person responsible for shotfiring. 146. (1) The transport of explosives in quantities of 20 kg or more shall be effected by cart. 147. (1) A t safe places to be indicated b y the responsible supervisor, there shall be suitable shotfirers' chests for the storage of the explosives, provided with serial numbers and efficient locks. (2) The person responsible for shotfiring shall take the explosives into his custody a n d shall store them in the shotfirers' box issued to him by or on behalf of t h e mine manager ; unused explosives shall be kept by him in the shotfirers' chest ; he shall keep the key of the chest and take care that it is locked against unauthorised persons." (MR 1939) " 1. ( 1 ) The magazine shall, whenever possible, be situated in the return air current. If the magazine cannot be placed in the return air current the Inspector-General of Mines shall be consulted as to the measures to be taken for the removal of the air used in ventilating the magazine. (2) The compartment of the magazine used for keeping the explosives shall be situated a t least 100 m from the shafts, a t an adequate distance (at least 50 m) from other store places where explosives are deposited or kept and at least 10 m from every staple pit, raise, incline, stone drift or road in use. (3) If the place where the magazine is to be installed is connected by a straight road or stone drift with a road or stone drift in which regular travel or haulage is carried on, the compartment of the magazine used for keeping the explosives shall not be in the first-mentioned road or stone drift itself but shall be installed in a place at right angles to it. 2. The magazine shall be kept dry, and the walls and the roof shall be protected against collapse and crumbling. 3. The magazine shall be effectively closed by a door which may be provided with a closable window. 4. On the outside of the door the word 'Dynamite' shall be inscribed in legible and indelible letters, and on the inside of the door the maximum quantity that m a y be deposited in the magazine shall be indicated in the same manner. 5. The magazine shall consist of two compartments of which the rear one, in which only the explosives shall be stored, shall be connected only by a doorway with the front one, in which the explosives are issued. 6. The explosives shall be so stowed in the magazine that the whole quantity can be seen at a glance. 7. In the magazine no other explosives shall be stowed than those for which the Inspector-General of Mines has given his approval. 8. The floor of the magazine shall be made of wood or of another material to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General of Mines. 9. (1) The doorway referred to in section 5 shall be closable by means of a door. (2) The door referred to in the preceding subsection and also the outside door of the magazine shall be closed by means of a key whenever no one is inside. The locks shall not be alike. (3) When t h e said doors are closed it shall not be possible to lift them from the hinges. 3. HANDLING AND STORAGE 63 (4) The keys shall always be in the possession of the magazine foreman appointed by the mine manager. 10. The magazine shall be kept in a clean condition and adequately ventilated. 11. (1) I n the magazine there shall always be a 100° maximum and minimum thermometer in good order. (2) The temperature in the magazine shall never fall below plus 8° C or rise above plus 40° C. These temperatures shall be recorded daily in the register intended for this purpose. As soon as the temperature rises to plus 27° C or more, or falls to plus 12° C or less, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately and accurately informed of the temperature recorded. 12. (1) The explosives shall be stowed in the packing in which they were delivered by the factory. (2) Cases and drums containing explosives shall not be stacked more than two tiers high ; between each series of two tiers there shall be a space of at least 5 cm. The bottoms of the highest cases shall be not more than 1.20 m above the floor. These cases and drums shall not be opened in the magazine. 13. If detonators are also stored in the magazine they shall be kept in a separate room, which shall be at least 15 m 3 in size. 14. I t shall be prohibited to enter the magazine with other t h a n closed safety lamps that satisfy the requirements of safety in all respects. 15. The compartment in which the explosives are stored shall only be entered with boots or overshoes without nails. 16. I n the immediate vicinity of the magazine either an adequate quantity of sand in a bucket together with a shovel or some other means of extinguishing fires shall be kept for immediate use. 17. The magazine shall only be entered by persons responsible for the issue, transport and supervision of explosives. 18. The names of the magazine foremen shall be notified to the Inspector-General of Mines. 19. The mine manager shall be bound to comply with any instructions which, in the interests of safety, may be given by the Inspector-General of Mines concerning magazines for explosives. 20. A magazine shall not be taken into use before it has been inspected and found in good order by an official of the State Mines Inspectorate." raises) when a n d so long as Icoal coal is exposed \ > (c) Gate roads, roads in t h e l-r. j i j 1 1 ' , ,. , . -¡Dead rock and ) seam a n d dip workings 1 , 1 (Enclosing rocks l Icoal 2 1 (MO) 4 2 (MO) 4 2 (MO) 4 2 (DMO) 4 2 (MO) 4 2 (MO) j (e) D u m m y drifts and enclosing rocks in t h e (j) Production faces including sides of gate roads Only instantaneous d e tonators and permitted explosives of Class I if shotfiring cannot b e avoided altogether. — A = without authorisation. MO + A = with authorisation. DMO = District Mining Office. Divisional Mining Office. VI. SHOTFIBING 80 (b) SHOTFUtnio T A B L E H Shotflring category with normal gas risk + A Shotflring category with increased gas risk (section 207(4)) (a) P u r e rock workings (cross-measure drifts, lateral roads, d r o p pits and raises with through ventilation) so long as no coal is exposed. . 1 (MO) 2 (MO) (b) Raises without through ventilation so long as no coal is exposed 2 (MO) 4 (MO) (c) Rook workings with adjacent coal (crossmeasure drifts, lateral roads and drop pits) when a n d so long as coal is exposed . . . 2 (MO) 3 (MO) (d) Raises with through f E n c l o a ¡ rockg. ventilation when and so < _. , , , Dead rock and coal long as coal. is . exposed. 1( Dead rock and C( 4 (MO) 4 (MO) 5 (MO) (e ) Raises without through I T , , . , 1 ' ventilation ,., .. when , andj so Enclosing rocks. . Dead rock and coal long as coal is exposed 5 (MO) Working place (f) (9) Roads in t h e seam J Enclosing rocks . . . a n d dip workings | Dead rock and coal . . 3 (MO) 3 (MO) Rise workings) S S U S L S S * coal . . ( Enclosing rocks. . D e a d rock and coal (i) D u m m y drifts a n d enclosing rocks in the face zone (j) Production faces ineluding sides of g a t e roads equivalent to production faces ( If the conditions referred to in section I 207(4), l(a)-(c) do n o t obtain. . . . ) If the conditions referred to in section ( 207(4), 1(a)-(c) do obtain (k) I n extensively fractured ground — A = without authorisation. + A = with authorisation. / I —A +A 3 (MO) 3 (DMO) 5 (MO) 3 (MO) 5 (MO) 3 (DMO) 5 (MO) 3 (MO) 5 (MO) Only instantaneous detonators and permitted explosives of Class I I if shotfiring cannot be avoided altogether. MO = District Mining Office. DMO = Divisional Mining Office. 81 1. GENERAL (3) Shot firing categories— Category 1 = delayed ignition and explosives for rockwork ; ,, 2 = delayed ignition and permitted explosives of Class I ; ,, 3 = delayed ignition and permitted explosives of Class I I ; ,, 4 = instantaneous ignition and permitted explosives of Class I ; ,, 5 = instantaneous ignition and permitted explosives of Class I I . With delayed ignition, detonators with which the delay from detonator O to the last detonator exceeds five seconds shall not be used ; the provisions of section 168 (1) ' shall apply. (4) Increased gas risk as referred to in columns 4 and 5 of shotfiring table I I (subsection (2) (b)) exists— 1. In all workings— (a) on the inflow of air with a firedamp content of 0.5 per cent, or more ; ß) when a t the firing place or within a radius of 30 m the emission of gas is so great that accumulations of firedamp can only be avoided by special measures ; (o) 25 m in front of and 6 m behind the passage across known gas carriers ; (d) within an area measuring 50 m in all directions around coal islands, active face workings, and faces worked less than six months previously. CROSS-SECTION GROUND PLAN 50m ( 4*\ 45°-50m- -50m- 50m 2. In rock workings and the driving of roads in the seam, if they are within the zone of influence of old faces or faces being worked. The zone of influence shall mean the space bounded by— (a) a roof surface that lies horizontally a t a vertical distance of 200 m above the top edge of the face ; (b) by side surfaces that are inclined a t 65° to the horizontal and whose smallest distance from the face edges is 50 m ; (c) by a floor surface that lies parallel t o the face surface a t a distance of 50 m below it measured perpendicular to the dip. CROSS-SECTION GROUND PLAN *~~ 65° ^ ( 1 1 i •65°0 45°i i i 6S°« t V. 65° 1 See Chapter V, Division 1. • — , t ... ,- 82 VI. SHOTFIRING 208. (1) The shotfiring overman shall determine the shotfiring categories to be applied to each working place under section 207 (2) in so far as these categories are not determined by special authorisation or authorisation in connection with the plan of operations. (2) I t shall be permissible to have shotfiring carried out in a higher category than the one authorised. (3) If a t any working place changes occur that require shotfiring under a higher shotfiring category, or exclude shotfiring, the shift overman, if the shotfiring overman cannot be reached, shall determine the shotfiring category to be applied under section 207 (2) or shall prohibit the continuation of shotfiring. H e shall notify the shotfirmg overman as soon as possible. (4) A t every working place a t which shotfiring is carried on a notice board shall be conspicuously affixed. The shotfiring overman shall indicate on this board the shotfirmg category applying to the working place. (5) I n the case of alteration in operational conditions the supervisory official referred to in subsections (1) and (3) shall immediately correct the indications on the board. 209. Shotfirers shall only fire shots in conformity with the category indicated on the board for their working place. If at the working place changes occur t h a t require shotfiring under a higher category or exclude the use of shotfiring altogether (e.g., striking coal or old workings, firedamp content exceeding that permissible) shotfiring shall be stopped and the decision of the competent supervisory official (section 208 (5)) shall be awaited. 210. Shotfiring shall be carried out in accordance with the regulatory conditions laid down by the Divisional Mining Office. 211. The shotfirer shall not begin shotfiring until he has satisfied himself that the prescribed stone-dust barriers are present and in good order. Testing for Firedamp. 212. (1) Immediately before loading one or more shots the shotfirers shall test the firing place for accumulations of firedamp (section 126).1 (2) Before firing, the firing place and its vicinity within a radius of 10 m and also to a distance of 30 m in a straight line shall be tested for accumulations of firedamp ; special attention shall be paid to cavities. Further, the place where t h e exploder is operated shall be tested for firedamp. 213. (1) I f a t or near any workplace an accumulation of firedamp (section 126) is found, shotfiring shall be prohibited there and in all workings' further along the same air current. The shift overman shall see that the shotfirers are immediately informed. (2) The prohibition shall hold until the shift overman finds that the workings are clear of accumulations of firedamp and authorises the resumption of firing. Loading, Tamping and Lighting. 214. Only the shotfirer himself shall load the shots, connect them together and to the shotfiring lines and light them. The tamping may be done under his supervision by other persons. 215. (1) The explosive cartridges shall only be used in the form in which they are delivered. They shall not be forced into the boreholes or rammed. (2) The tamping rod shall be made of wood or of a material authorised by the Divisional Mining Office. (3) The charge shall not be larger than the prescribed maximum (sections 168 (2) and 169).2 1 See Chapter XII, Division 1. • See Chapter V, Division 1. 1. GENERAL 83 216. (1) Shots shall not be loaded until immediately before firing. (2) The cartridges shall not be fitted with detonators and fuses until immediately before use. (3) If a number of shots are loaded together they shall be fired simultaneously. 217. Before loading and firing, persons not employed in these operations shall withdraw so far that they are safe from prematurely exploding shots. 218. (1) All shots shall be tamped. (2) The length of the tamping shall be at least 0.20 m for boreholes up to 0.60 m deep, at least one-third of the length of the boreholes for boreholes between 0.60 and 1.50m deep, a n d a t least 0.50 m for boreholes over 1.50 m deep. (3) The tamping shall be so inserted that it fills the cross-section of the borehole over its entire length. (4) When inserting tamping by hand use shall be made of plastic wads of sandy clay or equivalent clay delivered ready for use on the spot or made there with suitable tools. For mechanically inserted tamping, finegrained material shall be used. (5) Tamping with other material and, in particular, combustible material, shall be prohibited. 219. (1) Shots of which the tamping cannot have the prescribed depth shall only be fired in the presence of a supervisory official. (2) TJntamped shots shall only be fired in the presence of the manager. Only permitted explosives shall be used. The charges shall be completely buried in stone-dust. (3) In the case of shotfiring under subsections (1) and (2) shot-dusting shall be carried out within a radius of 10 m and with 20 kg of stone-dust. (4) Detonators and ignition appliances shall not be fired alone. 220. Shots shall be fired by means of remote electric ignition. 221. (1) Shotfiring lines shall be insulated even a t the joints. (2) In workings where there is a risk from stray currents special precautions shall also be taken against premature firing of shots. 222. (1) The shotfirers shall only use the ignition appliances provided by the mineowner. They shall always have the appliance or its key or crank in safe keeping. (2) The efficiency of the exploders shall be tested at the surface at least once a month. Protection against Flying Fragments. 223. (1) Before the shotfirer connects the firing line to the exploder, he shall see that all approaches to the workplace where firing is t o be done shall be closed off by persons. If there are not enough workers for this purpose, the unoccupied approaches shall be effectively fenced off by barriers or the like, and in addition notices with the word 'Shotfiring' shall be posted u p at these places. The shotfirer shall be the last to leave the workplace. (2) Shots shall not be lighted until persons in the vicinity have been warned by a loud call of 'Shotfiring' and have taken shelter. (3) The guards and fencing shall not be withdrawn until the shotfirer has authorised access to the workplace. 224. (1) If two workings approach each other the shift foreman shall decide at what interval before firing the chargeman hewer shall inform the men in the other working. (2) If the neighbouring working is likely to be broken into b y a shot the shift foreman shall stop work in one of the workings in good time and fence it off. 84 VI. SHOTFIRING (3) Mine workings that may be penetrated by a shot shall be fenced off as required by section 223. 225. Where the workings offer no protection against shots, shelters (Schiessörter) or other protection shall be provided. Procedure after Firing. 226. (1) After shots have been fired the chargeman shall not allow work to be resumed at the working place until the explosives fumes have dispersed. If more than one shot is fired the waiting period shall be at least five minutes. (2) When a shot misfires or there is doubt about this, the working place shall not be entered until 15 minutes after firing. (3) The waiting period shall be measured with a watch. 227. After firing the place shall be cleared. During this work only the chargeman a n d the persons appointed by him shall be at the face. 228. During clearing u p and loading of the material shot down and also before resuming and during drilling, the chargeman shall search the working place for misfires and remains of explosives and shall keep it under constant observation. Supervision of Shotfiring and the Handling of Explosives. 238. (1) For the supervision of all matters concerned with explosives and shotfiring a supervisory official who has been trained in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office shall be appointed as full-time shotfiring overman (Schießsteiger) at every self-contained mine. The manager shall hand him against a written receipt service instructions approved by the District Mining Office. (2) The shotfiring overman shall not be assigned other duties." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Shotfiring with the Use of Heavy-Current Plant. (a) For shotfiring, only pressures not exceeding 250 volts to earth may be used. (b) The connection of the firing line to a heavy-current line may only be effected through a switch that is under lock and key and cuts off the current on all poles. For greater safety a second disconnecting device, also under lock and key, must be inserted between the switch and the firing line. One of the disconnecting devices must be so arranged that it is impossible for the current to remain switched on. (c) Firing lines must comply with certain specifications. (d) I n shaft sinking only wire that can support its own weight with a safety factor of a t least five may be used as a firing line. (e) Wiring used for other purposes must not be used as a firing line. The firing line m u s t not be combined with other wires to form a multiple conductor. (f) The above provisions do not apply to shotfiring when an exploder is the source of current (26). (VDE—0118-1937) Repair and Testing of Electrical Shotfiring Machines. A Decree of the Minister of Economic Affairs dated 3 November 1936 regulates the testing and repairing of electrical shotfiring machines. The decree lays down that, in testing flameproofness, opening the shotfiring machine is prohibited, and that machines which can only be put right b y opening t h e cover must be sent to the makers or other appropriate establishment for repair. The repairing establishment must certify, when returning it, that the machine once more satisfies the official requirements. 1. GENERAL 85 Further, shotfiring machines which despite a satisfactory monthly test are troublesome in use must be sent to an experimental station for further examination. Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued— Training plan for persons to be entrusted with shotfiring (29 January 1936). Guiding principles for shotfiring (7 December 1937). Rules for simultaneous shotfiring (20 April 1938). Principles concerning shotfiring with sheathed permitted explosives (15 February 1939). Instructions (dated 1 July 1953) concerning shotfiring in mines and parts of mines to which shotfiring tables I and I I respectively apply ; annexed to these instructions are directives concerning the creation of mist zones during shotfiring. NETHERLANDS "150. (1) The use, the transport to and from the workplaces a n d the storage there of explosives and ignition devices shall satisfy the requirements of safety. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines, after consulting the mine manager, shall make rules concerning the charging of shot-holes, firing, the treatment of misfires and the control thereof. 151. (1) Before the firing of a charge or, in the case of electric firing, before connecting the wires to the machine, the person responsible for shotfiring shall test the workplace and the immediate neighbourhood thereof with a miner's lamp for the presence of firedamp. (2) If the lamp shows gas it shall be prohibited to fire the charge. (3) I n special circumstances the Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemption from the provision of subsection (2). 152. (1) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered after consulting the mine managers— (a) to prohibit the use of certain kinds of explosives and ignition devices ; (b) to issue more detailed rules for the use of certain kinds of explosives and ignition devices. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemption from the provisions of the present chapter as regards the use of certain kinds of explosives and ignition devices." (MR 1939) ''General Proviaions 1. The use of explosives shall be exclusively entrusted to persons specially appointed for the purpose (shotfirers), adequately instructed charge-hands of parties working in the coal or stone (shotfiring hewers) and the supervisory staff. 2. Unusable shotfiring requisites shall be handed in, with an indication of the defects discovered, as soon as possible, and not later t h a n the end of the shift in which their defective condition was discovered. 3. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to hand in punctually the shotfiring and measuring appliances for electric ignition used by them for ignition a t the times and the places prescribed therefor. 4. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall be bound always to have the present regulations available while they are performing their work. 86 VI. SHOTFIRING Keeping of Shotfiring Requisites 10. (1) The persons responsible for shotfiring may keep shotfiring requisites sufficient for not more than one week in special locked rooms specially installed for the purpose and approved by the Inspector-General of Mines, known as auxiliary magazines, which shall be kept in such condition t h a t they cannot be opened by unauthorised persons. (2) The mine manager shall issue to the said persons special instructions concerning the keeping and supervision of shotfiring requisites, and these instructions shall be communicated to the Inspector-General of Mines for approval. 11. The persons responsible for shotfiring shall keep the explosives issued to them in their wooden shotfirer's chest, which shall be a t a safe place to be appointed by the responsible supervisory official. 12. (1) Explosives to a maximum of 10 kg and ignition devices shall be kept separately in the compartments of the shotfirer's chest intended for this purpose unless the shotfirer's box referred to in section 7 l is placed inside the shotfirer's chest. (2) I n driving main haulage roads in the stone, explosives to a maximum of 15 kg and fuses may also be kept in the shotfirers' chests referred to in the preceding subsection, provided that these chests are placed in special recesses which, if necessary, shall be adequately timbered. 13. (1) The shotfirers' chests shall be kept in such condition that they cannot be opened by unauthorised persons. (2) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall always have the keys with them, and shall be responsible for seeing that these keys can never fall into the hands of unauthorised persons. (3) While no explosives and ignition devices are kept in the shotfirers' chests, these shall not be closed. 14. I n so far as unused explosives or ignition devices are not handed over to a subsequent shift on the spot or are not kept in an auxiliary magazine, as referred t o in section 10, a t the end of the shift they shall be returned in the shotfirer's box to the explosives magazine. The empty shotfirers' boxes shall also be handed in there. 15. Shotfirers' chests that are out of order or superfluous shall be removed. Safety Measures for the Prevention of Firedamp and Coal-Dust Explosions 16. (1) Immediately before loading and again before igniting the charge, the person responsible for shoifiring shall satisfy himself whether any firedamp shows in the miner's lamp. (2) This test for firedamp shall take place before loading and, if possible, up to a distance of 10 m from the face where shots are being fired. (3) I n this connection special attention shall be paid to cavities in the roof and spaces between the lagging above the timbering. 17. If the quantity of firedamp is such that its presence can be detected with the help of a petrol safety lamp, shot-holes shall not be loaded or, if already loaded, shall not be fired, and the responsible supervisory official shall be immediately informed and shall take the necessary measures. 18. (1) For shotfiring in the coal the use of explosives and ignition devices other t h a n safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited. (2) If coalgetting at a working face is mainly carried on by means of shotfiring the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so informed. ' See Chapter V, Division 2. 1. GENERAL 87 (3) I n the coal a number of shots shall never be fired simultaneously unless they are entirely independent. (4) In the adjacent strata of coal seams of which the coal-dust is of a dangerous character the use of other explosives and ignition devices than safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited. The Inspector-General of Mines, subject to conditions to be determined, shall permit the use of explosives for shotfiring in rock if coal seams encountered in stone drifts or stone inclines do not exceed 45 cm in thickness. (5) I n the adjacent strata of coal seams of which the dust is of a nondangerous character, and as an exception from the requirements of subsection (6) of the present section, use may also be made of dynamite after permission has been received from the mine management. (6) The use of explosives and ignition devices other than safety explosives and devices shall be prohibited in all coal seams for shooting down the roof of caving faces. The shots shall be fired by instantaneous detonators. 19. (1) All workplaces where as a result of shotfiring coal-dust can be dispersed which in a fresh condition contains more than 12 per cent. by weight of volatile components (reckoned without ash-forming components and without moisture) shall be protected either by stone-dusting or by effective wetting over distances of at least 10 m measured from the face. (2) The stone-dusting or the spraying with water shall be done b y the person responsible for shotfiring or under his immediate supervision. 20. For the first shot at least 10 kg of stone-dust shall be strewn, and for each subsequent shot at least 5 kg. 21. Stone-dusting or wetting shall be done before loading. Loading and Tamping 22. The loading and tamping of shot-holes shall not be done by a person other than the person responsible for shotfiring or under his immediate supervision. All persons whose presence is not necessary shall remove themselves from the working face. 23. (1) The shotfiring requisites shall only be taken out of a shotfirer's chest or box immediately before use ; unused shotfiring requisites shall be put back as soon as possible. (2) Whenever something is taken out of it or put back, the shotfirer's chest or box shall be immediately reclosed. 24. The shot-holes shall be so made t h a t the cartridges fit easily. 25. The person responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to verify the condition and direction of the shot-holes before loading and tamping. 26. Shot-holes that, in the opinion of the person responsible for shotfiring, are likely to have no or insufficient effect shall not be loaded and tamped. 27. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall determine for each shot the quantity of explosives to be used. (2) If by or on behalf of the mine manager the maximum number of cartridges per shot has been laid down for the explosive being used, it shall be prohibited to load a shot with a larger number of cartridges of this explosive. 28. Before the cartridges are inserted in the shot-hole, the hole shall be carefully cleaned. 29. (1) The cartridges shall be inserted in the shot-hole one by one in the sheaths in which they are delivered by the factory, and exclusively by 88 VI. SHOTFIEING means of a wooden tamping rod provided by the mine, and shall be pressed in without jolting so that the successive cartridges make good contact. (2) If there is a very large excess of water the safety cartridges intended for the charge may be inserted in a watertight sheath intended for this purpose, provided t h a t the cartridges make good contact. 30. (1) With delay-action firing with permitted explosives and also with firing with instantaneous detonators the primer cartridge shall always be t h e last cartridge to be placed in the shot-hole. (2) With delay-action firing with dynamite at places other than shafts, raises and drop pits the primer cartridge may be placed first in the shot-hole. (3) The bottom of the detonator shall always face the back of the hole. 31. (1) The primer cartridges shall only be prepared directly before their use by the person responsible for shotfiring at the place where the shotfirer's chest or box is situated, b u t not less than 20 m from the point where shots are to be fired. (2) If the preparation of the primer cartridges, contrary to the provisions of t h e preceding subsection, is undertaken a t the working face itself, then all work shall be stopped beforehand and all tools, etc., removed. Further, the regular and forepoling timbering shall be so arranged that any danger of falls of ground during the preparation of the primer cartridges under the regular timbering and the loading of the shots can be deemed to be excluded. 32. (1) I n making up primer cartridges, before the detonator is inserted, a n opening shall be made in the cartridge with a wooden or brass pin suitable for the purpose. (2) The tube of the electric fuse shall be inserted so far into the primer cartridge t h a t only the wires project. 33. Charges to be fired simultaneously shall consist of cartridges and electric fuses of only one kind. 34. Not more shot-holes shall be loaded than the exploder available can safely fire. 36. (1) For tamping shot-holes use shall be made only of clay or loam or soft stone which does not generate sparks when rubbed, or water. Tamping with coal shall be prohibited. (2) I t shall b e prohibited to use iron tamping rods when tamping shotholes. (3) Whenever required, efficient tamping material shall always be made available. 36. (1) The greatest care shall be taken in tamping the shot-hole. (2) If the shot-hole is tamped with loam, clay or soft stone, the tamping shall be 15 cm t o 20 cm deep. 37. During t h e loading and tamping of shot-holes, apart from the supervisory staff, only the persons responsible for the work shall be a t the working face. Ignition 38. (1) The ignition of shot-holes shall only be effected by the person responsible for shotfiring. (2) H e shall see that no damage can be done by the explosions to material, air pipes, electric cables, etc., or the timbering of the workplace. (3) While shotfiring operations are going on someone shall always be present near the person responsible for these operations. 39. (1) Shot-holes that are loaded simultaneously a t a workplace shall also be ignited simultaneously. 1. GENERAL 89 (2) The shots shall be fired electrically. (3) If different shot-holes are ignited simultaneously, adequate measures shall be taken both to ensure safe ignition and, as far as possible, to verify that all charges have exploded. (4) The firing of a whole round of shots a t once by means of time fuses in stone work shall be prohibited, failing an exemption granted by the Inspector-General of Mines. (5) I n highly fragmented or disturbed stone only instantaneous fuses shall be used. 40. Ignition shall only be effected by means of the shotfiring appliances provided by the mine. 41. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall be bound to take care that the approaches to the place where the shots are to be ignited are barred off, and to give instructions concerning the place where the persons belonging to the working party can safely shelter ; if necessary, a safe place for this purpose shall be installed. (2) Before igniting the shots he shall see t h a t the persons belonging to the working party are at an adequate distance from the place where the shots are being fired. 42. The persons who bar off the approaches t o the workplace where the shots are being fired shall be bound to obey the instructions of the person responsible for shotfiring ; they shall not remove the barriers before they are authorised to do so by, or on behalf of, the person responsible for shotfiring. 43. Whenever there is a possibility that, by the firing of shots, a workplace will be brought into connection with another workplace or with a place where travel or transport is carried on, the shots shall not be ignited before adequate safety measures have been taken. These places shall be evacuated and barred off and before being barred off shall be tested for firedamp. Electrical Ignition. 44. ( 1 ) Both as regards the leads, and the connection between the leads and the fuses at the place where the shots are, measures shall be taken to ensure an adequately high resistance between the supply and the return wire and between these wires and the earth. (2) The wire ends to be connected shall be rubbed bare and over a length of about 3 cm shall be effectively wound round each other or connected in at least an equivalent manner. 45. (1) In the case of simultaneous ignition of a number of shots, these shall be coupled together in series—that is to say, one lead shall be connected to one of the wires of the first fuse ; the remaining wire of the first fuse shall be connected to one wire of the second fuse ; the remaining wire of the second fuse shall be connected with one wire of the third fuse, and so on ; the remaining wire of the last fuse shall be connected with the remaining lead. (2) Unless an exemption is granted— (a) before the loading of the shot-holes is begun the leads in their entirety shall be measured with an ohmmeter, starting from the place where the shots are to be fired ; ( b) after the ends of the leads have been connected to the fuses and all persons have p u t themselves in safety, immediately before igniting the resistance of the entire wiring of all the shots shall be measured with an ohmmeter. 46. The wires of the leads, which shall be a t least 50 m in length, shall not be connected to the shotfiring appliance until immediately before igniting the shots and shall be promptly disconnected after firing. 90 VI. SHOTFIRING 47. The shots shall be ignited from a safe place. 48. Immediately after the shots have been fired, or, if they have not exploded, immediately after the shotfiring appliance has stopped, the person responsible for shotfiring shall remove the key or the lever from the appliance. 49. (1) The person responsible for shotfiring shall always carry with him the key or the lever with which the shotfiring appliance is operated, or keep it in a locked chest of which he keeps the key. (2) He shall be responsible for seeing t h a t the key or lever can never fall into the hands of unauthorised persons. Inspection 57. Both after the shots have been fired and after misfired shots have been rendered harmless, the workplace shall be carefully searched for unexploded cartridges and detonators which, after the end of the shift, shall be handed in to the person at the magazine. 58. The misfiring of shots, the incomplete explosion of charges and all defects discovered in the explosives, electric fuses and shotfiring appliances used, shall be reported as promptly as possible to the responsible supervisory official, who shall take care that the information is passed on to the charge-hand of the next following party. As far as possible, particulars of the causes and other details of these circumstances shall be recorded in a register especially intended for this purpose. 59. (1) The persons responsible for shotfiring shall keep a shotfiring register on a model approved by the Inspector-General of Mines ; during their shift they shall always have this register with them so that the unused explosives can regularly be accounted for by a member of the supervisory staif and the entries in the register can be initialled. (2) I n the shotfiring register, the persons responsible for shotfiring shall indicate directly after the firing of each round— (a) the number and the kind of the cartridges used at the workplace concerned, with an indication of the place, the date and the number of detonators and fuses used ; (b) the number of shots loaded and the number misfired ; (c) the defects discovered by them in the shotfiring requisites. (3) Similar entries to those referred t o in the preceding section shall be made in respect of all cartridges issued to other persons authorised to fire shots and taken over from other persons authorised to fire shots." (IGR 55) SOUTH AFRICA "100 (5) No person shall, in any mine whatever, place a light on a box in which there are explosives. (6) (a) No person other than a ganger or miner holding a blasting certificate or p e r m i t . . . or an official authorised by the manager shall in any mine whatever open or interfere in any manner whatsoever with a box containing explosives. (b) The holder of a blasting certificate shall not permit any person working under his charge to retain any explosive in his possession or to remove it from the mine to the surface and shall be responsible that all reasonable precautions are taken so t h a t the explosives in his section are not so retained or removed. 1. GENERAL 91 (7) (a) No person whilst handling explosives in any mine shall carry a light unless it is a safety lamp, or, in the case of a non-fiery mine, an enclosed light. (b) No person whilst handling explosives or assisting in the preparation of charges in any mine shall smoke. (8) (a) No person shall extract or attempt to extract explosives from a hole which has once been charged, except t h a t the holder of a blasting certificate may extract such explosives by means of water or compressed air and water applied through a pipe of design and material approved by the Inspector of Mines. (b) No person shall take or use underground a blowpipe for any purpose whatsoever unless it be of a design and material approved by the Inspector of Mines. (9) (a) No person shall deepen or cause or permit to be deepened a hole which has been left standing ; but the provisions of this subsection shall not be taken to prohibit the deepening of any holes which are not finished at the conclusion of a shift and which have not yet been charged with explosives, provided such holes are clearly described by the ganger or miner in charge of the shift leaving off work to the ganger or miner in charge of the shift about to commence work. (e) No person shall drill a hole in or about a mine unless the exact position and direction of such hole has been pointed out and where possible marked with chalk, paint, or other material by the holder of a blasting certificate or by a scheduled person authorised to do so by the manager, mine overseer or shift boss and no person shall in drilling deviate from the position and direction indicated. (11) No person other than a shift boss or an official of a higher rank shall, either a t the beginning of a shift or after blasting, enter a working place until he has received definite instructions or permission so to do from the ganger or miner who, for the time being, is responsible for the safety of such working place. 106. The ganger or miner— (12) shall, before marking off holes with chalk or other material or before otherwise indicating to the drillers working under him the positions of the holes to be drilled, remove or cause to be removed all loose or loosened rock, mineral or ground from the face and immediate vicinity of the working place, and shall carefully examine such face in its immediate vicinity with a view to discovering misfired holes and sockets of holes, provided that special rules made under section 5 of the A c t 1 having in view the same object as this section may be substituted therefor ; (13) shall, before indicating or marking the position of each hole t o be drilled, plug all misfired holes and sockets of holes with wooden plugs within a distance of at least 6 ft. from the point to be indicated or marked and no such plug shall be again removed until he commences to charge the drill holes a t the end of the shift, except temporarily for the purpose of inspection. He may be assisted in this work by persons working under his immediate supervision ; (14) shall keep on hand a sufficient supply of wooden plugs for the purpose of complying with the provisions of subsection (13) ; (15) shall point out to each driller working under him and, wherever possible, clearly mark with chalk, paint, or other material the exact position and direction of any hole to be drilled, and shall report not later t h a n the 1 7 Mines and Works Act, 1911 ; see Chapter II, Division 1. 92 VI. SHOTFIBING end of the shift to the shift boss of his section of the mine any person drilling a hole not so indicated or deviating from the position or direction indicated ; (16) shall acquaint every person working under him of the danger attending a contravention of regulations Nos. 100, 101 1 ,104 2 , 105 3 , and 106; (17) shall use no explosives except in the form of cartridges, and shall not, except in the case of primer cartridges, remove or interfere with the wrappers round explosives ; (18) shall not charge up until within a reasonable time of blasting and until all persons not required to assist him in the charging up have removed to a distance of a t least 16 ft. ; (19) shall not when blasting with dynamite or other high explosives insert the fuse with the attached detonator in the so-called primer cartridge except shortly before use, shall shake all the sawdust out of the detonator, and shall attach the fuse to the detonator by means of properly designed pliers or other instrument so as to prevent the entrance of water into the detonator ; (20) shall in making up a charge after the fuse with attached detonator has been inserted in the primer cartridge securely fasten it to the said cartridge by means of a string or other suitable material so t h a t the fuse and detonator cannot be inadvertently withdrawn, and shall not insert any other detonator into the explosive or into the hole except the one attached to the fuse, provided t h a t in wet workings two fuses and detonators may be used, but they must be inserted into the same primer cartridge and tied as prescribed herein ; (21) shall not in charging or in stemming holes for blasting use any implement other than of wood, brass or copper ; (22) shall not forcibly press any explosive into a hole of insufficient size and shall not hit, ram or forcibly press any explosive into any hole ; (23) shall use as tamping for charges of dynamite or other high explosive only such materials as are supplied or approved for that purpose by the manager. No tamping material or other non-explosive material shall be inserted between cartridges ; and in the case of a fiery mine or of a coal mine which is dry a n d dusty no hole shall be fired unless completely filled with tamping ; (24) shall, before firing charges, give or cause to be given due warning in every direction by shouting 'Fire'. He shall satisfy himself that no erson, except those required to assist him in firing charges, remains where e might be exposed to danger from the firing of such charges and shall take all reasonable precautions to safeguard those assisting him from accident due to blasting operations ; (25) shall before firing charges cause all entrances to the place or places where such charges are to be fired or where the safety of persons may be endangered by such firing to be effectively guarded so as to prevent inadvertent access t o such place or places whilst such charges are being fired ; (26) shall use only lighting torches supplied by the manager ; (27) shall except in the case of firing by means of electricity count in conjunction with a t least one other person the number of shots exploding, and unless both he and such other person are certain that all the shots have exploded shall not enter or allow any person to enter the place or places in which the shots have been fired until the expiry of 30 minutes from the time of lighting the fuses. When misfires are reblasted no person shall enter the working place until the expiry of 30 minutes from the time of lighting the fuses ; (28) shall a t change of shift forthwith report any misfire and any other matter requiring attention to his shift boss or the mine overseer and to the ganger or miner in charge of the next following shift ; E 1 See Chapter XVII. » See Chapter XII, Division 1. See Chapter VII. 1 93 1. GENERAL, (29) shall not where firing takes place by means of electricity enter or allow any other person to enter the place or places where shots have exploded until he has disconnected the cable of the battery ; (30) shall after firing holes by electricity and disconnecting the cables of the battery carefully examine the place in which the charges have been so fired before permitting men to work therein, and shall instruct those employed in clearing away the loose rock, mineral, or ground from such place after such examination to immediately report to him the finding of any wires in or under such loose rock, mineral or ground ; (31) shall in the event of the discovery of any such wire as is mentioned in subsection (30) cause all work in the working place in which such discovery has been made to cease until he has carefully traced such wire to its terminal in order to determine whether a misfire has occurred ; (32) shall not after firing has taken place whether by electricity or in any other manner enter or allow any person to enter the place in which such firing has occurred until the fumes caused by the explosion shall have been sufficiently dissipated, unless he or such person is wearing a safety helmet or other effective apparatus to prevent the inhaling of fumes ; (36) except as provided in regulation No. 100 (8) shall not withdraw the tamping from a hole that has once been charged except that in a n y mine other than a fiery mine he may -withdraw the tamping so far as will allow of a missed shot being fired ; (37) shall take reasonable measures to safeguard all persons who may be working in the same place as himself against accident, whether they are under his direct supervision or not." (R 11.8.1937) TOOTED KINGDOM (See also Chapter V, Division 1.) "133. (a) Current from lighting or power circuits shall not be used for firing shots. (b) Shotfiring cables shall be covered and protected as provided by regulation 130 (a) 1 for flexible cables. Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent them from touching other cables and apparatus." (R 10.7.1913) "PART Appointment, III Qualification and Equipment of Shotfirers Tools, Apparatus and Equipment. 13. (1) For each shotfirer on duty, there shall be provided— (a) a tool, made entirely of wood, suitable for charging and stemming shot-holes ; (b) a scraper suitable for cleaning out shot-holes ; and (c) in a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used, or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary precaution, a break detector of an approved design (subject to paragraph (2)), which may incorporate the scraper. (2) The requirement that a break detector is to be of an approved design shall not apply until the expiry of two years from the commencement of this order, so however that, after the expiry of six months from the said " See Chapter XIX, Division 4. 94 VI. SHOTFIRESTG commencement, no new break detector shall be provided unless it is of an approved design. 14. (1) No shot shall be fired in any mine except by means of apparatus or fuse provided by the owner. (2) I n a n y mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to be used, no shot shall be fired (otherwise than in sinking operations) except by means of electric shotfiring apparatus of a type approved— (a) if shots are being fired in a round, for multi-shot firing with all explosives ; or (b) in any other case, for single-shot firing with all explosives : Provided that, where the inspector of the division is satisfied that, for the time being, no apparatus approved for multi-shot firing with all explosives is available, shots may be fired in a round by means of other apparatus approved by him. (3) I n sinking operations or in a part of a mine where permitted explosives are not required to be used, no shot shall be fired except by means of— (a) electric shotfiring apparatus of a type approved— (i) if shots are being fired in a round, for multi-shot firing with all explosives or for multi-shot firing with explosives which are not permitted explosives ; (ii) in a n y other case, for single-shot firing with all explosives or for single-shot firing with explosives which are not permitted explosives ; or (b) subject t o the provisions of article 4 1 1 , a safety fuse as defined in this order. (4) The2 two last foregoing paragraphs are subject to the provisions of articles 4 4 and 48 2 (which permit shotfiring apparatus of a type approved for multi-shot firing to be used in certain cases to determine whether a shot is a single-shot misfire, or to fire shots singly in the event of a misfire in a round). (5) If a p a r t of a mine in which permitted explosives are not required to be used was immediately before the commencement of this order a part in which they were not required to be used under the provisions which then had effect, electric shotfiring apparatus shall not in that part be required to be of an approved type as aforesaid until the expiry of two years from the said commencement, so however that, after the expiry of six months from that commencement, no new apparatus shall be provided for firing shots there electrically unless it is of such a type. (6) No electric shotfiring apparatus shall be taken or used below ground unless, a t the last previous test thereof under article 15, it was found to be in proper order. (7) Except where a safety fuse capped with a detonator is used, no shot shall be fired by means of a detonator and safety fuse. (8) Each shotfirer appointed to fire any shot electrically shall be equipped with the necessary cable, provided by the owner and being of a specification approved— (a) for multi-shot firing, if shots are to be fired in a round ; or_ (b) for single-shot firing, in any other cases : Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict the use of any cable which was in use, or was required to be delivered under a contract made, before the commencement of this order. 15. (1) All electric shotfiring apparatus shall, once a t least in every three months, be thoroughly cleaned and overhauled by the manufacturer, 1 ! See Chapter XVIII, Division 3. See Division 2 of this chapter. 1. GBNEKAL 95 or by a competent person appointed for the purpose by the manager in writing. (2) All electric multi-shot firing apparatus shall, once at least in every seven days, be tested at the surface in the manner prescribed in t h e third schedule 1 to this order. (3) If, in connection with the firing of a round of shots electrically, any misfire in a round after firing occurs (as defined in article 48 2 ), the shotfiring apparatus used shall be tested in the manner aforesaid before it is again taken below ground. (4) The dates of all cleaning and overhauls, and the results of all tests, carried out in pursuance of this article shall be recorded in a book to be kept at the mine for the purpose. PABT rv Shotfiring (All Minea) Explosives. 16. (1) No shotfirer shall allow more than one canister of explosives to be open a t any one time for charging shot-holes for which he is responsible. (2) Any person having any surplus explosives in his possession a t the end of his shift shall return the same personally— (a) if the explosives were issued from a reserve station, to t h a t station, or to the person appointed under the relevant scheme of transit to be in charge of the explosives ; or (b) in any other case, to a place appointed by the manager under article 4 3 as a store for, or as premises for the keeping of, explosives or detonators. Detonators. 17. (1) Any shotfirer to whom a detonator case has been issued shall— (a) retain the key of the case in his own possession throughout the period while he is on duty ; (b) ensure that, apart from any check sheet of shots fired by him in the shift then current, nothing except detonators is kept in it ; (c) keep it separate from any other receptacle containing explosives ; and (d) if a t any time it is not on his person, ensure t h a t it is kept in a safe place, and (unless he remains in the immediate vicinity) in a securely locked box whieh does not contain any explosive. (2) No shotfirer shall remove any detonator from the detonator case, unless it is required for immediate use. (3) Any shotfirer or other person having any detonator in his possession a t the end of his shift shall return it personally to a place appointed under article 4. Shot-holes Generally. 18. (1) No shot-hole shall be drilled except by means of a drill or drills whereof the diameter, throughout the drilling, exceeds the diameter of any cartridge to be inserted by not less than one-eighth of an inch. (2) No person shall, for the purpose of testing, cleaning out or charging any shot-hole, use any tool other than the appropriate tool provided for the purpose by the owner. 1 Not reproduced. * See Division 2 of this chapter. ' See Chapter V, Division 3. 96 VI. SHOTFIKING 19. (1) No person shall begin t o charge any shot-hole, until it has been thoroughly cleaned out. (2) No person shall use compressed air to clean out a shot-hole, unless he takes reasonable measures for the suppression of dust. Charging Shot-holes. 20. (1) So far as is practicable a shot-hole shall be charged and the shot fired, in the same shift and by, or under the supervision of, the same person. (2) No shot-hole shall be charged until the shot is about to be fired. (3) No person shall begin to charge any shot-hole, unless he has satisfied himself by taking all reasonable precautions t h a t it is so placed and drilled as to be safe for the firing of a shot. (4) Except in the case of shots to be fired in one round . . . or of a relieving shot for the purposes of a misfire, no shot-hole shall be charged if there is a charged shot-hole within 30 yd. (5) No shot-hole shall be charged as one of a round in a stone drift, heading, ripping or sinking pit, until all shot-holes for that round have been completely drilled. 21. (1) The charge shall consist of one or more complete cartridges of the same diameter and the same description of explosive. (2) The person charging a shot-hole shall to the best of his judgment ensure that it is n o t overcharged, having regard to the task to be performed. (3) Except as provided in article 46 1 or 49 * in relation to a misfire, no charged shot-hole shall contain more than one detonator. (4) Where a delay detonator is to be used, and the charge is to consist of more than one cartridge, the primer cartridge shall be inserted first, with the detonator at the back of the hole. (5) No person shall remove any external sheathing from a sheathed explosive. (6) No explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a shot-hole. (7) The charge shall be stemmed with sufficient suitable and noninflammable stemming to prevent a blown-out shot. 22. (1) Except where an approved device for pneumatic stemming is being used, no person shall insert any tool not made entirely of wood into a shot-hole containing explosive. (2) No person shall from any charged shot-hole— (a) remove any stemming otherwise than by means of water or of an approved device ; (b) pull out any detonator lead ; or (c) remove any explosive. Firing Shots. 23. No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has satisfied himself, by taking all reasonable precautions, t h a t it is in a shot-hole so placed and drilled as to be safe for the firing of a shot, and is charged and stemmed in accordance with t h e provisions of this order. 24. Each shotfirer shall keep a daily record in a prescribed form of all shots fired by him. 25. (1) This article shall apply in relation to all shots fired electrically. (2) No person shall open or interfere with any shotfiring apparatus below ground. 1 See Dhisioa 2 oí this chapter. 1. GENERAL 97 (3) A shotñrer to whom any shotfiring apparatus has been issued— shall retain the removable handle or key in his own possession throughout the period while he is on duty ; (b) shall not place it in position in the apparatus unless he is about t o fire a shot, and shall remove it from the apparatus immediately after firing each shot. (4) No shotfiring apparatus shall be used which is defective ; and if any such apparatus is found to be defective, or fails t o fire all the shots in any properly connected round at one operation, the shotfirer shall cause it to be returned to the surface as soon as practicable, and shall report the circumstances to the manager in writing. (5) Except in a stone drift or a sinking pit, not more t h a n six shots shall be fired in any one round. (6) Detonators in a round shall be connected in series ; no detonator shall be so connected unless it has leading wires of sufficient length for any necessary connection to a n adjoining detonator to be made without the insertion of additional wire. (7) No cable shall be used for firing shots unless it is cable provided by the owner for that purpose. No person shall use for any other purpose any cable so provided. (8) No cable shall be used for firing shots if its length is less than— (a) 20 yd., when a single shot (not in a sinking pit) is being fired ; (b) 50 yd., when a round of shots in coal is being fired ; (c) 70 yd., when a round in stone of six shots or less is being fired ; or (d) 200 yd., when a round in stone of more than six shots, or any shot in a sinking pit, is being fired. (9) The shotfirer concerned shall ensure that a cable used for firing shots cannot make contact with any other cable or electrical apparatus. (10) No person other than the shotfirer shall couple any shotfiring cable to the shotfiring apparatus, or to any detonator ; no shotfirer shall couple a shotfiring cable to shotfiring apparatus for the purpose of firing any shot, unless the cable has already been coupled to the detonator or detonator circuit. (11) No shotfirer shall fire any round unless he has successfully tested the circuit for continuity by means of an approved testing device, b u t he shall make no such test unless— (a) all persons in the vicinity have withdrawn to a place of safety ; and (b) he is himself either not nearer to the shots t h a n the firing station or in a shelter placed a t a safe distance from the shots. (12) I n the event of a test in pursuance of paragraph (11) being unsuccessful, the provisions of the seventh part of this order J (which relates to misfires) shall apply. (a) 26. (1) This article shall apply in relation to all shots fired b y fuse. (2) No shot shall be fired by a fuse shorter, for a single shot, t h a n 3 ft. or, for a round, than 4 ft. (3) Not more than one shotfirer shall fire shots at any one time in any working place, or at any working face which does not exceed 50 yd. in length. (4) At any working face exceeding 50 yd. in length, no shotfirer shall fire any shot within 50 yd. of a charged shot-hole, unless he has satisfied himself that no other shotfirer is about to fire it. ' See Division 2 oí this chapter. 98 VI. SHOTFIEING (5) Except where an approved means of firing a round is used, no shotfirer shall a t t e m p t to fire more than four shots at any one time. (6) The shotfirer concerned shall ensure that— (a) no person handling any explosive, or charging any shot-hole, either smokes or allows any naked light to be directly above, or within 4 ft. of, any explosive or detonator, or within 4 ft. of any shot-hole ; (b) all surplus explosives are removed from the vicinity of a shot-hole before a light is brought near to it for the purpose of firing the shot. Warning and Shelter. 27. I n every case where the shotfirer concerned shall in that place ; a n d he shall, that the period of danger is a shot may blow through into another place, cause due warning to be given to all persons after firing, cause notice to be given to them ended. 28. (1) Any shotfirer proposing to fire a shot shall, before firing, determine the danger zone likely to be created. (2) No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has— (a) a t each entrance to the zone aforesaid, either posted a sentry or placed an appropriate fence conspicuously marked with the words 'Danger' and 'Shotfiring' ; (b) ensured t h a t all persons have withdrawn from the said zone or have taken proper shelter ; and (c) himself t a k e n proper shelter. 29. (1) Every person to whom a shotfirer gives any instruction with respect to taking shelter shall comply therewith. (2) No person posted t o be a sentry for the purposes of shotfiring shall leave the place where he was posted, unless personally authorised to do so b y the shotfirer concerned. (3) No person shall pass a danger sign exhibited for the purposes of shotfiring, or a sentry who has forbidden him to pass, unless authorised to do so by the shotfirer concerned. Precautions after Firing. 30. (1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this article, any shotfirer who fires a shot shall thereupon— (a) ascertain b y a personal examination whether it is safe for ordinary working to be resumed in each working place affected by that shot ; and (b) ensure t h a t all necessary action is taken to make each such place safe for such working. (2) Where shots have been fired in a round— (a) the examination, aforesaid shall not be made, if it was a round of six shots or less, before the expiry of five minutes or, in any other case, before t h e expiry of ten minutes ; (b) the shotfirer shall, in the course of his examination, examine— (i) for sockets in the face, and for any explosive remaining in any such socket ; and (ii) if he has reason to think t h a t any shot may not have exploded, for any unexploded charge in the material brought down. 31. After a shot has been fired no person shall enter the danger zone, determined by the shotfirer concerned for the purposes of shelter, until authorised by him to do so. 1. GENERAL 99 PAKT V I I I General Copies of the Order. 53. (1) A copy of this order shall be kept posted at or near every mine, in some conspicuous place where it may conveniently be seen by persons employed at the mine. (2) A copy of this order shall be supplied to each shotfirer. Exemptions. 54. (1) The Chief Inspector of Mines, or a deputy chief inspector on his behalf, may exempt any mine or part of a mine, or any class or description of mines, from the application of any provision of this order, in any case where he is satisfied that compliance therewith is not reasonably practicable, or not requisite in the interests of safety." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Federal "90. Black powder or other non-permissible explosives may be used for blasting in a non-gassy mine, providing all shots are fired by a shotfirer after all men except the shotfirers are out of the mine or when this requirement is modified in writing by the district mining supervisor. 91. The depth of holes drilled for blasting coal shall not exceed the thickness of the coal bed, or, if the coal is undercut or sheared, the depth of the hole shall be at least 6 in. less than the depth of the undercutting or shear. 92. All shots t h a t are charged with an explosive shall be stemmed with non-combustible material and tamped with a copper tip or wooden bar, such tamped material to extend to the outer end of the hole. 93. (a) If black powder or other bulk explosives are used, the necessary charge or charges shall be made up at or near the box where the explosives are kept. (b) No open light shall be permitted within 5 ft. of any powder box while explosives are being obtained therefrom or during the process of filling or preparing the charge or cartridges." (R 23.12.1937) "Article IV. Explosives and Blasting 5. Blasting practices (b) All explosives used underground in coal mines shall be of the permissible type and shall be used as follows : (1) Fired only with electric detonators of proper strength. (2) Fired with permissible shotfiring units, unless firing is done from the surface when all men are out of the mine. (3) Where the coal is cut, shots shall not be fired if the blast-hole is drilled beyond the limits of the cut. (4) Boreholes shall be cleaned, and they shall be checked to see that they are placed properly and are of correct dopth, in relation to the cut, before being charged. (5) All blasting charges in coal shall have a burden of at least 18 in. in all directions if the height of the coal permits. 100 VI. SHOTFIRING (6) Boreholes shall be stemmed with at least 24 in. of incombustible material, or a t least one-half of the length of the hole shall be stemmed if the hole is less t h a n 4 ft. in depth unless other permissible stemming devices or methods are used. (7) I n gassy mines examinations for gas shall be made immediately before firing each shot or group of multiple shots and after blasting is completed. (8) Shots shall not be fired in any place where methane can be detected with a flame safety lamp when tested at a point not less than 12 in. from the roof, face or rib. (9) Charges exceeding 1% lb., but not exceeding 3 lb., shall be used only if boreholes are 6 ft. or more in depth, the explosives are charged in a continuous train, with no cartridges deliberately deformed or crushed, with all cartridges in contact with each other and with the end cartridges touching the back of the hole and the stemming respectively, and Class A or Class B permissible explosives are used ; provided, however, that the 3-lb. limit does not apply to solid rockwork. (10) Shots shall b e fired by certified shotfirers wherever state law requires such certification. In mines where certification of shotfirers is not required by state law the managements shall designate competent persons to fire shots. (11) Boreholes shall not be charged while any other work is being done at the face, and the shot or shots shall be fired before any other work is done in the zone of danger from blasting except that which is necessary to safeguard the employees. (12) Only non-metallic tamping bars shall be used for charging and tamping boreholes. This does not prohibit the use of a non-metallic tamping bar with a non-sparking metallic scraper on one end. (13) The leg wires of electric detonators shall be kept shunted until ready to connect t o the firing cable. (14) Shots shall not be fired from the power or signal circuit while any men are in the mine. (15) The roof a n d ribs of working places shall be tested before and after firing each shot or group of multiple shots. (16) Ample warning shall be given before shots are fired, and care shall be taken to ascertain t h a t all persons are in the clear. Men shall be removed from adjoining working places when there is danger of a shot blowing through. (17) Mixed types or brands of explosives shall not be charged or fired in any borehole. (18) (Section 209 (h) (6)—Title II.) Mudcaps (adobes) or other unconfined shots shall not be fired underground in a mine. 6. Blasting cables, (a) Blasting cables shall be— (1) well insulated and as long as may be necessary to permit the shotfirer to get t o a safe place around a corner ; (2) short-circuited a t the battery end until ready to attach to the blasting unit ; (3) staggered as to length or the ends kept well separated when attached to the detonator leg wires ; (4) kept clear of power wires and all other possible sources of active or stray electric current." ^ (pMC Note : Regulations concerning the testing of explosives for permissibility and suitability, and the testing of blasting devices have been issued by the Bureau of Mines. These regulations are incorporated in U.S. Code, Title 30, Chapter I, Sub-Chapter B , Part 16, Explosives Used in Coal Minea, and Part 17, Blasting Devices. The regulations also appear in various Schedules of the Bureau of Mines. 1. GENERAI, 101 Illinois "19 (d) The quantity of powder to be used in the preparation of shots shall not, in any case, exceed five standard chargers full of powder in coal seams 5 % ft. or over in thickness ; and shall not, in any case, exceed four standard chargers full of powder in coal seams under 5 % ft. in thickness. (e) For the purpose of determining the quantity of powder to be used in the preparation of any given shot, a standard charger is defined and prescribed to be a cylindrical metallic charger not to exceed 12 in. in length and not to exceed 1% in. in diameter. (f) No person shall drill or shoot a dead hole as hereinafter denned. A 'dead hole' is a hole where the width of the shot a t the point measured at right angles to the line of the hole is so great that the heel is not of sufficient strength at least to balance the resistance at the point. The heel means that part of the shot which lies outside of the powder. In solid shooting, the width of the shot at the point, in seams of coal 6 ft. or less in height, shall not be greater than the height of the coal, and in seams of coal more than 6 ft. in thickness, the width of the shot a t t h e point shall, in no case, be more than 6 ft. I n undercut coal no hole shall be drilled 'on the solid' for any part of its length. (g) In no case shall more than one kind of explosive be used in the same drill hole. (h) The needle used in preparing a blast shall be made of copper, and any metallic tamping-bar or scraper which is used for placing explosives for shots shall be tipped with a t least 5 in. of copper. A scraper shall not be used for tamping. (i) Every blasting hole shall be tamped full from the explosive to the mouth of the hole, and no coal-dust or any material that is inflammable or that may create a spark, whether the same shall be wet or dry, shall be used for tamping. (j) When a squib is used to fire a shot it shall be unlawful to shorten or oil the match of the squib or to ignite it except at the end. (k) Before firing a shot the person firing the same shall see t h a t all persons are out of danger from the probable effects of such shot, and shall take measures to prevent anyone approaching by shouting 'Fire' before lighting the same. (I) Not more than one shot shall be lighted at the same time in any working place unless the firing is done by electricity or by fuses of such length that the interval between the explosions of any two shots shall be not less than one minute, and in no case shall any shot or shots be fired or lighted which are termed depending or dependent shots, until after the expiration of ten minutes from the successful firing of the relieving shot or shots. When successive shots are to be fired in any working place in which the roof is broken or faulty, the smoke shall be allowed to clear away and the roof examined and made secure between shots. (o) Where shotfirers are employed and a fuse is used to fire shots, the length of the fuse shall be not less than 3 % ft. outside the powder, and no shots shall be fired unless there is 1 ft. of fuse protruding from the mouth of the hole." (A 6.6.1911) Immediately after the completion of their work the shotfirers must post a notice in a conspicuous place at the mine giving particulars of the shots fired and not fired. I n addition they must keep a daily permanent record of their work ; this record must be kept by the manager and be available for inspection at all times by parties interested (3). 102 VI. SHOTÏTRING Shotfirers may not fire any shot until everybody is out of the mine except shotfirers, mine officials and men required for pumps, stables and fire-fighting (4). No one m a y alter any drill hole in any way after it has been approved by t h e shotfirer (5). No shotfirer may fire any unlawful shot or any shot which he does not consider to be workmanlike, proper and practical (6). (A 1.7.1921) New Mexico "815. I t shall be the duty of every shotfirer in coal mines to inspect all shot-holes before loading and firing any shot or blasts. He shall begin firing the shots a t such place that he can proceed with the firing in a direction opposite from t h a t in which the air is travelling. Whenever in his opinion any of the working places are too dry, dusty or otherwise dangerous, or that the drill holes are improperly placed, or that the shot-hole is in any particular defective, or if in the opinion of the shotfirer the exploding of such shot would be a menace to himself or other persons within the mine, or would cause undue wreckage of timbers or property, it shall be his duty to condemn such shot-hole or drill hole, and refuse to fire such shot until such defective conditions are remedied. 816. The shotfirer shall carry out all of the provisions of this law regarding1 blasting, including the provision as provided in article 13 (1301 to 1319 ) entitled 'Explosives for Coal Mines'. If in the judgment of the mine inspector, because of the finding of explosive gas, the shotfirer should make tests for gas, he shall carry the flame safety lamp and make such tests, provided, however, t h a t he shall be first duly qualified as a mine examiner. 1311. Only permissible explosive fired electrically by portable battery or electric firing machine shall be used in the coal mines of this state ; provided t h a t black powder may be used if all shots are fired by electricity from the surface after all employees are out of the mines ; and provided that in coal mines non-permissible explosive may be used in rockwork if permitted in writing by the state mine inspector and under such restrictions as he m a y impose. All shots shall be loaded, tamped, and fired electrically by shotfirers with portable battery or electric firing machine when all other persons except shotfirers, officials and necessary company men are out of the mine, or electrically from the surface with all persons out of the mine. At least 100 ft. of lead wire shall be used with each shotfiring battery or device ; provided, however, t h a t explosives of permissible character may be fired within partly or fully mechanised coal mines at any time though men may be working therein with the approval of the state mine inspector, who shall direct the kind of explosive to be used and the manner of its use ; and provided further that the approval of the local mine committee of any mine seeking such permit must first be obtained. 1312. In coal mines all holes shall be tamped with clay or other incombustible material which shall be furnished and delivered by the operator to points convenient to working places. Only wooden tamping bars shall be used. 1313. Shotfirers shall not load or shoot any shot in any mine, if in their judgment the drill hole for said shot is not properly placed to do the work it is designated to do, or if the place is dangerous because of explosive gas or fine dry dust. 1314. After shooting, shotfirers, fire bosses or mine foremen shall, as soon as it is safe to do so, visit and examine places where shots have been fired to see t h a t there is no fire or other existing danger. 1 These provisions are reproduced in Chapter V and in the present chapter. 1. GENEKAL 103 1315. The shooting circuit shall be disconnected for at least 15 minutes prior to returning to a misfired shot on which the attempt to ignite was by electricity and no misfires of explosives shall be withdrawn. 1316. Holes drilled in coal, except anthracite coal, for explosives shall not exceed 4 ft. in depth, unless the coal is of greater thickness than 4 ft., in which case the hole shall be of a length or depth not greater than the thickness of the coal that is being removed, except when the coal is undercut or sheared, the length or depth of the hole may be greater but shall be less by 6 in. than the depth of the undercutting or shear. Undercut, centre-cut or overcut coal shall not be blasted untü the coal cuttings have been completely removed from the kerf." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 14. . . .No holes shall be fired by any person other than a shotfirer. They shall use none but incombustible material for tamping, which the mine foreman shall see is provided for them at convenient places inside the mine. Under no condition shall the shotfirer use coal-dust or any other combustible material for tamping. All such holes shall be fired b y an approved electric apparatus, and no person other than the shotfirer shall connect the wires of or operate the said apparatus. Each shotfirer shall keep a record of and report to the mine foreman every hole that he has refused to charge, every blown-out shot, and every hole that has misfired. I t shall be the duty of shotfirers, and miners who are permitted by this Act to fire their own shots, to visit and examine the places where shots have been fired, before leaving the mine, to see t h a t there is no fire or any other danger existing. In all mines in which coal is blasted from the solid, all holes shall be fired when all the workmen are out of the mine except the shotfirers and other persons delegated by the mine foreman to safeguard property. Shotfiring by Electricity Shotfiring Circuits. 87. Electricity from any grounded circuit shall not be used for firing shots. 88. When shotfiring cables or wires are used in the vicinity of power or lighting conductors, special precautions shall be taken to prevent the shotfiring cables or wires from coming in contact with the light, power or any other circuits. Shotfirers. 89. Only competent persons, who have the necessary training and skill and who have been properly instructed in the work and duly authorised by the mine foreman, shall be allowed to fire shots electrically in any mine. Electric Detonators. 90. All electric detonators and leads thereto shall be suitable for the conditions under which the blasting is carried on, and shall be of a type approved by the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines. Detonators shall be kept in a dry place, and never stored with any other explosive. Portable Firing Machines and Batteries. 91. Portable shotfiring machines, sometimes called generators, shall be enclosed in a tightly constructed case when employed in any portion of the mine. All contacts, when made or broken, shall be within the case, except that the binding posts for making connections to the firing leads may be outside. 104 VI. SHOTFIRING 92. Primary or secondary batteries used for shotfiring shall be provided with a suitable case, covered by rule 91. The batteries shall be constructed so that, if the wires of the detonator or leads should accidentally or otherwise come in contact with the binding posts, no current will be discharged. They shall be provided with a detachable handle, plug, or key, without which the current cannot be closed, or provided with one or more safety contact buttons, which are well countersunk or protected by a non-conducting housing. The plugs, handles or keys shall be detached when not actually in use for firing a shot, and shall not, under any circumstances, pass from the personal custody of the person commissioned to fire the shots, while on duty. 93. All portable devices for generating or supplying electricity for shotfiring, when in a mine, shall be in charge of the person commissioned t o fire the shots. 94. No firing machine or battery shall be connected to the shotfiring leads until all other steps preparatory to the firing of a shot have been completed, and all persons have moved to a place of safety, and no person other than the shotfirer shall make such connection. Disconnecting of Leads. 95. Immediately after the firing of a shot the firing leads shall be disconnected from the supply or source of electricity, and no person shall approach a shot which has failed to explode, until the firing leads have been so disconnected by the shotfirer from the device and an interval of five minutes has elapsed since the last attempt to fire the shot. Tests of Generators and Batteries. 96. Frequent tests shall be made of all devices covered by rule 93 to insure t h a t their capacity has not been decreased by use or accident. Special Systems : Equipment and Portable Shotfiring Apparatus. 97. The use of special electrical shotfiring systems or equipment, and all portable shotfiring apparatus or devices, including the foregoing, shall receive before being used in any gaseous mine or portion thereof the approval of the Testing Station of the Federal Bureau of Mines, and all such equipment shall carry thereon evidence of such approval." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) "1 The use of a 'blasting fuse' for igniting or firing explosives in any mine is forbidden unless the fuse be ignited electrically." (A 9.6.1911, art. XVI) "Rule 21. When a miner or shotfirer is about to fire a blast he shall be careful to notify all persons who may be endangered thereby, and shall give sufficient alarm so that any person approaching may be warned of t h e danger. Rule 22. Whenever a miner or shotfirer shall open a box containing powder or other explosives, or while in any manner handling the same, he shall first place his lamp not less than 5 ft. from such explosive and in such a position t h a t the air current cannot convey sparks to the explosive, and he shall not smoke while handling explosives. Rule 23. I n charging and tamping a hole for blasting, no person shall use any iron or steel needle. The charger or tamping bar shall be of wood or tipped with copper. Rule 24. No explosive shall be forcibly pressed into a hole that is of insufficient size, and when a hole has been charged the explosives shall n o t be taken out, except b y a stream of water having sufficient force to wash out of the hole both the stemming and the charge, and no hole shall 2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS 105 be bored for blasting at a distance of less than 12 in. from any hole -when the charge has misfired. Rule 25. In all mines shotfirers or other persons charging holes for blasting shall use incombustible material for tamping. All holes in any mine before being fired shall be solidly tamped the full length of the hole : provided, however, that with the consent of the mine inspector, 'cushion' or 'air' blasting shall be permitted. Provided further, that for tamping purposes, any instrument or device approved by the United States Bureau of Mines may be used, with the approval of the Secretary of Mines, even though such instrument or device does not completely fill the drill hole from the collar to the explosives lodged therein. Any person who violates this rule shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanour." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS BELGIUM "12. I t shall be strictly forbidden to untamp a shot even partially, and even if no attempt has been made to fire it. If such an attempt has been made and if the shot has misfired, the shotfirer shall be bound to report this immediately to the overman. If the misfired shot remains at the end of the shift, the overman shall inform the overman of the following shift, mentioning the time when the shot was lighted. The supervisory officials shall see to the strict application of the following precautionary measures : (1) Access to the place where the shot is shall be prohibited from the moment of lighting— (a) for six hours in the ease of lighting by fuse ; (b) for half an hour in the case of lighting by electricity. (2) After this period the prohibition shall be raised as regards the workers responsible for organising and carrying out the necessary work for attempting to explode the misfired shot. (3) This attempt shall consist in firing shots parallel to the misfired shot and having holes so arranged that there is at least 20 cm clearance between these holes and the old charge. (4) After shotfiring, the fallen material shall be carefully removed without iron tools in the presence of the overman ; cartridges or fragments of cartridges and detonators that have not exploded shall be collected by the shotfirer, who shall have them returned to the magazine." (RO 24.4.1920) FRANCE "232. (1) After firing, as soon as the fumes have sufficiently dispersed, the chargeman shall alone explore the workplace ; he shall then have it cleared. (2) In the case of a misfire or a doubtful shot, exploration of the workplace shall begin only five minutes after firing if the shot was fired electrically ; if the shot was fired with a fuse, access to the workplace shall be prohibited for at least one hour. I n either case the incident shall be immediately reported to the supervisors. 233. If, in the course of clearing up, the chargeman finds that some explosive remains in a shot-hole, coalgetting shall only be resumed on the order of a supervisor. 234. (1) The position of misfired shots shall be ascertained and, if the misfire is considered irremediable by the supervisor or shotfirer, the shot VI. SHOTFIRING 106 shall, failing recourse to the exemption referred to in section 225 (2) x , be disposed of with the precautions set out below : (2) The shot-hole made to replace a misfire shall be drilled on the instructions of a supervisor or of a shotfirer ; it shall be so sited and given such direction t h a t there is at least 0.20 m gap between the old charge and any point in the new hole. (3) The removal of the debris of the substitute shot shall be undertaken with such precautions as to avoid the explosion of any charges or detonators that may have been blown out. The same precautions shall be taken for the removal of debris in the case of partly fired rounds. 235. (1) Blown-out shots and sockets remaining after the explosion shall, as soon as they are known to exist, be located by means of wooden sticks. I t shall be formally prohibited to deepen and scrape them. The sticks shall be furnished by the operator. Cartridges or parts of cartridges that have remained in these holes or sockets shall not be removed from them. Nevertheless, this prohibition may be disregarded in certain circumstances and subject to following special instructions approved by the district inspector of mines. (2) Failing recourse to the exemption referred to in subsection (1) blown-out shots or sockets shall only be reloaded at least half an hour after the return t o the workplace and only by a shotfirer ; a ball of greasy clay shall be inserted in the bottom of the shot-hole, and the new cartridge inserted very gently. (3) The drilling of a shot-hole near a blown-out shot or a socket and clearing up subsequent to firing it shall comply with the provisions of section 234 (2) and (3). 236. When a misfire, a blown-out shot or a socket has not effectively been rendered harmless before the end of the shift, the workplace shall be barred off by the chargeman, who shall so inform his supervisor ; the latter shall on his responsibility take all useful steps to ensure that precise information on the position, length and direction of the hole reliably reaches the succeeding chargeman. The same precaution shall be taken when exceptionally a loaded shot cannot be fired before the end of the shift. 237. Notwithstanding the rules laid down in sections 233, 234 (1) and 236 concerning ascertainment of the condition of shot-holes after firing and the location of misfires, shotfiring with weak charges (camouflets) may, in workplaces or districts strictly specified and regionally defined, be authorised by the district inspector of mines, who shall require the observance of all useful precautions and in particular the use of explosives of sufficient sensitivity fired in a single cartridge." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 229. (1) When the chargeman notices misfires and remaining residues of explosives or, owing to the circumstances, suspects their existence, work shall be stopped. (2) Misfires or remaining residues of explosives shall only be rendered harmless by the shotfirers. During this work only those engaged on. it shall be at the face. (3) If the chargeman is not himself entrusted with shotfiring he shall immediately inform the competent shotfirer. If this is impossible he shall either inform the relevant chargeman concerning the misfire or the remaining residues of explosives, or fence off the firing place and report to the shift overman or shotfiring overman. 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS 107 (4) This shall also apply if the shotfirer cannot render misfires or remaining residues of explosives harmless before the end of the shift. 230. (1) Misfires or residues of explosives shall only be rendered harmless by a procedure authorised by the Divisional Mining Office a n d the mineowner shall notify this procedure to those concerned. (2) I t shall be prohibited to scrape out or drill out shots wholly or partly or to drill farther into or reload sockets (Pfeifen) containing residues of explosive." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "50. (1) Whenever it can be ascertained by the person responsible for shotfiring t h a t as many shots have exploded as he could ignite, and whenever simultaneous electrical ignition is employed, he shall go to the face, after the shotfiring fumes have completely dispersed, to examine the effect of the shots and satisfy himself that the coal is not burning and t h a t no firedamp has been liberated. (Loose pieces of coal or stone shall be brought down.) If he encounters firedamp he shall cause the supervisory official on duty to be informed. (2) The person responsible for shotfiring shall not allow the workplace to be entered by other persons until he has satisfied himself by examination that there is no danger. 51. Whenever there is no certainty t h a t all shots ignited by time-fuses have exploded, and provided t h a t the auxiliary ventilation is working properly, a t least five minutes shall elapse after firing before the workplace may be entered for carrying out the examination referred to in the preceding section. This interval shall be determined by means of a watch. 52. (1) The rendering harmless of misfired shots—that is to say, shotholes in which there is an unexploded or not completely exploded charge— shall be done by or under the direction of the person who loaded and fired the misfired shots. (2) If this is not possible, he shall give accurate indications at the face to the person who takes over from him concerning the situation, direction and charge of the shots fired by him. (3) If the work is not handed over immediately, then he shall give these indications to the responsible supervisory official. Access to the working face shall be marked with a cross as long as danger exists. I n this case misfired shots shall be rendered harmless under the supervision of a member of the supervisory staff. 53. (1) If the wires of the fuse of a misfired shot still project from the shot-hole, these wires shall be reconnected to the shotfiring leads a n d then the shot, after it has been measured with the ohmmeter and the resistance has been found satisfactory, shall be ignited in the usual manner. (2) If a misfired shot cannot be rendered harmless in the manner prescribed in the preceding subsection, the procedure shall be as follows : If there is sufficient room in the shot-hole above the old tamping and the unexploded part of the charge, a new primer cartridge and new tamping shall be carefully placed. Nothing shall be removed from the old charge and the old tamping except as provided in the following paragraph. Whenever the tamping can be removed without danger, this shall be allowed in special circumstances with the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines. If the new primer cartridge is placed on the unexploded part of an old charge, this shall not be done until the stone has sufficiently cooled. If the new primer cartridge is placed on old tamping and the wires of the electric fuse project outside the shot-hole, these wires shall be pinched 8 108 VI. SHOTFIBING off a t least 10 cm from the mouth of the shot-hole and laid against the stone. Thereafter the new primer cartridge shall be ignited. If by this means the original charge is not exploded, then if possible the procedure shall be repeated. If then the original charge is not exploded, or if in the shot-hole there is not sufficient room for a new primer cartridge and tamping, the shot-hole shall be closed with a wooden plug and a new shot-hole shall be drilled near the old. The distance between the two shot-holes shall be 20 cm and the direction of the new shot-hole shall be such that it cannot come into contact with the misfired shot. 54. If from a shot-hole in which there is a misfired shot, wires of an electric fuse project towards the outside and the shot cannot be rendered harmless in the manner described in the preceding section, the wires projecting from the shot-hole shall be fastened to timbering or some other large object by t h e person responsible for shotfiring by means of an iron wire about 4 m long before this person ignites the charge in the adjacent shot-hole. After firing and when returning to the place where the shot was fired, he shall follow the above-mentioned iron wire and carefully remove the detonator attached to it, if it has not already 1 exploded, and hand it in in accordance with the provisions of section 2. 55. I t shall be strictly prohibited—• to clear out any shot-hole, the charge of which has not exploded ; to drill deeper into a shot-hole, the charge of which has not exploded or has only partially exploded, or to drill out the remains of an exploded shot ; (c) to reload the remains of a shot-hole before the stone has sufficiently cooled ; (d) to test a shotfiring appliance otherwise than by the means provided by or on behalf of the mine manager ; (e) to be a t the working face with an ohmmeter in one's possession. 56. While misfired shots are being rendered harmless, only the persons strictly necessary for this purpose shall be at the working face." (IGR 55) (a) (b) SOUTH AFBICA "100 (9) ( b) In any mine other than a fiery mine no person shall drill or cause or permit to be drilled any hole in any shaft, drive, cross-cut, winze, raise, or other similar confined space where there is a misfired hole until such misfired hole has been again blasted, or until the explosives have been extracted from such misfired hole, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (8) (a) "• of this regulation. (c) No person shall drill or cause or permit to be drilled any hole within 6 ft. of a misfired hole in a stope. (d) No person shall drill or cause or permit to be drilled any hole, unless such hole is placed more than 6 in. from any socket and given such a direction t h a t it will not come nearer to any socket or the line of direction thereof than 6 in. Every such socket shall be examined by a miner who shall ascertain its direction and depth or whether it contains explosives by means of water tinder adequate pressure or compressed air and water under adequate pressure applied through a pipe of a design and material approved by the Inspector of Mines or, where water under pressure is not available, by means of a scraper of a design approved by the Inspector_of Mines. 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 2. UNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS 109 (10) No person other than the holder of a blasting certificate shall remove or attempt to remove the wooden plug with which a misfired hole or socket of a hole has been plugged, provided that when the miner charges u p at the end of the shift he may instruct a member of his gang to do so." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "PABT VII Misfires A. Single Shots Meaning of Single-Shot Misfire. 44. (1) For the purposes of this part of this order, all shots fired by fuse shall be deemed to be single shots. (2) A shot being fired as a single shot shall be treated as a misfire (in this order, referred to as a single-shot misfire), if it fails to explode, in the case of a shot being fired— (a) by fuse, after the shotflrer has withdrawn after once lighting the fuse ; or (b) electrically, after the shotfirer, having attempted unsuccessfully to fire the shot, has followed the procedure prescribed in paragraph (3) of this article. (3) The said procedure is that the shotfirer shall— (a) disconnect from the shotfiring apparatus the removable handle or key and the shotfiring cable ; (b) after waiting five minutes, examine the cable and connections for defects, and remedy the same ; (c) make a further attempt to fire the shot (for which purpose he may, notwithstanding the provisions of article 14 S use shotfiring apparatus of a type approved for multi-shot firing for not more than six shots with the appropriate explosive). Single-Shot Misfires, General Precautions. 45. (1) In the event of a single-shot misfire, no person shall approach the shot-hole until, if the shot is being fired— (a) by fuse, there have elapsed, from the last attempt to fire the shot, not less than 30 minutes ; or (b) electrically, the removable handle or key and the shotfiring cable have been disconnected from the shotfiring apparatus, and there have elapsed, from the last attempt to fire the shot, not less than five minutes. (2) The shotfirer concerned shall, if he leaves the working place before article 46 has been complied with— (a) cause notice of the misfire to be given to the deputy in charge of the district ; and (b) ensure that sufficient fences and danger notices are erected to notify the misfire to any person approaching the place. Single-Shot Misfires, Remedial Action. 46. (1) No person shall attempt to remove any part of the charge from the shot-hole of any single-shot misfire. (2) I n the event of any such misfire, the shotfirer concerned shall ensure that either— (a) the procedure prescribed in paragraph (3) of this article is complied with ; or 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 110 VI. SHOTÍTRING (b) the stemming is removed with water or with an approved device, an additional primer inserted in the shot-hole with proper stemming, and the shot then duly fired, as provided in this order. (3) The said procedure is as follows : (a) a shot-hole shall be drilled not nearer to the misfire than 12 in., and, so far as is practicable, parallel to, and of equal depth to, its shot-hole ; (b) if the misfire contains a detonator, the leads or fuse thereof shall be attached by a string to the shotfiring cable, or to some distinctive marker ; (c) a shot shall be duly fired in the shot-hole aforesaid ; (d) if the misfire is dislodged, a search, under the supervision of the shotfirer or of an official of the mine, shall, before any person resumes work, be made for the detonator (if any) and charge thereof, and, if any detonator or cartridge is not found, all stone or mineral so dislodged shall, under supervision as aforesaid, be conveyed out of the mine separately from any other stone or mineral ; (e) if the misfire is not dislodged, the procedure herein prescribed shall be repeated. B . Shots in a Round Circuit Not Continuous. 47. (1) If, when the circuit of a round is tested in pursuance of paragraph (11) of article 25 1, it is found not to be continuous, the shotfirer shall— (a) comply with the following procedure, that is to say— (i) examine the shotfiring cable and connections for defects (after disconnecting the cable from the shotfiring apparatus, if the testing device formed part of it) ; (ii) remedy any defect so found ; and (iii) subject to the provisions of the said paragraph (11), test the circuit again for continuity ; and (b) if he leaves t h e working place before the said test is completed, take action as prescribed in paragraph (2) of article 45. (2) If the test aforesaid is successful, the provisions of this part of this order shall not apply further in relation to that round, unless one or more of the shots fails t o explode when fired. (3) If the said test is unsuccessful the shotfirer shall, by individual tests for continuity (which shall be subject to the provisions of paragraph (11) of article 25 *), determine the faulty shot or shots. Meaning of 'Misfire in a Round ', etc., and General Provisions. 48. (1) A shot being fired in a round shall be treated as a misfire (in this order referred to as a 'misfire in a round'), if— (a) by the individual tests under paragraph (3) of article 47, it is found to be a faulty shot (any such shot being, in this order, referred to as a 'misfire in a round by broken continuity') ; or (b) when the round is fired, it fails to explode (whether or not all other shots in the round have exploded) (any such shot being, in this order, referred to as a 'misfire in a round after firing'). (2) I n the event of any misfire in a round— (a) no person shall attempt to remove any part of the charge from the shot-hole ; 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 2. TJNEXPLODED AND PARTLY EXPLODED SHOTS 111 (b) the shotfirer concerned shall, if he leaves the working place before the remedial action specified in article 49 or 50, as the case may be, has been completed, take action as prescribed in paragraph (2) of article 45. (3) Whenever, in the event of any misfire in a round, any shot forming part of the round is, for the purposes of remedial action under article 49 or 50, required to be fired singly, it may, notwithstanding the provisions of article 141, be fired by means of the shot firing apparatus used for firing the round. Bemedial Action. 49. (1) I n the event of a misfire in a round by broken continuity, the shotfirer concerned shall ensure that either— (a) the procedure prescribed in paragraph (2) of this article is complied with ; or (b) the stemming is removed with water or with an approved device, a n additional primer inserted in the shot-hole with proper stemming, and the round duly connected up, tested and fired, as provided in this order. (2) The said procedure is as follows : (a) the leads of the detonator of the misfire shall be attached b y a string to the shotfiring cable, or to some distinctive marker ; (b) the other shots in the round (excluding, where delay detonators are being used, any shot having a higher period of delay) shall be duly connected up, tested and fired, as provided in this order ; (c) if it has been dislodged, the provisions of subparagraph (d) of paragraph (3) of article 46 shall apply to the recovery and disposal of the detonator and charge ; and any shots having a higher period of delay shall thereafter be duly connected up, tested and fired ; (d) if it has not been dislodged— (i) if there were any shots having a higher period of delay, they shall be fired in turn, in ascending order of delay (in each delay period, the shot which is nearest to the misfire being fired first), so however that, if it is dislodged before all such shots have been fired, the provisions of subparagraph (c) of this paragraph shall then apply ; and (ii) in any other case it shall be treated as a single-shot misfire. 50. (1) In the event of a misfire in a round after firing— (a) no person shall approach the shot-hole unless the removable handle or key and the shotfiring cable have been disconnected from the shotfiring apparatus ; and (b) the shotfirer1 concerned shall a t the expiry of the period specified in article 30 make a personal examination as provided in t h a t article, whether or not any shot in the round has exploded. (2) If there was more than one misfire, the shotfirer shall connect them in series and fire them as a round as provided in this order. (3) If there was one misfire only, or if one or more misfires, fired as a round in pursuance of paragraph (2), fails or fail t o explode, the shotfirer shall fire it, or each of them, as the case may be, singly. (4) Any misfire, fired singly as aforesaid and failing to explode, shall be treated as a single-shot misfire. 51. (1) Whenever, in pursuance of this part of this order, in relation to any round of shots, any shot in the round is fired while one or more shots already charged remain unexploded, the shotfirer concerned shall, in the course of his examination made in pursuance of article 3 0 l ascertain whether any such shot has been dislodged. 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 112 VI. SHOTBTRING (2) The provisions of subparagraph (d) of paragraph (3) of article 46 shall apply to t h e recovery and disposal of the detonator and charge of any shot so dislodged. C. All Misfires Misfires to Be Reported. 52. In the event of any misfire the shotfirer shall, before leaving the mine, report the circumstances thereof to the senior official on duty at the mine, and shall record the fact of the misfire in his daily record of shots." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Federal "Article, IV. Explosives and Blasting 7. Misfires, (a) Where misfires occur with electric detonators, a waiting period of at least five minutes shall elapse before anyone returns to the shot. After such failure the blasting cable shall be disconnected from the source of power and the battery ends short circuited before electric connections are examined. (b) Explosives shall be removed by firing a separate charge at least 2 ft. away from, and parallel to, the misfired charge or by washing the stemming and t h e charge from the borehole with water, or by inserting and firing a new primer after the stemming has been washed out. (c) A very careful search of the working place, and, if necessary, of the coal after it reaches the tipple shall be made after blasting a misfired hole, to recover any undetonated explosive. (d) The handling of a misfired shot shall be under the direct supervision of the mine foreman or a competent person designated by him." (FMC 1953) Illinois "19. (m) No person shall return to a missed shot, if lighted with a squib, until ten minutes have elapsed from the time of lighting the same, or, if lighted with fuse, until eight hours have elapsed from the time of lighting same ; and no person shall return to a missed shot when the firing is done b y electricity unless the wires are disconnected from the battery. (n) No missed shot shall be withdrawn excepting by the use of coppertipped or wooden tools." (A 1.7.1921) New Mexico "1317. The operator shall cause to be kept a written daily record of all shots misfired. 1318. No person shall attempt to drill out a misfired hole but shall drill another hole not less than 12 in. distant from such misfired shot." (A 16.3.1933) 3. F I E R Y AND D U S T Y M I N E S BELGIUM "II. (I) Provisions Applicable to Fiery Mines and to Certain Dusty in Coal Mines Seams Classification of Seams as Regards Dust. 13. I n non-fiery mines, seams in which the content of volatile matter, excluding ash, is between 15 and 22 per cent., and in which brushing the 3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 113 sides of the roads throws coal-dust into suspension in the air, shall be subject to the regulations for mines of the first class 1 in respect of explosives. In non-fiery mines and in mines of the first class, the seams in which the content of volatile matter, excluding ash, exceeds 22 per cent., and where brushing the sides of the roads throws coal-dust into suspension in the air, shall be subject to the regulations for fiery mines of the second class. Nevertheless, if it is found t h a t certain of these seams give off dust that owing to its physical properties is only slightly dangerous, their assignment to the first class may be requested. 14. The classification of the seams shall be undertaken for each workplace or group of workplaces by the chief inspector of the mining district after hearing the observations of the mine operator ; the classification may be altered at any time. Samples shall be taken by the mine inspector and analyses made through the Mines Administration at the operator's cost. (II) Regulations Applicable to All Fiery Mines and to the Dusty Seams of Non-Fiery Mines Subject to the Bules Applying to Mines of the First Class. 15. The use of explosives is prohibited— (1) for coalgetting, including the removal of stone bands ; (2) for the unblocking of chutes ; (3) in all workings when they can be presumed to be approaching a coal seam already worked out, and in general any excavation in which firedamp may have accumulated. 16. Only permitted explosives defined as such by Ministerial Orders, within the maximum charge limits and enclosed in safety sheaths of a type recognised by Ministerial Order shall be used— (1) in productive workings in the seam with descensional ventilation, for the roads in which the air descends, and for the roads preceding the descent over a length of 20 m ; (2) for the driving of preparatory workings in the seam or in the waste, with descensional ventilation, or stone workings driven subsequently ; (3) for the opening up of seams except in the case of ripping in seams with sudden outbursts, as referred to in section 25 A. 17. Without prejudice to the provisions of the Royal Order of 29 October 18942, which regulates more particularly the consumption of high explosives, the use of explosives shall be subject to the following conditions : (1) Explosives shall not be inserted in shot-holes— (a) until it has been meticulously ascertained by inspection with flame lamps that there is no firedamp in the air around the shotholes and that even outside the zone liable to be affected b y the explosion of the shot there is no inflammable gas or fissure in the ground giving off such gas ; (b) until it has been ascertained that the shot-holes are not giving off firedamp and they have been carefully cleared of all coal-dust. (2) Shots shall be carefully tamped so that they do not blow out, and for this purpose only entirely non-combustible materials shall be used ; the depth of the tamping shall not be less than 20 cm for the first 100 gm of the charge, with an additional 25 mm for every further 100 gm, but a depth of 40 cm need not be exceeded. 1 For regulations concerning the classification of mines as regards gas see Chapter XII, Division 1. » See Chapter V. 114 VI. SHOTBTRING (3) The shots shall only be fired by electricity by means of appliances approved b y the Mines Administration ; in productive workplaces shots shall not be fired during the coalgetting shift. (4) Shots shall not be fired— (a) in fiery mines, until it has been meticulously ascertained by inspection with flame lamps t h a t there is no firedamp in the air around the shot-holes, t h a t the shot-holes are not giving off firedamp, and that even outside the zone liable to be affected by the explosion of the shot there is no inflammable gas or fissure in the ground giving off such gas ; (b) in dusty seams, until it has been ascertained that in the neighbourhood of the shot or shots as defined above there is no fine inflammable dust in suspension in the air or deposited in appreciable quantities on the ground, on the timbers or on the sides, such t h a t the shot could throw it into suspension. These verifications shall be made immediately before the lighting of any shot by t h e employee referred to in section l 1 , who shall not be concerned in the advancement of the workings. 18. Explosives of different compositions shall not be used simultaneously in a shot-hole, or in the different shot-holes of the same round. In any one shift the explosives shall be the same in all the roads of a working face. 19. I t shall be prohibited for a foreman or other employee who has received explosives for a particular job to give them in exchange or otherwise to any other person responsible for another job. 20. I t shall be prohibited to use black powder and slow-acting explosives and to light shots b y squibs, fuses, or any other means liable to throw off flames or burning material. I I I . Provisions Applicable to Mines of the Second and Third Classes and to the Dusty Seams of Non-Fiery Mines and Mines of the Third Class Subject to the Sides for Mines of the Second Class 21. The use of explosives for the ripping and repair of roads in the seam or in the waste shall be subject to the following conditions : (1) Use shall only be made of permitted explosives, defined as such by Ministerial Orders, within the maximum charge limits and enclosed in safety sheaths of a type recognised by Ministerial Order. (2) The cross-section of the roads shall not be less than 2 m 2 . (3) I n the active workings of fiery mines the methane content of the air current shall be verified by monthly analyses carried out on samples taken during the coalgetting shift (at least two hours after the beginning of the shift) and outside this shift (at least two hours after the end of coalgetting) a t each of the places where explosives are used. Shot firing shall be prohibited if the methane content exceeds 2.5 per cent, during the coalgetting shift ; provided that if tests made outside this shift show a content of less than 1.5 per cent, the prohibition shall be suspended. The air current shall be measured at least once a month in the upper road of each working face not more than 10 m from the face. The quantity shall never be less than 750 litres a second. For preparatory workings ventilated by pipes the volume as measured a t the end nearest the face, also a t least once a month, shall never be less than 150 litres a second. 'See Chapter V, Division 1. 3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 115 The results of the firedamp analyses and of the various measurements mentioned above shall be entered in special registers kept at the disposal of the mine inspector. 22. The firing of shots in any one air current in one and the same shift shall be entrusted to one and the same man. 23. [Repealed.] IV. Special Rules for Mines of the Third Class 24. The use of explosives for driving the roads of active workings shall be subject to compliance with the following conditions : (1) Shots shall only be fired when there are no persons a t all in the return airway of the workplace or between the firing point and the working face. The shotfirer in charge shall be accompanied by at least one assistant. The shotfirer and his assistants shall carry electric lamps in addition to the safety lamps required for the detection of firedamp. (2) When these employees cannot remain in the intake airway, for the purpose of firing the shots they shall place themselves, outside the normal path of the air current of the workplace, in a road from which they can reach the lower haulage road without entering the ventilation circuit of the workplace. 25. The use of explosives for driving and repairing roads in preparatory workings in the seam shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of the second and third sentences of subsection (1) of the preceding section and also with the following provisions : Shots shall only be fired when there are no persons a t all in the various roads and connections of the return airway of the working in question, u p to and including the up-cast shaft. The shot may be fired from the surface or from underground. When the shot is fired from the surface two multi-pole switches shall be placed on the line, one a t the bottom landing and the other a t the surface. These two switches shall not be closed until the moment of firing, and the one underground shall be closed before the one on the surface. Precautions shall be taken to prevent the switches from being closed prematurely or accidentally. When the shot is fired from underground, the persons firing shall take shelter in the roads by which the intake air current reaches the working in question ; the cage shall be kept a t the bottom landing, which shall be connected to the surface by telephone ; further, cylinders of compressed oxygen furnished with breathing apparatus equal in number to t h a t of the persons firing shall be placed within immediate reach of these persons. 25A. The use of explosives for baring, ripping and holing coal (whether in seams, bands or pockets) shall be subject to compliance with the provisions of section 25 above and also with the following provisions : Before undertaking any work liable to entail ripping in seams with sudden outbursts, the operator shall be bound to inform the chief inspector of the mining district and acquaint him with the essential details of the measures that he intends to take. The removal, if possible simultaneously, of the adjacent rock and the coal itself shall be undertaken by firing rounds of shots (loosening shots) with time detonators accepted by the Mines Administration. Shots shall not be fired except on the order of the manager or of a person —engineer, undermanager, overman—appointed by him. After each round of shots one hour shall elapse before anyone returns to the face." (RO 24.4.1920) Sheathed Explosives The requirements to be satisfied by sheaths are set out in a Ministerial Order of 14 August 1930. VI. SHOTFmiNG 116 I n mines of the second and third classes and in the dusty seams of nonfiery mines a n d mines of the first class subject to the regulations for mines of the second class, outside tamping in the ripping and repair of roads in the coal or t h e waste may be dispensed with when use is made of sheathed explosives satisfying these requirements. The requirements relate to the diameter of the cartridges, the composition and weight of the sheath, and to the paper wrapping. CANADA Alberta "16. If the place where the shot is to be fired is dry or dusty, then the shot shall not be fired unless one of the following conditions is observed, that is to say : (a) unless the place of firing and all contiguous and accessible places within a radius of 60 ft. are a t the time of firing in a wet state from a thorough watering, or other treatment equivalent to watering in all parts where dust is lodged, whether roof, floor or sides ; or (b) in the cases of places in which watering would injure the roof or floor, unless the explosive is so used with water or other contrivance as to prevent it from inflaming gas or dust, or is of such a nature that it cannot inflame gas or dust ; and all haulage or other roads that are dry or dusty shall for a distance of 120 ft. from the place of firing, be watered sufficiently to allay dust, or other treatment equivalent to watering. 23. No shot shall be fired in the presence of a dangerous percentage of firedamp or coal-dust. A dangerous percentage of firedamp, for the purpose of these regulations, shall mean any atmosphere containing 1% per cent, of firedamp or over. Provided, however, that this Regulation shall not apply to the method known as 'Cardox'." (Explosives Regulations) FRANCE "238. (1) No explosive shall be employed in fiery or dusty mines unless it has been approved by a Ministerial Order, which shall determine the conditions of its use ; if the approval is only valid for work in the rock other than the ripping of thin places in the seam, the explosive shall be called 'Explosive for Restricted Use'. The use of black powder and of safety fuses shall be prohibited in such mines. (2) The above provisions may be extended by the district inspector of mines to districts that he considers suspect. 239. I n fiery mines and mines considered suspect— the installation of the firing lines, their connecting pieces and connections shall be so carried out as not to create any risk of sparking ; (b) exploders and current detectors shall be proof against firedamp ; (c) indirect priming (amorçage postérieur)1 shall only be allowed for penetrating rock away from the coal unless wider authorisation is given b y Ministerial Order ; (d) no shot or round shall be fired until the shotfirer, by meticulous inspection made immediately before firing, has satisfied himself of the absence of any quantity of firedamp sufficient to show in the flame safety lamp. (a) 1 See section 223 (3) in Division 1 of this chapter. 3 . FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 117 240. Except for explosives for which the orders of approval define their use with delay-action detonators, the use of such detonators in fiery or dusty mines shall only be authorised in the conditions in which explosives for restricted use may be used. 241. Independently of the requirements concerning the composition, cartridging and packing of explosives laid down in the General Explosives Regulations, approved explosives shall not be either delivered to the operator or accepted by him unless they are accompanied by a notice drawn u p by the manufacturer or the cartridger giving the following particulars : (a) administrative designation of the explosive and date of the decision approving the type for a particular use ; (b) mention of this use in the form to be specified by a Ministerial Instruction ; (c) date of manufacture of the explosive ; (d) name of the factory ; (e) numbers of the cases." (R 4.5.1951) "Permitted Explosives 1. [As from 6 November 1951 the only explosives permitted for use in fiery or dusty naine districts are those listed in four groups, namely : (1) improved explosives for shotfiring in coal ; (2) explosives for shotfirmg in coal ; (3) explosives for shotfiring in stone ; and (4) explosives for restricted use.] The permission shall not apply to explosives cartridged in compressed unite. The diameter of the cartridges of explosives of the first and second groups shall not exceed 30 mm. The envelope of the cartridges of permitted explosives shall enable each group of explosives to be easily distinguished a t the workplace ; the distinctive marking of these envelopes, which shall be the same for all mines, shall be determined by the Minister. Without prejudice to the enforcement either of the laws and regulations on explosives or of Part X of the Decree of 4 May 1951 *, the conditions of use in fiery or dusty districts of permitted explosives shall be determined by the present order. General Conditions of Use 2. The use of explosives of the first and second groups cartridged over six months and of explosives of the third and fourth groups cartridged over one year shall be prohibited. 3. (1) Indirect priming (amorçage postérieur) a of the explosives permitted under section 1 shall be authorised in all types of workplaces. (2) I n shot-holes drilled in coal, it shall be prohibited to load other explosives than explosives for shotfiring in coal or improved explosives for shotfiring in coal. (3) The maximum load per shot-hole for workplaces of the second and third types as defined below shall be uniformly fixed— for improved explosives for shotfiring in coal, at 1,500 gm in coal and 2,000 gm in stone ; for explosives for shotfiring in coal, a t 500 gm in coal, 1,000 gm in stone in workplaces of the third type and 2,000 gm in stone in workplaces of the second type; for explosives for shotfirmg in stone, a t 2,000 gm in stone. 1 General Regulations for Fuel Mines : Part X deals with explosives. " See section 223 (3) ol the Regulations of 4 May 1951 in Division 1 of this chapter. 118 VI. SHOTFIRING Conditions of Use by Type of Workplace 4. As regards the conditions of use of the explosives, three types of workplaces shall be distinguished. 5. (1) Workplaces of the first type are those t h a t satisfy all the following conditions simultaneously : (a) the line of face does not cut into the coal and no shot-hole for a round to be fired meets any coal ; (b) when the district is classified as fiery or suspect from the standpoint of firedamp— (i) the working shall be driven horizontally or dipping and away from faulted zones and areas known to be capable of producing outbreaks of firedamp ; (ii) the permanent ventilation shall be such as to keep below 0.5 per cent, t h e firedamp content as measured daily a t the working face a n d 100 m behind it ; (c) when the district is classified as dusty, within a distance of 15 m from the working face— (i) there shall be no accumulation of coal, no deposit of combustible dust, n o workplace in the coal and no haulage road for coal ; (ii) there shall be no bands or seams of coal or, if there are such, their aggregate exposed surface shall not be more than one-tenth of the aggregate exposed surface of the face concerned ; (iii) if the seams cut are friable, the conditions at the workplace shall be such that the disturbance resulting from shotfiring cannot cause a dust cloud to form. (2) In workplaces of the first type all permitted explosives may be used subject only to the conditions laid down in sections 1 to 3 above. 6. (1) The third type of workplace comprises those satisfying one of the following conditions : (a) a t least one-tenth of the exposed surface of the face is coal ; (b) a t least one-fifth of the holes drilled for the round to be fired are in the coal. (2) I n workplaces of the third type, whether the shotfiring is done in coal, in a dirt band or in a wall, only the use of explosives for shotfiring in coal or improved explosives for shotfiring in coal shall be authorised. 7. (1) Workplaces of the second type are those not included in either the first or the third types. (2) In workplaces of the second type only the use of explosives for shotfiring in stone, explosives for shotfiring in coal or improved explosives for shotfiring in coal shall be authorised. Delay-Action Detonators 8. (1) I n workplaces of the first type, shotfiring with delay-action detonators shall n o t be subject to any special requirement. In all other workplaces, whatever the explosive used, it shall be subject to previous notification to the divisional inspector of mines, who may either prohibit it in certain districts or workplaces or subject it to particular restrictions. (2) I n shot-holes drilled in stone in workplaces of the third type, and in shot-holes drilled in coal in workplaces of the second and third types, the use of delay-action detonators with explosives for shotfiring in coal shall be prohibited. In workplaces of the second type in dusty districts, a round comprising one or more shots in the coal shall not be fired with delay-action detonators 3. PIBKY AND DUSTY MINES 119 unless it is loaded exclusively with improved explosives for shotfiring in coal. I n workplaces of the second and third types in fiery districts, the interval between the first and the last shot of one and the same round shall not exceed five seconds. Stone-Dusting before Shotfiring 9. In dusty districts no stone-dusting before shotfiring shall be required in workplaces of the first type ; this shall also apply to workplaces of the second type when within a distance of 15 m from the working face the workplaces satisfy simultaneously the following three conditions : (a) there shall be no accumulation of coal, no deposit of combustible dust, no workplace in the coal and no haulage road for coal ; ( b) there shall be no bands or seams of coal, or if there are such, their aggregate exposed surface shall not be more than one-tenth of the aggregate exposed surface of the face concerned ; (c) if the seams cut are friable, the conditions a t the workplace shall be such that the disturbance resulting from shotfiring cannot cause a dust cloud to form. 10. I n dusty districts, in workplaces of the second type that do not satisfy any one of the three conditions laid down in section 9— (a) the use of explosives for shotfiring in stone, and, if the district is also definitely fiery, the use of charges of explosives for shotfiring in coal exceeding 300 gm per shot-hole drilled in the coal, or 500 gm per shot-hole drilled in the stone, shall be subject to the carrying out of effective stone-dusting, immediately before firing or before the examination for firedamp which precedes it if the examination is a regulation examination, of all the accessible zones up to a distance of 15 m from any one of the shot-holes of the round ; (b) the use with delay-action detonators of explosives for shotfiring in stone or of explosives for shotfiring in coal (even in non-fiery districts and irrespective of the size of the charge) shall be subject to the carrying out of effective stone-dusting at the time and in the zone defined in paragraph (a) above. 11. I n districts t h a t are both dusty and definitely fiery, in workplaces of the third type the use of charges of explosives for shotfiring in coal exceeding 300 gm per shot-hole drilled in the coal, or 500 gm per shot-hole drilled in the stone, shall be subject to the carrying out of effective stonedusting at the time and in the zone defined in paragraph (a) of section 10 above. 12. No stone-dusting shall be required in any type of workplace if improved explosives for shotfiring in the coal are used exclusively. 13. The practical conditions of stone-dusting before shotfiring as required in sections 10 and 11 above shall be specified for the various typical cases by instructions submitted for approval to the divisional inspector of mines. Exemptions 14 (2) Exemptions from the provisions of the present order may be granted by the local inspection service— (a) when shots are exclusively fired from the surface, the mine being evacuated ; (b) in mines with sudden outbursts, for shots fired with only the personnel necessary for firing them present underground. (O 2.11.1951) 120 VI. SHOTÏTRXNG GERMANY See Division 1 of this chapter. NETHERLANDS (See also Division 1 of this chapter.) "153. Whenever in a mine or part of a mine firedamp is encountered in such large quantities that unusual danger is to be feared or there is a danger of coal-dust explosion, the Inspector-General of Mines, after consulting the mine manager may prohibit the use of all or of certain kinds of explosives and ignition devices." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA "100 (3) No person shall blast or be permitted t o blast any shot in fractured coal or in a hole if inflammable gas is being given off from such fractured coal or hole, nor in any place where there is sufficient inflammable gas present to show a distinct cap on the reduced flame of the safety lamp ordinarily in use in the mine. (4) I n any fiery mine— (a) no person shall blast or be permitted to blast unless there are two free faces on the coal to be blasted down. The end of the shot-hole shall be a t least 6 in. in front of the back of the undercut or side holing ; ( b) no person shall blast or be permitted to blast except by means of an efficient electrical apparatus approved by the Inspector of Mines. Where such apparatus is provided with a removable handle, the certificated ganger or miner in charge shall retain the same in his possession a t all times while on duty ; (c) when extracting coal from pillars no person shall blast or be permitted to blast within 20 yd. of any goaf edge until he has examined the goaf edge for inflammable gas with an approved flame safety lamp immediately before firing each shot and found no gas, or within 50 yd. of any such goaf or any open place which cannot be examined ; (d) in any development drive, heading, or stall more than 50 yd. in advance of the general line of workings, no person shall blast or be permitted to blast except between shifts ; (e) in any main development or exploration drive, after driving through a dyke, no blasting shall take place until the manager, the mine overseer, a shift boss, or other duly appointed official, has examined the place and satisfied himself that blasting is not prohibited under section (3) of this regulation. 106. The ganger or miner — (9) shall not blast in any place in any fiery mine, or in any coal mine which is dry and dusty until he has examined both the place itself where t h e shot is to be fired and all contiguous accessible places in the same seam within a radius of 20 yd. and has found such place safe for firing. In a fiery mine the said examination shall be made with a flame safety lamp ; (10) shall not blast in any mine where inflammable gas has been reported to be present during the past 24 hours in the ventilating district in which the shot is to be fired, until he has examined the place where gas has been so reported to be present and has found that such gas has been sufficiently cleared away and that there is not a t or near such place sufficient gas issuing or accumulated to render it unsafe to fire the shot ; 3. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 121 (11) shall not blast in a eoal mine if the place where the shot is to be fired is dry and dusty, unless a permitted explosive as referred t o in regulation No. 98 1 be used or unless the place of firing and all contiguous accessible places within a radius of 20 yd. therefrom are at the time of firing in a wet state through watermg or other treatment equivalent to watering in all parts where dust is lodged, whether roof, floor or side." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "PABT V Shotfiring (Additional Provisions, Permitted Explosives) Application of Part V. 32. Except where the application of provisions is limited by reference to the use of safety lamps, this part of this order shall apply to any shot fired in any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to be used. Shotfirer's Maximum Number of Shots. 33. (1) For each shotfirer firing shots in the regular course of his employment, the manager shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this article, fix the maximum number of shots which he may fire in any one hour and in any one shift, being in each case a number consistent with the requirements of safety : Provided that the numbers so fixed shall not apply to shots fired in rounds of more than six shots. (2) If the manager proposes to fix a maximum exceeding ten for any one shift for any deputy in charge of a district, he shall give notice in writing of the maximum proposed to the inspector of the division, on a prescribed form. (3) If the inspector of the division, before the expiry of 14 days from his receipt of a notice under paragraph (2), notifies the manager that in his opinion the maximum proposed does not comply with paragraph (1), no maximum exceeding ten shall be fixed for the deputy concerned unless it is agreed by the inspector and the manager, or determined in manner provided under the Act for settling disputes, to be consistent with the requirements of safety. (4) The inspector of the division may object to any maximum fixed under this article, on the ground that t h a t maximum does not comply with paragraph (1) ; and, if, in any such case, the manager does not fix another maximum for the shotfirer concerned to the satisfaction of the inspector, the matter shall be determined in the manner aforesaid : Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to any maximum to which paragraph (2) or (3) applies, unless there has been a material change of circumstance since the date of the notice or of the agreement or determination, as the case may be. (5) Bach maximum fixed under this article shall be notified in writing to the shotfirer concerned, and shall be recorded in a book to be kept a t the mine for the purpose. (6) No shotfirer shall in any one hour or in any one shift fire a greater number of shots than the appropriate maximum notified to him under paragraph (5). Firedamp Content. 34. (1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used. i See Chapter V, Division 1. 122 VI. SHOTFIRIKG I n this article the expression 'firedamp content' has the meaning assigned by the Coal Mines (Ventilation) General Regulations, 1947 l (namely, 'percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the air') ; and the provisions of regulations 1 to 5 of those regulations 2 shall apply in relation to determinations required under this article, as they apply in relation to determinations under those regulations. (2) No shot shall be fired in any ventilation district, unless determinations of the firedamp content are regularly being made in that district. (3) If, on a n y such determination in any ventilation district, the firedamp content is found to exceed 1% per cent., no shot shall thereafter be fired in t h a t district on the return side of the place where the determination was made, except as provided in paragraph (6). (4) If the deputy in charge of a deputy's district finds that at any place in a n air current the firedamp content exceeds 1 % P©r cent., or any gas cap can be seen on the lowered flame of a safety lamp, he shall forthwith— (a) ensure t h a t no shot is fired, or shot-hole charged, in his district on the return side of t h a t place, except as provided in paragraph (6) ; and (b) cause notice of the same to be given to the deputy in charge of each deputy's district whereof any part is in the ventilation district concerned and on the return side of the said place. (5) Each deputy to whom notice is given in pursuance of subparagraph (b) of paragraph (4) shall ensure that no shot is fired, or shot-hole charged, in any part of his district which is in the same ventilation district as, and on the return side of, the place concerned, except as provided in paragraph (6). (6) Any prohibition of the charging of shot-holes or the firing of shots in places on the return side as mentioned in paragraph (3), (4) or (5) shall continue until, with respect to any place, the senior official on duty at the mine has satisfied himself that the firedamp content in the place has been reduced below 1^4 P©r cent., and has authorised the resumption there of shotfiring. (7) Except where an excess of the firedamp content over 1% per cent. was caused by a temporary derangement of the ventilation which has been remedied, the manager shall forthwith give notice to the inspector of the division of any prohibition operating under this article. Restriction or Prohibition on Certain Shots. 35. (1) If t h e face of any stone drift is in a seam of coal more than 12 in. thick, or in any goaf, or is known to have approached within 5 yd. of any such seam or goaf, no shotfirer shall in that drift— (a) use any delay detonator, or (b) fire any round of more than six shots, except with the consent in writing of the inspector of the division. (2) In a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used, or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary precaution, no shot shall be fired— (a) in the roof of a longwall working between the coal face and the waste, or (b) in any waste. Precautionary Examinations. 36. (1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used, and to parts of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary precaution. (2) No shotfirer shall fire any shot, unless he has at the places and times specified in this article carried out an examination for general safety, and 1 See Chapters XI and XII. • See Chapter XII, Division 2. 3 . F I E EY AND DUSTY MINES 123 tests for the presence of inflammable gas. Every such test for gas shall be made with a locked safety lamp of a type approved for the purpose of deputies' inspections, an approved methanometer, or other apparatus approved for the purpose. (3) No shot shall be fired, or shot-hole charged, if, at any test made with respect to it under this article, the percentage of inflammable gas present is found to exceed 1 Yi per cent., or if any gas cap can be seen on the lowered flame of a safety lamp. (4) If a succession of shots is t o b e fired singly in coal along a longwall face, the shotfirer concerned shall arrange the shots in groups of not more than six. Paragraph (5) of this article shall apply to each such group as if it was a round of shots ; and the shotfirer shall fire all the shots in any group without interruption for duties other than shotfiring. (5) If shots are to be fired in one or more rounds or groups, the shotfirer concerned shall— (a) before shotfiring in an area is begun, carry out an examination for general safety (including tests for gas) over the whole of that area and the approaches thereto ; ( b) immediately before the first shot-hole of any round or group is charged, test for gas— (i) throughout that part of the working which is between the face and the waste and between the two shot-holes of the round or group which are farthest apart ; (ii) in every accessible place within 10 yd. of either of those shotholes ; and (iii) at the mouth of each shot-hole ; and (c) immediately before firing any round, or any shot in a group, test for gas in the vicinity of each shot-hole, and at the edge of any waste opposite. (6) I n the case of any other shot, the shotfirer shall— (a) immediately before the shot-hole is charged, test for gas at the mouth of the shot-hole and carry out an examination for general safety (including tests for gas)— (i) at the place where the shot is to be fired ; and also (ii) if the shot-hole is in a longwall face but not within 20 yd. of the end of it, throughout all accessible places within 10 yd. from the shot-hole, or, otherwise, throughout all accessible places within 20 yd. therefrom ; and (b) immediately before firing, test for gas in the vicinity of the shot-hole, and at the edge of any waste opposite. Preparation and Charging of Shot-holes. 37. Except with the consent of the inspector of the division, no shot-hole in coal shall be charged, unless the coal has been holed or sheared to a depth greater than the depth of the shot-hole : Provided that this article shall not apply in any anthracite mine or seam, or in a stone drift crossing a seam of coal. 38. ( 1) This article shall apply only to mines in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used, and to parts of a mine in which safety lamps are being used as a temporary precaution. (2) Any person drilling a shot-hole in coal or in a ripping, and finding a break along or across it which exceeds one-eighth of an inch in width, shall mark the hole concerned in some distinctive manner. No hole so marked shall be charged. (3) No person shall charge any shot-hole in coal or in a ripping (being a shot-hole to which the foregoing paragraph does not apply), unless he has tested with the break-detector provided for the purpose for breaks 9 124 VI. SHOTETRING running along or across it, and has satisfied himself that no such break exceeding one-eighth of an inch in width exists. 39. (1) Every shot-hole shall be charged by, and shall be stemmed by or under the supervision of, the shotfirer concerned or another person duly appointed to be a shotfirer : Provided t h a t nothing in this paragraph shall restrict any holder of a shotfirer's certificate from charging a shot-hole under the close personal supervision of the shotfirer concerned, if that holder is practising shotfiring in t h e pit for the purpose of qualification under paragraph (4) of article 12.1 (2) No shot-hole shall be charged with an aggregate weight or length of explosive exceeding the maximum specified on any cartridge forming part of the charge. (3) In a mine in any part of which safety lamps are required to be used, or in any part of a mine in which such lamps are being used as a temporary precaution— (a) no person shall begin to charge any shot-hole in undercut coal, or in a roof ripping within 100 yd. of a coal face, unless he has inserted a plug of sternming a t the back of the hole ; (b) no shot-hole shall be charged in a roof ripping within 20 yd. of the face otherwise than with sheathed explosive." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Federal "89 (b) I n gassy mines a shot shall be fired only after tests with a permissible safety lamp or an equivalent permissible detector have determined the absence of a gas cap or the presence of less than 1 per cent, of flammable gas a t or near the working place and an inspection has shown that no dry flammable coal-dust has accumulated at or near the place of blasting." (R 23.12.1937) Pennsylvania " 1 4 . . . . No shotfirer or any other person shall fire a shot in any working place or a t any point in any mine if his safety lamp indicates explosive gas, and he shall n o t be in possession of any other lamp than an approved safety lamp while performing the duties of a shotfirer. This provision is not intended to prohibit blasting in entries going into the solid coal wherein explosive gas is escaping from the coal, provided it is carried off rapidly, rendered harmless, and diluted below the point of detection on the flame of an approved safety lamp. I n gaseous mines in which approved safety lamps are used, he shall fire no holes unless the entries and rooms which are dry and dusty are so thoroughly wetted as to prevent the existence of any dry dust for a distance of not less than 80 ft. from the hole to be fired, unless the dust is rendered inert to explosibility by rock-dust." (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) "Rule 1 When places are liable to generate sudden outbursts of explosive gas, no miner shall be allowed to charge or fire shots, except under the supervision and with the consent of the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman, or some other competent person designated by the mine foreman for t h a t purpose." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 1 See Division 5 ol this chapter. 4. AIBDOX, CARDOX, HYDROX 125 4. AIRDOX, CARDOX, H Y D R O X CANADA Alberta " 2 1 . (a) The use of the method known as 'Cardox' for the breaking down of coal in mines in Alberta, may be permitted under the following conditions : (1) that authority to use same be first obtained from the Director of Mines in writing ; (2) t h a t the conditions pertaining t o its use shall be those laid down as to its permissibility by the authority under which the certificate of permissibility was issued, and by the manufacturers of the Cardox process ; (3) such conditions shall be strictly observed at all times by the examiner or shot-lighter, and other persons engaged in handling the Cardox shells ; (4) in addition to any other conditions t h a t may be imposed, the following shall be observed : the transport of primed shells from the charging station to the places where they are required for use below ground shall be carried out under the supervision of responsible persons appointed in writing for that purpose by the manager ; adequate means shall be taken to prevent shells falling from the cars in which they are transported below ground or in any other way ; provided, however, the foregoing shall not apply where the manager has authorised the workmen to take into their working places a sufficient supply of shells for one day. (b) The shells shall be placed in a properly drilled and well placed hole. 'Sprag pipes' or equally effective devices or methods shall be used to prevent flying shells. Everyone shall be 100 ft. or more from the Cardox shot and be out of the direct line of the shots a t the time of firing. (c) The shell shall be fired with an electric battery and by a person holding a first-class, second-class or third-class certificate. (d) If a shell misses fire— (1) the person firing the shell shall not himself approach or allow any person to knowingly approach the hole until an interval of not less than ten minutes has elapsed ; (2) if the person firing the shell has occasion to leave the place, he shall fence off the place before leaving and attach to each fence a danger board indicating the presence of a misfired shell ; (3) the person firing the shell shall, before approaching or allowing anyone to approach the hole, disconnect the cable and the removable handle from the shotfiring battery, and shall examine any connections for any defects ; (4) after the expiration of the interval of ten minutes, the misfired shell may be extracted from the hole, provided that the operations shall be carried out by the examiner in charge. Every care shall be taken in recovering the shell and same shall be returned as soon as possible to the person responsible for the charging of the shell." (Explosives Regulations) FRANCE " 2 . Every shell shall bear an identification number and at the time of its delivery be accompanied by a certificate signed by the Cardox Company stating that— (a) it conforms to a type authorised for use in the fuel mines of the country of origin ; and (b) after being numbered, it has been tested a t a pressure the amount of which, at least equal to that capable of being reached during shotfiring, shall be indicated. 126 VI. SHOTETRING 3. T h e l o a d i n g (placing of t h e h e a t i n g e l e m e n t a n d filling) of t h e shell shall b e c a r r i e d o n in special p r e m i s e s s u i t a b l y v e n t i l a t e d a n d in c o n f o r m i t y w i t h rules a p p r o v e d b y t h e divisional i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s a n d d e t e r m i n i n g , in p a r t i c u l a r , t h e conditions for t h e s t o r a g e of h e a t i n g e l e m e n t s . Before e v e r y l o a d i n g it shall b e verified t h a t t h e general condition of t h e o u t s i d e p a r t s of t h e shell is satisfactory ; e v e r y s u s p e c t shell shall b e eliminated. T h e c h a r g e of c a r b o n dioxide a n d t h e characteristics of t h e disc shall conform s t r i c t l y t o t h e specifications of t h e d o c u m e n t s m e n t i o n e d in section 1 ' a n d in p a r t i c u l a r fall w i t h i n t h e following limits : Shell B 37 F 57 Heating element D (gm) Minimum Maximum Minimum D (77.5) D (115) 540 740 650 900 3.5 5.1 Charge of COa (gm) Thickness of disc (mm) | Maximum 3.7 5.3 A f t e r l o a d i n g , e v e r y shell shall b e verified for t i g h t n e s s b y i m m e r s i o n in a s u i t a b l e liquid ; n o shell s h o w i n g leaks shall b e t a k e n i n t o t h e w o r k i n g s . L o a d e d shells shall n o t b e e x p o s e d e v e n for a m o m e n t either t o t h e s u n ' s r a y s o r t o a n y o t h e r cause of a b n o r m a l h e a t i n g . 4 . S u b j e c t t o t h e conditions laid d o w n a b o v e , general e x e m p t i o n shall b e g r a n t e d in respect of C a r d o x shells, B 37 a n d F 57, from t h e provisions of t h e r e g u l a t i o n s o n a p p l i a n c e s u n d e r gas p r e s s u r e . Transport and Use of Shells. 5. R u l e s a p p r o v e d b y t h e divisional inspector of m i n e s s h a l l — r e g u l a t e t h e t r a n s p o r t a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of l o a d e d shells a n d t h e k e e p i n g of t h e m a t t h e face o r n e a r b y ; l a y d o w n t h e p r e c a u t i o n s t o b e t a k e n i n drilling shot-holes, inserting l o a d e d shells, firing a n d r e t u r n i n g t o t h e face after firing ; d e t e r m i n e t h e conditions for t h e e x a m i n a t i o n , m a i n t e n a n c e a n d supervision of e x p l o d e r s ; d e t e r m i n e t h e conditions for collecting discharged shells ; i n d i c a t e t h e p r e c a u t i o n s t o be t a k e n w i t h r e g a r d t o d e t e r i o r a t e d shells o r shells t h a t h a v e misfired ; r e g u l a t e t h e a c c o u n t i n g of l o a d e d a n d d i s c h a r g e d shells a n d supervision over their use ; define t h e functions of shotfirers a n d t h e i r a s s i s t a n t s ; specify t h e n a t u r e of t h e occurrences t h a t shall b e r e p o r t e d t o t h e divisional i n s p e c t o r of m i n e s in t h e t i m e limits t h a t h e shall fix. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) 6. T h e s p e e d of a cage c a r r y i n g l o a d e d shells shall n o t exceed 12 m / s e c . ; only t h e w o r k e r s responsible for t h e t r a n s p o r t , a n d t h e s u p e r v i s o r y personnel, shall t r a v e l i n t h i s cage ; t h e w i n d i n g - e n g i n e m e n , o n s e t t e r s a n d b a n k s m e n shall be notified in a d v a n c e . I t shall be p r o h i b i t e d t o t r a n s p o r t i n one a n d t h e s a m e cage l o a d e d C a r d o x shells a n d explosive s u b s t a n c e s other t h a n h e a t i n g e l e m e n t s . 7. I t s h a l l b e p r o h i b i t e d t o a l t e r t h e conditioning of t h e shells a n d t o h a m m e r t h e m in. If f i r e d a m p is perceptible a t t h e m o u t h of a shot-hole, t h e insertion of a n y l o a d e d shell shall b e p o s t p o n e d a t t h e face i n q u e s t i o n a n d a s u p e r visor shall b e i m m e d i a t e l y notified. 1 Descriptive notice, identification cards and drawings. 4. AIRDOX, CARDOX, HYDROX 127 The operator shall take all measures necessary to prevent as far as possible a shell from being blown out of the shot-hole at the moment of firing and in any case t o prevent it from hitting the personnel. 8. No shell shall be fired unless it has previously been inserted into a shot-hole. Firing shall be done from a safe distance. The wires of the firing line shall not be inserted into the sockets of the loading head until the moment of inserting the Cardox shell into the shot-hole. 9. The proficiency certificate of the shotfirers shall entitle them t o fire Cardox. The insertion of the loaded shell shall be done, and the connections between the sockets, or with the firing line, shall be made, by the shotfirer, or by assistant shotfirers under his effective supervision. Ño shot shall be fired unless the shotfirer has made certain t h a t all the workers belonging to the workplace, as well as all the workers employed in the vicinity and liable to be struck by flying fragments have been duly warned and have taken suitable shelter. The necessary steps shall be taken to stop in good time any person approaching too near the danger zone. The operating device of the exploder shall be kept by the shotfirer, who shall be responsible for it and shall only p u t it in the firing position a t the moment that he himself fires the shot. 10. The firing lines, the exploders, the ohmmeters and other line-testing instruments and the use of mains for firing shall be subject to the provisions of Part X of the Decree of 4 May 1951 and in particular its sections 213 (I) 1 , first paragraph, 214 (2) S 227 (1), (2) and (4)», 228 (1) and (2) " a n d 229 (a) and (b).2 Currents used shall only be of the first category or miniature voltage. 11. An examination of the shots fired shall be carried out after firing ; the air a t the face shall then be swept clear. If a misfire has been found or a round has been fired, this examination shall not begin until two minutes have elapsed after firing. The shells that have misfired shall be withdrawn from the hole under the supervision of an official appointed by the mine engineer. The time between the firing and the withdrawal of the shell shall not be less than five minutes. Special Provisions for Fiery Districts. 12. I n fiery districts and districts considered as suspect— the installation of the firing lines, their connections and terminals shall be carried out so as not to give rise to any risk of sparking ; (b) the exploders and the line-testing instruments shall be flameproof; (c) no shot or round shall be fired unless the shotfirer has immediately before each ignition meticulously tested the atmosphere of the place of use with a firedamp indicator giving immediate readings or a flame safety lamp ; (d) the rules approved by the divisional inspector of mines as provided for in section 5 shall make firing depend on the absence of any firedamp detectable by the flame safety lamp. Nevertheless if the exploders, ohmmeters and other line-testing instruments and the firing line are intrinsically safe electrically, these rules need not make firing depend on the absence a t any point of use of a firedamp content exceeding 2 per cent." (a) (O 4.11.1951) 1 s See Chapter "V, Division 1. See Division 1 of this chapter. 128 VI. SHOTFIKING UNITED KINGDOM "Cardox and Hydrox Cartridges This Order regulates the supply, use and storage of Cardox carbon dioxide cartridges and Hydrox steel tube cartridges, hereinafter collectively called 'the cartridges\ 1. I n all mines to which the Coal Mines Act, 1911, applies, the use of the cartridges shall be governed by this order and not by any Order made under t h a t Act applying to the use of blasting explosives. 2. The cartridges shall be of types permitted by the Minister of Fuel and Power for the purpose of this order and shall be in conformity with specifications prescribed by the Minister. 3. (a) The charging and priming of the cartridges shall be carried out on the surface in a suitable building or room separated from accommodation used for other purposes. In this building or room no inflammable materials other than those required for charging and priming and no smoking shall be allowed, and adequate means for extinguishing fire shall be provided. (b) A notice shall be kept posted up in the charging room stating the prescribed weight of charge and type of heater, igniter or initiator for each type of cartridge in use, and no cartridge shall be charged or primed otherwise t h a n in accordance with this notice. 4. (a) Adequate means shall be employed to prevent cartridges from falling out of the cage while being lowered or raised in the shaft, and they shall be transported below ground only in tubs marked distinctively to indicate their contents, and used for the time being solely for that purpose. (b) The number of cartridges which are taken or allowed to be below ground a t one time shall not exceed the number estimated to be required for use in the next firing shift. If any cartridges remain unused a t the end of the shift, they may be stored below ground until the next firing shift, provided t h a t they are stored in a suitable place specified by the manager. 5. The cartridges shall only be fired by a competent person authorised in writing by t h e manager for the purpose. 6. (a) Every cartridge shall be placed in a properly drilled and placed hole. ( b) The hole shall allow sufficient clearance to permit of the cartridge being inserted without using undue force. (c) The manager shall prescribe, and the person firing the cartridge shall take appropriate measures to ensure, that no cartridge shall be ejected from the hole in a dangerous manner on firing. 7. (a) No cartridge shall be fired except by means of an efficient electrical firing apparatus which shall be so constructed and used— (i) that it can only be operated by a removable handle or plug which shall not be placed in position until a cartridge is about to be fired, shall be removed as soon as a cartridge has been fired, and shall be kept in the personal custody of the person firing the cartridges a t all times when h e is on duty ; and (ii) that the firing circuit is made and broken either automatically or b y means of a push-button switch. ( b) Once a t least in every three months every electrical firing apparatus in use shall be cleaned and thoroughly overhauled either by the maker of the apparatus or by a competent person appointed in writing by the manager. 4. AIRVOX, OABDOX, HYDBOX 129 (c) No person shall knowingly use or allow to be used any firing apparatus which has become unsafe or defective, and no unauthorised person shall open or interfere with any electrical firing apparatus. 8. (a) The person firing a cartridge shall not use, for the purpose of firing, a cable which is less than 20 yd. in length. He shall himself couple up the cable to the cartridge and shall do so before coupling the cable to the firing apparatus. He shall take care to prevent the cable coming into contact with any power or lighting cables. He shall also himself couple the cable to the firing apparatus. (b) The person firing the cartridge shall, before doing so, see t h a t all persons in the vicinity have taken proper shelter, and he shall also take suitable steps to prevent any person approaching the cartridge. He shall himself take proper shelter. If he has reason to believe t h a t there is a possibility of the cartridge blowing through into an adjoining place, he shall send verbal warning to the persons in that adjoining place to take proper shelter. 9. The person firing the cartridge shall, after it has been fired, make a careful examination of the place and see that it is safe in all respects. 10. If the priming charge in the cartridge misses fire— the person firing the cartridge shall not himself approach or allow any other person to approach nor shall any person knowingly approach the hole or attempt to extract the cartridge from the hole until an interval has elapsed of not less than ten minutes ; (b) before approaching or allowing anyone to approach the hole the person firing the cartridge shall disconnect the cable and the removable handle or plug from the firing apparatus and shall examine the cable and connections for any defect; (c) if before the interval of ten minutes has elapsed the person firing the cartridge has occasion to leave the place, he shall fence off the place before leaving and attach to each fence a danger board indicating the presence of a misfired cartridge. (a) 11. Except in a case in which a cartridge is used in an emergency for fire-fighting, no person shall use any cartridge, heater, igniter or initiator in any other way than in accordance with the provisions of this order. 12. I n any mine or part of a mine in which no explosive other than a permitted explosive is allowed to be used— (a) the cartridges shall be fired only by an authorised person possessing the qualifications prescribed for shotfirers ; (b) every such authorised person shall keep a daily record (in a book which shall be kept at the mine for the purpose in accordance with the provisions of section 24 of the Act *) of the cartridges fired by him ; (c) no cartridge shall be fired except by means of the electrical firing apparatus which shall be of a type for the time being approved by the Minister of Fuel and Power ; (d) except with the permission in writing of the Inspector of the Division, no cartridge shall be fired in coal unless the coal has been holed to a depth greater than the depth of the hole ; (e) no cartridge shall be fired unless, immediately before it is to be fired, the authorised person has examined the place where it is to be fired and all contiguous accessible places within a radius of 20 yd. from the place, and has found them clear of inflammable gas and in all respects safe for firing. The examination shall be made by means of a flame safety lamp, with which may be used an electric safety lamp, each lamp (except in small mines) to be of a type approved for t h a t pur1 Coal Mines Act, 1911, now superseded by the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954. 130 (f) VI. SHOTPIBING pose ; or by means of any other apparatus t h a t may be approved by the Minister of Fuel and Power for the purpose : Provided that the requirements of this sub-clause shall not apply to mines in which inflammable gas is unknown. two or more cartridges, b u t not more t h a n six in all, may be fired simultaneously provided that they are fired electrically in series by means of a n apparatus of a type for the time being approved by the Minister of Fuel and Power for t h a t purpose. 13. A copy of this order shall be supplied to every person authorised under clause 5 or clause 12 (a), and a copy shall also be kept posted u p in some conspicuous place at or near the mine where it may be conveniently read or seen by the persons employed." (O 9.4.1941) UNITED STATES Federal "Article IV. Explosives and Blasting 8. Gardox. (a) The provisions governing the handling, storage, and transportation of explosives shall apply to the heater elements of Cardox blasting devices prior to their installation in the shells. (b) Charged Cardox shells shall, except where transported on rubber belts, be transported underground in covered insulated cars or in covered insulated boxes placed in ordinary mine cars or shuttle cars. They shall be stored on wooden racks or in insulated containers in a cross-cut or idle room neck a t least 10 ft. from pipelines, powerlines, conveyors, roadways and haulage tracks, and shall not be removed from such rack or container or wired until ready to use at the face. (c) Where Cardox is used for blasting, the following shall apply : (1) When Cardox is fired all persons in the vicinity, including the shotfirer, shall be around a second corner or in an equally safe place. (2) Blasting cables shall be as long as may be necessary to assure the safety of the shotfirer, attached only after the charge has been placed in the borehole, and maintained in good repair. (3) Blasting cables shall be kept clear of power wires and all other possible sources of active or stray electric currents. (4) The charge shall be detonated with a permissible shotfiring unit. (5) Cardox shall not be shot off the solid, over heavy rock binders or shale, or in a 'tight' shot. (6) Cardox misfires shall not be approached until after the elapse of 15 minutes and shall be handled under the supervision of a competent person. (7) Misfired shells shall be bled off before complete removal from the hole and marked conspicuously upon such removal. (8) All protruding wires shall be removed from misfired shells before the shells are removed from the face. (9) I n gassy mines, examinations for gas shall be made immediately before and after firing each shot or group of multiple shots. (10) Shots shall not be fired in any place where methane can be detected with a flame safety lamp when tested a t a point not less than 12 in. from the roof, face or rib. (11) Cardox shells shall not be heated. This does not apply to heat generated when the shell is discharged. 5 . SHOTFIRERS 131 9. Compressed-air blasting, (a) Where compressed air is used for blasting or breaking down the coal, the following shall apply : (1) Compressed air shall be conducted from the compressor to within a practical working distance of the face by steel airlines tested to withstand an approximate pressure of 20,000 lb. per square inch. (2) Airlines shall be grounded at the compressor and, if possible, a t other low-resistance ground connections along the lines, such as a t borehole casings. They shall not be connected in any way to tracks, waterlines, or other electric power return conductors and shall be suitably insulated where they cross electric wires or underneath the track. (3) Shut-off valves shall be installed every 1,000 ft. in all compressed-air blasting lines and in all branch lines a t a point near the main lines. (4) Compressed-air blasting lines shall be protected at places where equipment passes over, under, or adjacent to them. (5) Steel, copper, or other lines shall not be handled or repaired when air pressure is in the line. (6) Airlines shall be examined periodically for kinks or other weaknesses and replaced immediately when defects are found. (7) Copper tubing shall be coiled and uncoiled properly. The part of the tubing that is affected by frequent coiling and uncoiling shall be renewed periodically because of the dangers from kinks and crystallisation. (8) Blow-down valves shall not be less t h a n 45 ft. from the face a n d shall be around a right angle. (9) Holes for compressed-air tubes shall be within the limits of t h e cut. (10) When blow-down valves are opened to discharge the tube, they shall remain open until time to place the tube in the next borehole except where shear-strip or shear-pin tubes are used. (11) After breaking down the coal in any one place, the tube shall be disconnected a t once from the airline and not reconnected until ready to be used in the next place. (12) When a differential-pressure-type tube fails to discharge, the line leading to the tube shall be disconnected at the blow-down valve, and the tube shall be dragged by means of the line to an inactive place, marked with warning signs, and left one hour before any repair work is done thereon. (13) All persons shall be removed from adjoining working places where there is danger of breaking through and shall be at a safe distance around a right angle while coal breaking is in progress." (FMC 1953) 5. SHOTITRERS FRANCE "212. No one shall be a shotflrer unless he is the holder of an unexpired certificate of proficiency in blasting." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "195. (1) Shotfiring shall only be carried out by persons specially appointed for the purpose (shotfirers), or by supervisory officials. Shotfirers shall not belong to production teams. (2) In rock workings and in isolated remote seam workings, the chargeman hewer may be entrusted with shotfiring as a hewer-shotfirer (Schiesshauer), with the approval of the District Mining Office. 132 VI. SHOTFIRING 196. (1) Authorised shotflring staff (Schiessberechtigte) (section 195) shall have been trained in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office. The manager shall appoint them and, against written receipt, hand them instructions approved by the District Mining Office. Shotfirers and hewer-shotfirers shall, in addition, possess a hewer's certificate and be made responsible by the District Mining Office. (2) Miners who are being trained in shotfiring may fire shots under the direction and permanent supervision of the authorised shotflring staff directing their training. 197. (1) Authorised shotfiring staff shall keep a shotfiring register and immediately enter all shotfiring in it. (2) The shotfiring register shall contain information on the number and description (number of the case and package) of the cartridges received and used a t the various working places and on the number of detonators. (3) Shotfiring registers handed in shall be kept at least three years." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) SOUTH AFRICA (For cancellation or suspension of blasting certificates see Chapter XXII, Division 1.) The Commission of Examiners for blasting certificates consists of an Inspector of Mines (chairman), the holder of a mine manager's certificate, and the holder of a blasting certificate (320). Applications for examination must contain a record certified by the mine manager concerned of the applicant's experience and qualifications and a statement b y the mine manager that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be the holder of a blasting certificate. A blasting certificate may not be issued unless the issuing authority has satisfied itself that, to the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the applicant is competent to conduct blasting operations and to perform the duties of a miner in accordance with the Mines Works and Machinery Regulations. The issuing authority must further satisfy itself that the applicant has good hearing and has the eyesight to enable him to detect small percentages of firedamp by means of a flame safety lamp ordinarily in use (321). The issuing authority for blasting certificates for non-fiery coal mines is a Commission of Examiners or an Inspector of Mines. An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination for a provisional blasting certificate for non-fiery coal mines unless he has satisfied the issuing authority that he is 20 years of age and has had at least 300 shifts of underground experience acceptable to the issuing authority, including 25 shifts at the working-face in a coal mine. Candidates for permanent blasting certificates must be 20 years of age and have had at least 600 shifts of underground experience acceptable to the issuing authority, including 25 shifts at the working-face in the coal mine (323). The issuing authority for blasting certificates for fiery mines is a Commission of Examiners, but an Inspector of Mines authorised by the Government Mining Engineer may issue a provisional blasting certificate for fiery mines. An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination for a provisional blasting certificate for fiery mines unless he has satisfied the issuing authority t h a t he is 20 years of age and has had at least 450 shifts of underground experience acceptable to the issuing authority, and of this period at least 45 shifts must have been spent at the working face in a fiery mine. An applicant m a y not be accepted as a candidate for examination for a permanent blasting certificate for fiery mines unless he has satisfied the 5. SHOTFIBBKS 133 Commission that he is 20 years of age and has had a t least 600 shifts of underground experience acceptable to the Commission, including a t least 45 shifts at the working-face in a fiery mine. A course in gases and gas-testing based on a syllabus approved by the Government Mining Engineer and conducted by an institution approved by the Government Mining Engineer will be accepted in lieu of 30 shifts in a fiery mine, provided that the applicant has attended at least 75 per cent, of the lectures and passed the prescribed examination (324). (R It.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "PAKT Appointment, III Qualification and Equipment of Shotfirers Personé to Fire Shots. 11. (1) No person shall fire a shot in any mine unless he has been appointed to fire shots by the manager in writing (any person so appointed being, in this order, referred to as a 'shotfirer'). (2) No shotfirer shall fire a shot in any mine by means of a delay detonator, or in a round of more than six shots, unless in his said written appointment he is expressly authorised to do so. (3) No shotfirer firing shots in the regular course of his employment in any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to be used shall be paid by wages depending upon the amount of mineral, rock or other debris gotten : Provided that this paragraph shall not apply— (a) in a part of a mine where permitted explosives are required by reason only that safety lamps are being used as a temporary precaution ; or (b) to a master-sinker or chargeman employed on sinking operations. Qualification. 12. (1) No person shall be qualified to be appointed or to be a shotfirer in any mine, unless he— (a) is 22 years of age or more (subject to such reduction, not exceeding one year, in respect of special qualification, as may be approved by the Minister, or by a person authorised by him in that behalf), and has had the experience specified in paragraph (2) ; or (b) is the holder of a service certificate made under paragraph (6). (2) The experience aforesaid is three years' practical experience below ground, including not less than 18 months in the aggregate spent in— (a) getting or cutting coal ; (b) ripping; (c) setting or withdrawing supports at the coal face ; (d) hole boring or packing at the coal face ; (e) (for not more than six of the said 18 months) driving stone drifts or repairing or enlarging roads ; or (f) (in so far as concerns a master-sinker or chargeman employed on them), sinking operations. (3) No person shall be qualified to be appointed or to be a shotfirer in any mine or part of a mine in which permitted explosives are required to be used (not being such a mine or p a r t by reason only t h a t safety lamps are being used as a temporary precaution), unless he is qualified under paragraph (1) and also— (a) has the qualification specified in paragraph (4) ; and (b) has within the last preceding five years obtained a certificate granted as prescribed in rules made by the Mining Qualifications Board, in 134 VI. SHOTFIBING relation to the qualification of deputies, in pursuance of section 15 of the Act, as amended by the Coal Mines (Officials and Inspections) General Regulations, 1951 l , that he was then able to make accurate tests for inflammable gas (so far as practicable with a flame safety lamp). (4) The qualification aforesaid is t h a t either— (a) he is the holder of a first-class or second-class certificate of competency under the Act ; (b) he is the holder of a shotfirer's certificate granted to him by the Minister (after receipt of a report by the Mining Qualifications Board that he possesses the necessary qualifications under the Act) and has spent not less than five shifts in practising shotfiring in a mine under the close personal supervision of a shotfirer ; or (c) his service certificate under paragraph (6) states t h a t the mine concerned was a mine to which Part I I of the Explosives in Coal Mines Order, 1934 2, applied. (5) No shotfirer shall be appointed to fire shots in any mine by means of a delay detonator, or in a round of more than six shots, unless he has, during not less than five shifts, been employed in connection with the firing of such shots under the close personal supervision of a shotfirer appointed to fire such shots, who was not then supervising any other person for the purposes of this paragraph. (6) A service certificate made under this paragraph is a certificate on a form provided for the purpose by the Minister, made during the period beginning on the first day of April and ending on the thirtieth day of June, nineteen hundred and fifty-three, by the manager of a mine, and authenticated, within 14 days of being made, by the owner of the mine or a representative of the owner superior to the manager, certifying that the holder is a person who at some time before the said first day of April had regularly fired shots in the course of his employment in that mine, and who, immediately before t h a t day, was qualified to do so under the provisions which then had effect. (7) Any certificate required to be held as a qualification under this article by any person for the time being employed as a shotfirer a t any mine shall be kept a t the office of the mine, and shall be produced on demand to any inspector, or to any person making an inspection in pursuance of an appointment b y workmen under section 16 of the Act." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Illinois " 2 . In all mines in this state which are classified as non-gaseous and where coal is broken down by the use of explosives, a sufficient number of first-class miners, who shall be citizens of the United States and be able to speak and understand the English language, shall be designated and employed as drillers and shooters or as shotfirers. The duties of drillers and shooters shall be to prepare all explosives for breaking down coal in a safe, practical, and workmanlike manner ; and to fire or detonate explosives. In all mines in this state which are classified as gaseous and where coal is broken down by the use of explosives, a sufficient number of firstclass miners, who shall be citizens of the United States and shall be able to speak and understand the English language, shall be designated and employed as shotfirers. The duties of shotfirers shall be to inspect and do 1 2 See Chapter XXII, Division 2. Fiery mines ; the order has been revoked. 5 . SHOTFUtEKS 135 all the firing or detonating of all explosives prepared in a safe, practical, and workmanlike manner. I n hand-loading mines where the miners drill and prepare their own shots the practice may continue." (A 18.5.1905) New Mexico "817. A person having mine foreman's papers m a y be employed as a shotfirer, assistant foreman or mine examiner and a person having mine examiner's papers may be employed as shotfirer. 818. I n mines employing less than 20 men the mine foreman may also act as mine examiner and shotfirer." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania I n parts of a mine where explosive gas is generated in quantities detectable by an approved safety lamp and in which approved lamps are used, the mine foreman must employ a sufficient number of competent and legally qualified persons to act as shotfirers (14). (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) No person may be employed to fire shots in any mine unless the mine foreman is satisfied t h a t he can perform the work with ordinary care (Bule 3). (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) No person may henceforth be employed as a shotfirer in any gassy bituminous mine, unless he has given evidence of his fitness and competency to handle and use an approved safety lamp and his ability to determine the presence of explosive gas. Certificates of competency will be issued by the Secretary of Mines. In an emergency the mine foreman may deputise temporarily a competent person or persons to act as shotfirers provided that no certified shotfirers are available in the mine (1). (A 25.6.1937) CHAPTER VII SUPPORTS: ROOF CONTROL BELGIUM " 1 . The provisions of the present order shall apply to all underground workings in coal mines. 2. Roads of all kinds, including shafts, that are accessible to the personnel shall be provided with supports capable of preventing any unexpected fall of ground. These supports shall be installed as near as possible to the face. If permanent supports cannot be installed immediately after excavating, temporary supports adapted to the nature of the work shall be installed. When the nature of the rocks allows, the manager may decide not to install supports. His decision shall be communicated to the Divisional Director of the coalfield. The sides of unsupported roads shall be regularly inspected by the supervisory personnel ; the supports of all roads shall be carefully maintained ; stones t h a t threaten to break away from the sides shall be immediately brought down. 3. The manager shall draw up general rules for roof control for each face and t h e y shall be adapted to the normal conditions of the deposit and of operation. These rules shall in particular specify the nature and the spacing of the various parts of the supports and if appropriate of the lagging, and also the methods of stowing and caving. At faces where caving is practised these rules shall specify the general precautions t o be taken for withdrawing props and chocks. These rules shall be brought to the notice of the Divisional Director of the coalfield and of all supervisory officials and workmen responsible for the installation of supports and the carrying out of other measures of roof control. 4. The materials required for supporting faces and roads shall be furnished in sufficient quantity by the manager or by his representative ; they shall be stocked a t easily accessible places near the places of use. 5. The overman and the deputies (surveillants) shall enforce strict compliance with the requirements of section 2 and with the rules governing each workplace, and shall order the application of such measures of reinforcement as are deemed necessary in the event of a disturbance or an alteration in the normal conditions of the workplace or the ground traversed by a road. Every person working in coal, in rock or on timbering shall be bound to obey the orders given and to report immediately to the deputy any insufficiency of supports t h a t he may have noticed. The supervisory personnel and the workers concerned shall as often as necessary verify the condition of the roof and sides and examine the supports. In particular they shall do so at the time of resuming work after any lengthy interruption. Workers employed at the face in coal or in rock shall provide themselves with a suitable instrument for sounding the ground. The manager or his representative shall place this instrument at their disposal." (HO 16.12.1953) SUPPORTS: ROOF CONTROL 137 CANADA Alberta "143. (1) The roof and sides of every travelling road and working place shall be made secure and a person shall not, unless appointed for the purpose of exploring and repairing, travel or work in any travelling road or working place which is not so made secure. (2) Where props or props and booms or cogs are used to support the roof at the working face the roof under which any work of getting coal is carried on shall be systematically and adequately supported and the props, booms or cogs shall be set at such regular intervals and in such manner as the manager by notice posted a t or near the entrance of the mine shall specify. (3) If the District Inspector considers the system of supporting the roof and sides adopted in any mine or part of a mine unsatisfactory, either by reason of the distances between supports being excessive or otherwise, he may require the manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify the system. (4) The requisition shall be in writing under the hand of the District Inspector and shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail to the manager. (5) If the manager objects to the reasonableness of the requisition he may, within ten days after its receipt, send his objection in writing stating the grounds thereof to the Director of Mines and thereupon the matter shall be decided by arbitration. (6) If the manager does not send a notice of objection within the time aforesaid and does not comply with the order within ten days after the expiration of the time for objection, or, where the matter has been determined by arbitration, does not comply with any order sustained upon arbitration within ten days after he is notified of the decision of the arbitration board, he shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. (7) A sufficient supply of suitable timber shall be constantly kept in each working place as near the working face as is practicable and in no case shall it be farther away than the nearest cross-cut to the working face, or other convenient place in the vicinity thereof. (8) I n any part of a mine where any work is being carried out which necessitates the removal of roof supports, temporary props and other support shall, in all cases, be set so as to secure the safety of the persons employed. (9) Props shall not be withdrawn from the gob or under a roof which appears to the examiner or overman to be insecure, otherwise than by means of a safety contrivance and it shall be the duty of the examiner or overman to examine all roofs from under which props are about to be withdrawn with a view to determining whether the props ought to be withdrawn with a safety contrivance. (10) Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent a workman from setting timbers in his working place at more frequent intervals than are specified in any notice, where the same is necessary for safety. 149. The following rules shall be observed as far as is reasonably practicable, in or about every mine : Rule 1. During the operation of undercutting coal either by hand or machinery the working face shall be safely supported by sprags, wedges or wooden props, or other means of support. 138 Vit. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL Rule 20 Every person in charge of a working place shall— (i) before commencing work satisfy himself that the same is in a safe condition to work in ; (ii) inspect his working place carefully at frequent intervals during his shift ; (iii) set sufficient timber to safely support the roof and sides of his working place, and remove or renew the same when necessary and take down all dangerous or doubtful pieces of loose material, b u t if he finds it impossible to make the said place safe he shall fence it off and a t once report it to the manager, overman or examiner and shall at no time leave his working place until it is made safe or fenced off. (e) When any person finds that he has not sufficient timber or other material to make his place safe, he shall immediately withdraw from the place and report it to the manager, overman or examiner." (d) (A 1945) FRANCE (For rock-bursts see Chapter X I I , Division 1.) "130. The underground workings shall be provided without delay with supports and lagging suited to the nature of the ground and regularly maintained as long as the workings are in use. In ground t h a t experience has shown to be safe, lagging or support may be dispensed with, but the sides and the roof shall be systematically observed and cleared. 131. The supports shall be installed in conformity with general rules laid down in instructions of the operator without prejudice to any special measures required by the condition of the workplace. These general rules shall define the characteristics of the supports as concerns the risk of breakage and overthrow ; if appropriate they shall specify the method of removing and recovering supports. 132. (1) The parts of the working face near which work is continued after they have been undercut, shall be suitably spragged. An exemption from this requirement may be allowed in the case of machine cutting. (2) Before clearing a fall of ground the neighbouring parts of the supports shall be suitably reinforced. (3) On caving faces parts of supports shall only be recovered under the direction of a supervisor or an experienced worker. 133. The operator shall provide sufficient quantities of the materials of all kinds required for supports. He shall take all measures to ensure that these materials are constantly available at predetermined places known to the workers. 134. (1) Every sectional overman (surveillant de quartier) shall see to the proper provisioning of his section. (2) He shall examine a t least once in every shift the condition of the roof and the sides of every workplace with a view to the correct installation of the supports. His examinations shall be more frequent in workplaces where there are special difficulties or risks. 135. (1) Workers employed in the coal, in the rock, or on the consolidation of workplaces and roads shall, each in so far as this concerns him, erect the supports with due regard to the operator's instructions and the condition of the ground. (2) They shall see that their workplace and its immediate vicinity remain solidly supported throughout the duration of their work and especially at the beginning and the end of the shift or after shotfiring. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 139 (3) They shall renew or Teinforce the supporta in so far as necessary, or if they cannot do this themselves they shall warn the supervisors. (4) They shall not leave their workplace without having satisfied themselves of the solidity of the supports ; they shall bar the approaches and immediately warn the supervisors if they cannot themselves do what is necessary. 136. (1) Instructions of the operator shall specify, for each method of working ordinarily employed, the method of treating the area extending behind the face and the gate roads. The methods prescribed—packing, caving, or other—shall afford protection against the risks of falls of ground, prevent the outbreak of fires and ensure the ventilation of the face without any dangerous accumulation of firedamp in the waste. (2) The instructions shall be brought to the notice of the district inspector of mines." ÍR 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 2 1 . (1) All mine workings shall a t the time of their construction be protected as soon as possible against falls of rock and coal and be maintained in a safe condition for the whole time that they are in use. (2) For supports in steel and light metal, with the exception of lagging, use shall only be made of structural parts (e.g., props, lids, arches, anchors) of a type authorised by the Divisional Mining Office. (3) In ground that experience has shown to be firm, supports may be dispensed with unless the District Mining Office requires them. 22. (1) The supports shall be installed in accordance with specific rules (mine support rules). (2) In the mine support rules, for every workplace or for every seam, the nature and minimum dimensions of the supports and the maximum distance between the various parts shall be specified. (3) The mine support rules shall be entered in a special register (support register) or in the shift register. (4) Notices displaying the mine support rules for the working face shall be affixed at suitable places underground (support notices). 23. When the ground is bad the supports shall be reinforced. 24. Specially dangerous places shall be secured by special supports. 25. (1) Fissured roofs and loose slabs shall be taken down, or the roof shall be strengthened by leaving a layer of coal intact (angebaut). (2) Overhanging coal and sides that threaten to fall shall be supported against premature collapse. 26. On roads, pot-holes in the roof shall be filled up as far as possible. 27. When changing supports, precautions shall be taken against falls of rock and coal. 28. In reconstructing fallen-in places the neighbouring supports shall be specially protected against thrust (e.g., by chocks, horseheads, strong clamps and bolts). 29. Supports shall be withdrawn only as directed by the competent supervisory official, and only by experienced workers. 30. The shift overman (Schichtsteiger) shall see that sufficient material for timbering is always kept near the workplace. 31. (1) In addition to the supervisory official and the chargernan hewer (Ortsältester), every hewer shall be responsible in his own district for the prescribed installation of supports and the strengthening of supports if the ground becomes bad. 10 140 vn. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL (2) The chargeman hewer shall test the roof and sides and the supports as often as possible, and especially before beginning work after breaks in the work and after shotfiring." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued the following principles for the prevention of falls of stone and coal. "Face Workings. In steep seams diagonal working and extraction downwards have been found satisfactory. With a bad roof the width of the panel to be extracted, and the open space between the coal face and the packing, must be limited. The same applies to extraction upwards in flat seams. If necessary, extraction and packing must be so arranged that, apart from the space being extracted, only the space between two props is left open. In flat seams the height of the conveyer faces must be considered. As a rule excessive height militates against the carrying-out and the maintenance of the packing. Working with dummy roads can only be a makeshift in thin seams, and there can be no exception to the rule that it requires authorisation in connection with the plan of operation. I n dummy roads ripping shots must be fired from the coal face. Where it is possible their floor and not their roof must be removed. Where experience has shown that firedamp may occur, shotfiring is not allowed. Special attention must be paid to supports and ventilation. When approaching the waste or faults, or if the ground deteriorates, special care must be taken (danger of rock-bursts and sudden collapse of large parts of the face workings). If necessary, the method of extraction must be changed. Winning. Coal-cutting machines may not be used under a bad roof. With machine cutting the width of the intervals between the props depends on the depth of the cut. The depth of the cut should not be too large. The width of the intervals between props, measured from centre to centre, should as a rule not exceed 1.50 m. Accordingly, not only the use of coal-cutting machines, but also the maximum depth of the cut, must be regulated. Supports. Timbering must be systematic, irrespective of whether props and caps or bars are used. I t must, from the outset, be so strong that it is sufficient to meet any temporary deterioration in the ground that experience has shown to be likely in the seam. I t is for the chargehand and the sectional overman to decide whether the timbering should be reinforced when conditions deteriorate. Only the district inspector may allow the timbering to be lightened, and he must inspeot the workings beforehand. The strength of the props, bars and lagging poles must be fixed, and also the intervals between props. Even with a good roof, the interval in level and dipping seams should not exceed 1.50 m. Where bars are laid end to end the ends should not overlap. Where lagging is done with poles, regular forepoling must be undertaken with lagging poles and catch props. The permanent timbering must be installed as soon as there is room for it. Whether and in what conditions, and subject to what precautions timber can be robbed, must also be determined. Steel props, except catch props used in forepoling, cannot be used at the face if the roof is doubtful. When approaching breaks in the coal, the waste and faults, and when the roof is crossed by limestone bands, steel props must not be used. The timbers must not be robbed before the packing material has been brought in. When driving headings, as a general rule forepoling must be done with heavy iron bars. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 141 Tipping places must be secured by a heavy horsehead on the side where tipping is done. As a rule this horsehead should not only be hung but also supported at both ends by props. The support rules, including indications of the strength of the timber and the intervals between props, must be conspicuously posted u p on painted boards at each heading, and a t the approaches to the face workings. Packing. Even under a good roof, packing can not be made tight enough. I n steep seams with a very good roof over the whole distance, it must not be more than four times the interval between two props behind the coal face. If necessary, it must be carried to within 1 m of the face. In horizontal seams where coal-cutting machines are used, only three times the interval between two props may be left open. Where machine cutting is not practised only twice the interval between two props may be left unpacked. The packing should not slope down towards the coal face but, by means of a pack wall or packing netting, must be built up vertically to the roof." The following extracts from the above principles have been issued as binding regulations : " 1 . The operation of coal-cutting machines shall be approved as part of the general plan of operations. 2. At working faces where lagging poles (Spitzen) are used for lagging, forepoling shall be done with lagging poles and catch props. 3. Whether, and if so under what conditions and with what precautions, timber may be withdrawn, shall be fixed in the general plan of operations. 4. At headings where the roof is secured by supports, reliable forepoling shall be undertaken. 5. Tipping places shall be secured by a horsehead." Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued— principles for the authorisation, in connection with the plan of operation, of the packing of dummy roads (8 November 1937) ; principles for the authorisation of caving in connection with the plan of operation (31 July 1953). NETHERLANDS "Falls of Stone and Coal 62. (1) The underground workings shall be so safely laid out that danger of complete or partial collapse is prevented as far as possible ; they shall be maintained in an adequately safe condition so long as they remain in use. (2) The State Mines Inspectorate shall be immediately informed of extensive falls of ground and other important occurrences whereby safety may be imperilled. 63. The working faces shall be separated from one another by such distance that the work a t one face is adequately prevented from causing danger to persons at other faces." (MR 1939) "Whenever the condition of the roof so requires use shall always be made of forepoling ; in this case when driving and, if possible, when ripping stone drifts, roads, inclines and dips, two suitable forepoling rails or bars of adequate length shall always be used." (IGR 30) 142 vrr. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL "When robbing timbering in stone drifts and roads the following provisions shall be complied with : (1) The robbing of timbering in stone drifts and roads shall be effected with the help of a robbing winch or by means of a Sylvester. (2) At the place there shall be three stout sling chains or slings which, if necessary, shall be attached to the props or caps to be robbed before a beginning is made with loosening or releasing the timbering to be robbed. (3) If some or all of the wooden facing of the timbering has to be removed, this shall be done from a safe place and, if necessary, with the help of an adequately long wood-cutting chisel fitted on the percussion drill. (4) In so far a s it is necessary to sever fixed bolts in the timbering, this shall be done from a safe place and, if necessary, with the help of a chisel of adequate length fitted on the percussion drül. (5) To prevent untimely collapse of the last timbering, if necessary, span chains with swivelling attachments shall be attached." (IGR 30 a) "Winning of Coal Seams by Room and Pillar Working on End or on Face with Packing 1. The winning of a place shall not be begun before the place preceding that in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid has been brought into such a condition that the workers are adequately protected. 2. If for this purpose packing alone is not sufficient then precautions shall be taken in some other manner such as by constructing stone walls, chocks or extra timbering. 3. A coal seam that gives rise to spontaneous heating shall be mined over the entire thickness. Winning of Coal Seams by the Boom and Pillar Method with Caving 4. The winning of a place shall not be begun before the place preceding that in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid has been brought into such a condition that the workers are adequately protected. 5. The length and the manning of the room to be caved shall be such that the coal face advances at adequate speed and t h a t the ground pressure has no time to expose to special danger the workers in the space along the coal face and the space in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid. 6. So long as t h e roof of a newly attacked room has not broken down the following provisions shall apply : (a) as a rule the timbering shall be supplemented by an adequate number of chocks, if necessary, in more than one row ; (b) the supports and any breaking-props installed between the chocks shall as a rule rest on an adequately firm stone floor or, if this is not available, on a n adequately broad foot or on continuously laid halftimber ; (c) if the provisions of (a) and (b) are not complied with or the usual method of timbering is not used or if during winning the coal face does not advance fast enough, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so informed immediately. 7. If it is to be anticipated that the dip of a seam to be won by the room and pillar method with caving will exceed 20°, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified in writing immediately and before the pillar is attacked. A similar notification shall be made whenever during winning an inclination exceeding 20° is found in a room. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 143 8. I n so far as a road below and above the room in the waste is still used for the intake or return of air, a tight pack of adequate thickness shall be built along this road so as to ensure an airtight separation unless, having regard to the risk of firedamp, other measures are necessary. 9. (1) The robbing of the timbering shall be effected in an adequately safe manner. The workers responsible for this shall be provided with such tools that they can work from a safe place. The holing of the timber supports shall also be done in an adequately safe manner with adequately long wood-cutting chisels. (2) The escapeway in a room to be caved shall, before the last two remaining chocks are removed or the timbering is robbed, be provided, if necessary, with extra timbering. 10. Before beginning the winning of the place following t h a t in which the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor is laid, between the shaker conveyor or the belt conveyor and the robbed part adequate protection shall be installed, which inter alia may consist of non-removable chocks, a t intervals that as a rule shall not exceed 2 m reckoned from centre to centre, or of heavy breaking-props at intervals not exceeding 1 m, which props may also form part of the normal timbering of the place. 11. A coal seam that gives rise to spontaneous heating shall be mined over its whole thickness." (IGR 31) SOUTH AFRICA "10. (1) Any shaft, drive, stope or other excavation of any kind whatsoever, which is in use in connection with the working of a mine shall be made and kept safe for the persons working in such mine, and no person, except for the purpose of exploring or repairing or making safe, shall travel or work, or be caused or permitted to travel or work, in any such shaft or working until it is made secure. The ganger or miner in charge of exploring or repair work or in making the place safe shall take all reasonable precautions that the persons under his charge are secured against falling, hanging and other dangers whilst carrying out such work. (2) I n addition to such securing as above a sufficient reserve of suitable timber shall be provided conveniently for the immediate use of the workmen, together with all other materials and tools necessary for setting props quickly and efficiently. (3) All timber, walling material, brattice cloth, and other material or tools for making any place safe or improving the ventilation, shall be provided free of any charge whatever to the workman. (4) I n any coal mine or parts of a coal mine where the roof is of such a nature as to require timbering, the Inspector of Mines, after consultation with the manager, may require such timbering to be systematic and may give notice to that effect t o the manager, who shall by notices posted in conspicuous places at the mine specify the manner in which timbers are to be set and advanced and the maximum intervals to be observed in roadways between the timbers and a t the face— (a) between each set or row of timbers ; (b) between the last set or row of timbers and the face. (5) If the Inspector of Mines considers t h a t the system of supporting the roof and sides adopted in any mine or part of a mine is unsafe either by reason of the distances fixed being excessive or otherwise, he may require th6 manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify the system. (6) Where the hanging is friable all props shall be provided with headboards or with caps between adjacent timbers. 144 vn. SUPPORTS : KOOF CONTBOL 103. (1) The ganger or miner in charge shall take all reasonable precautions against the injury of persons from the falling or rolling of stones or loose implements or other material. Only square or rectangular blocks of timber shall be used or permitted to be used for machine blocks in any place where the dip exceeds 20°. (2) Before cutting hitches, building pigsties, cogs or packs under dangerous ground, or allowing dangerous ground to be drilled into with the object of blasting it down, the ganger or miner in charge shall by props or otherwise adequately safeguard any person carrying out the drilling or work. 105. The following provisions shall apply to coal mines only : (1) No non-scheduled person shall draw or take down props in collieries except such particular props as he has been specially instructed to take down b y a holder of a blasting certificate and after setting a fresh prop as near as practicable to each prop that is to be drawn. No person other than a holder of a blasting certificate authorised by the manager shall give instructions to non-scheduled persons to take down props, and such holder of a blasting certificate shall not give such instructions unless he has carefully examined each of the props and decided that the operation of drawing the props will be free from danger. (2) The person in charge of a section or district shall be the holder of a blasting certificate and shall exercise such supervision over coal-cutting machines as to see that timbers set to the roof or coal are not removed to make way for such coal-cutting machines without his authority or in his absence and without first setting himself or supervising the setting of other timber as near to the timber to be removed as possible and after satisfying himself t h a t the removal of such timber is not attended with danger to those employed in the place. (3) (a) I n the operation in collieries of pillar extracting or broken working, letting down roof or repairing or timbering roads and airways, props may not be drawn or taken down except by holders of blasting certificates who have had not less than three years' practical experience in coal mining, and who are thoroughly experienced in drawing timber in collieries. ( b) I n pillar extraction or broken working a double row of props shall be set and maintained in good order and condition between all places where persons have to travel or work and the goaf edge. These two rows of props shall not be more t h a n 3 ft. apart, nor shall the props in each row be more than 3 ft. apart, and the ends of each row shall terminate not more than 3 ft. from the solid coal pillar or the working face, as the case may be. (c) I n the operation of drawing timbers in any mine, the person engaged in drawing timbers shall stand under the protection of other well-secured timber or safe ground. (d) I n addition the manager shall supply, in every section or subsection of the mine in which timber is to be drawn, the following tools, so that the person engaged in drawing the timbers may avail himself of any one of them if he considers it necessary for safety : (i) axes or hammers with handles not less than 3 ft. long ; (ii) punch-bars n o t less than 6 ft. long with spikes and hooks ; (iii) lever and chain prop-drawing machine. (4) Except where exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines, in every working place exceeding 6 ft. in width the ganger or miner in charge of the section shall see that sprags or holding props are set to the coal not more than 6 ft. apart, so soon as undercutting commences -where the holing is done by hand, and loose or overhanging coal shall be taken down before undercutting commences. Where the undercutting is done by machinery, sprags or holding props shall be set as soon as the machine will permit and not more than 6 ft. apart. Sprags after having been set for undercutting coal shall not be removed until immediately before the coal is to be brought down by blasting or otherwise." (R 11.8.1937) SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 145 UNITED KINGDOM I t is the duty of the manager to take with respect to every road and working place in the mine such steps by way of controlling movement of the strata and supporting the roof and sides of the road or working place as may be necessary for keeping the road or working place secure. I t is the duty of the manager to take such steps as may be necessary for securing that he is a t all material times in possession of all information relevant for determining the nature and extent of any steps t h a t it is requisite for him to take in order to discharge efficiently the duty imposed by the foregoing paragraph (48). As a general rule, in every coal mine there must be provided and maintained systematic support for the roof and sides of (a) every place where any mineral is worked, (b) every roadhead, (c) every junction of two or more lengths of road through any one of which vehicles or conveyors run, and (d) every length of road in which persons work otherwise t h a n occasionally or for short periods. If an inspector is of the opinion that, with respect to a length of road other than a length referred to in (d) above, systematic support for the roof or sides or both ought to be provided and maintained, he may require the manager to provide and maintain it. Regulations may require, or empower inspectors to require, the provision and maintenance of systematic support for roof or sides, or both, in such other cases and to such extent as may be prescribed. Provision and maintenance of systematic support means provision and maintenance of support in accordance with a system specified in rules to be made by the manager (49). Subject to any exceptions for which provision may be made by regulations, no materials may be used for the support of the roof or sides of any place in a mine other than materials provided by the owner of the mine. I t is the duty of the manager to take such steps as are reasonably calculated to secure that a sufficient supply of materials for support is a t all times readily available where required. Where a sufficient supply of such materials is not readily available, a workman who needs them must withdraw from his working place to a place of safety and forthwith report to a mine official that he has done so ; and, where it appears to a supervisor t h a t such a supply is not available, the supervisor must cause the workman to withdraw from the part of the mine concerned to a place of safety. Where, in accordance with the above requirements, a workman has withdrawn from his working place, the competent supervisor may not allow t h e workman to return until he is satisfied that a supply of support materials will be readily available when the workman needs them (51). No person may withdraw support from the roof or sides of any place otherwise than by a method or device by which he does so from a position of safety. Where it is part of the system of work a t a place to withdraw support from the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste, no person may at t h a t place withdraw support otherwise than in accordance with the system specified in rules to be made by the manager (52). I t is the duty of every person appointed to carry out inspections to ensure to the best of his ability that rules made under the preceding provisions of the Act relating to support are executed and enforced, and t h a t any supports t h a t appear to him to be necessary in addition to those prescribed are duly set (53). Kules made under the provisions of the Act relating to support are referred to as "support rules". Support rules for a mine must comply with such requirements as to form and contents as may be prescribed. 146 vn. SUPPORTS : KOOF CONTBOL If an inspector considers that any support rules in force require modification in any particular, he may require the manager to modify the rules accordingly. A copy of all support rules in force must be kept a t the office at the mine and, where the mine is divided into districts, a copy of the rules for each district must be posted a t the entrance to the district at a suitable place (54). (A 1954) Section 1 of the Regulations of 17 May 1947 has the effect of amending the Coal Mines Act, 1911, as follows : "50. (1) Where props or props and bars or chocks are used to support the roof at the working face, the roof under which any work of getting coal or filling tubs is carried on shall be systematically and adequately supported, and the props or chocks shall be set a t such regular intervals and in such manner as may be specified in the Support Rules. (2) Holing props or sprags shall be set as soon as practicable, and shall be set at such regular intervals and in such manner as may be specified in the Support Rules, and shall not be removed until the coal is about t o be taken down and before the roof supports (if any) have been advanced in the manner specified in such Rules. (3) I n all parts of a roadway in which sets or trains consisting of three or more tubs are coupled or uncoupled, the roof and sides shall be systematically and adequately supported and in such parts and in all other parts of the roadway the roof or sides of which require to be supported, if props or bars are used as supports, such supports shall be set a t such regular intervals and in such maimer as may be specified in the Support Rules. (4) The manager shall make rules (in this Act referred to as the 'Support Rules') specifying, in relation to each seam of the mine, particulars of the system or systems of controlling and supporting the roof and sides to be carried out in connection with the face workings, the roadheads and the roads, respectively, and shall illustrate those particulars by such plans and sections or diagrams as are necessary to make them clearly and easily understood by the persons engaged in carrying out any such system. (4A) The manager shall also specify in the Support Rules the maximum intervals to be observed— (a) between the supports on roads where required ; (b) between the holing props or sprags ; so however t h a t the interval between such props or sprags shall not exceed 6 ft. ; (c) in respect of bars or props in a face working or roadhead— (i) between each row of props ; (ii) between adjacent props in the same row ; (iii) between adjacent bars in the same row ; (iv) between the front row of props and the face at any part of the face where filling has been completed; (v) between the front props and the temporary supports set in advance thereof; so however t h a t such intervals, unless the Inspector of the Division otherwise authorises in writing, shall not exceed— (vi) 4 ft. between each row of props, or 6 ft. if bars are used a t distances not exceeding 4 ft. between adjacent bars in the same row ; (vii) 4 ft. between adjacent props in the same row, and, if bars are required to be used by the regulations, between adjacent bars in the same row; (viii) 3 ft. between the front row of props and the face a t any part of the face where filling has been completed ; (ix) 3 ft. between front props and the temporary supports set in advance thereof : SUPPORTS : BOOS1 CONTROL 147 Provided t h a t the provisions of subparagraphs (vi) and (vii) of this paragraph shall not apply in respect of roadheads in workings other than longwall workings ; and l Provided also that in places where the use of machinery for cutting or loading makes it temporarily impracticable to comply fully with the requirements of the provisions of subparagraphs (viii) and (ix) of this paragraph, those requirements shall be modified to the extent that supports may be removed, over such limited distance as is necessary, from the path of travel of the machine, if supports complying fully with those requirements are set as soon as practicable after the machine has passed ; and Provided also that if the manager objects to a decision of the inspector as aforesaid the matter shall be settled in manner provided by this Act for settling disputes ; (d) in respect of chocks set systematically in rows in a face working"'or roadhead— (i) between each row of chocks ; (ii) between adjacent chocks in the same row ; (iii) between the front row of chocks and the face ; (iv) in advance of the front chocks a t which temporary supports are to be set. (4B) The manager shall also, in connection with such particulars as aforesaid as relate to the roadhead, specify in the Support Rules the method of supporting— (a) the roof between the face and the ripping lip, if any, farthest from the face ; (b) the roof between the ripping lip, if any, farthest from the face and the end of the roadhead ; (c) the face or faces of rippings ; (d) the roof newly exposed by ripping. (4c) Where it is part of the system of work to withdraw the supports from the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste, the manager shall also specify in the Support Rules the system of withdrawing the supports and the intervals between the supports which are to be set and maintained with a view to preventing the roof breaking down over the face working or in any place other than in the waste. (4D) A copy of so much of the Support Rules as applies t o each district of the mine shall be— (a) posted at the entrance thereto in such a position that it can easily be read by every person concerned ; (b) supplied to the fireman, examiner or deputy of the district. (4B) The Support Rules shall be kept a t the office a t the mine and a copy thereof purporting to be certified by the manager for the time being as a true copy shall be received in evidence without further proof. (5) If the inspector of the division considers that the system of supporting the roof and sides adopted in any part of a mine is unsatisfactory, either by reason of the distances fixed or any of them being excessive or otherwise, he may require the manager to fix some less distance or otherwise modify the system, and the manager shall comply with the requisition unless he disputes the reasonableness thereof, in which case the dispute shall be settled in manner provided by this Act for settling disputes. (7) Nothing in this section shall prevent a workman from setting supports in his working place at more frequent intervals than those specified in the Support Rules where necessary for safety. 51. Where the work of erecting the supports of the roof and sides of working places is done by the workmen employed therein, a sufficient supply of timber or other materials suitable for supports shall be kept at or within 10 yd. of every working place where, in pursuance of this Act, supports 148 VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL are required to be erected, and also a t the passbye, siding or other similar place in the mine convenient to the workmen ; and it shall be the duty of the firemen, examiners, or deputies to see that such sufficient supply is so kept, and any working place in which such a sufficient supply is not kept shall not be deemed to be safe for the purpose of the provisions of this Act. Sufficient timber or other materials as aforesaid, to enable the firemen, examiners, or deputies to see that the provisions of this section are complied with, shall be constantly provided. 52. ( 1 ) I n any part of a mine where any work is being carried out which necessitates the removal of roof supports, temporary supports shall, in all cases, be set so as t o secure the safety of the persons employed. (2) Props shall not be withdrawn from the waste or goaf or from under a roof which appears to a fireman, examiner, or deputy to be insecure otherwise than by means of a safety contrivance, and it shall be the duty of the firemen, examiners, and deputies to examine all roofs from under which props are about to be withdrawn with a view to the determining whether the props ought to be withdrawn by means of a safety contrivance." The remaining provisions of the Regulations of 17 May 1947 are as follows : " 2 . (1) Every prop used as a roof or side support shall be set securely and on a proper foundation, and whenever it becomes broken or unstable shall, as soon as practicable, be replaced or made stable. (2) Every prop set in a face working or in a roadhead, unless set under a wooden bar or for the express purpose of inducing a roof break, shall have, between its top and the roof or bar above it, a suitable wooden lid of adequate thickness and of sufficient size to cover at least the whole of the end of the prop : Provided t h a t the Inspector of the Division— (a) may exempt any mine, or part of a mine, from the application of the provisions of this paragraph if he is satisfied t h a t the use of such lids is unnecessary ; (b) may require lids to be set under wooden bars if and in so far as he is of opinion t h a t it is necessary in the interests of safety. 3. Every chock which forms part of a system of support shall be well built on the natural floor, and shall be made tight to the roof ; no round pieces of material shall be used as members, except in chocks which are to be left in the packs or waste. 4. The walls of every pack which forms part of a system of support shall be well built on the natural floor ; and the pack shall be filled with debris and made as tight to the roof as practicable over its whole area. 5. (1) Bars shall be used to support the roof in all face workings where machinery is used for cutting, conveying or loading. Such bars shall be set systematically at such regular intervals and in such manner as is specified by t h e manager in the Support Rules ; and shall be supported as effectively as possible by at least two supports. Such bars and supports shall be set throughout the length and over the whole width of the face working except in so far as it is impracticable to set bars in the path of travel of an overcutting machine or is necessary to remove supports from the path of travel of machinery used for cutting or loading. (2) The Chief Inspector of Mines or the Inspector of the Division may exempt any mine, or part of a mine, from the application of the provisions of the preceding paragraph if he is satisfied that either the natural conditions of the workings or the method of work in use makes compliance therewith inexpedient or ineffective. 6. (1) The roof and wherever necessary the sides of every roadhead shall be systematically and adequately supported by setting supports, SÜPPOBTS: ROOF CONTROL 149 in addition to the packs (if any), at such regular intervals and in such manner as is specified by the manager in the Support Rules. (2) The roof of the roadhead or, in a case in which there is any roof ripping, that part of the roadhead between the face and the roof ripping farthest from the face, shall be supported over the whole width by rows either of bars or of bars and crossbars. Either the bars, or the crossbars, in each row shall be set not more than 4 ft. apart ; so however that bars, and crossbars if used, may be set in such manner and a t such distances apart as the Inspector of the Division authorises in writing. Where there are any roof rippings within the roadhead, a bar or bars shall bo set as near as practicable to each ripping lip extending across the whole width of the ripping. (3) Each bar in relation to its length and the span between its supports shall be of adequate strength and shall be kept supported by svipports of proportionate strength and in such a manner as to ensure its stability. (4) The face or faces of every roof ripping within a roadhead shall be supported by sprags or other effective supports. (5) At any roof ripping, suitable temporary supports specially provided for the purpose shall be set as soon as reasonably practicable to secure the newly exposed roof. 7. Wherever roof supports are removed in order to advance or turn a machine, or to make room for it, long bars shall be used for the purpose of supporting the roof at that place, and there shall never be less than two props to each of such bars : Provided t h a t if an overcutting machine is used, having a jib t h a t cannot be lowered to permit of long bars being used, and in any other circumstances in which the manager satisfies the Inspector of the Division that it is impracticable to use long bars, other temporary supports shall be set which will serve the same purpose so far as practicable. Any dispute between the manager and the Inspector of the Division as to whether or not it is practicable to use long bars shall be settled in manner provided by the Act for settling disputes. 8. When a fall of roof or side involving the displacement or breakage of supports has occurred in any place where any person has to work or pass, any newly exposed roof or sides shall at once— (a) be dressed, if necessary ; and (b) be secured by supports ; before the work of clearing any debris, other than such work as is necessary to set supports, is begun. 9. (1) If coal or any other mineral or stone is to be got from the waste, the roof under which any person is to work for t h a t purpose shall be adequately supported ; and if it is to be got by roof ripping in a n advancing place other than a road or a roadhead— (a) a bar or bars shall be set as near as practicable to each ripping lip, extending across the whole width of the ripping, and shall be supported as effectively as possible by at least two supports ; (b) the face of the ripping shall be supported by sprags or other effective supports ; (c) suitable temporary supports provided for the purpose shall be set as soon as reasonably practicable to secure the roof newly exposed by the rippings. (2) Supports shall not be withdrawn from under the roof adjoining the waste otherwise than by means of a device or method enabling such withdrawal to be carried out from a safe position. (3) Where it is part of the system of work to withdraw supports from the waste or from under the roof adjoining the waste such supports shall be withdrawn in accordance with the system specified in the Support Rules ; 150 VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL and supports shall be set and maintained at the intervals specified in such Rules with a view to preventing the roof breaking down over the face working or in any place other than in the waste." (R 17.5.1947) UNITED STATES Federal "103. The lessee shall at all times provide timber at or near the places where needed, and shall provide other material and supplies for the proper and safe conduct of the operation of t h e mine." (R 23.12.1937) "Article III. Control of Roof, Face, and Bibs 1. Support standards, (a) Adequate minimum standards for roof support suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each mine shall be adopted a n d followed. Such standards shall show the minimum number and the location of supports, such as posts, crossbars, or bolts, that shall be installed. (b) Before roof bolting is adopted instead of conventional timbering as a sole means of support, its effectiveness shall be proved by experimental installations made in rooms or back entries where there is likely to be little travel after completion. Such experimental installations of bolts shall be accompanied by adequate conventional timbering. After such experimental area has been abandoned for regular travel, the timbers may be removed and the effectiveness of the bolts observed over a period of two months. On the basis of these observations, the minimum systematic support standards shall be determined. 2. Support supplies and methods. (a) The management shall provide a t or near the face -workings an ample supply of suitable materials of proper size with which to secure all working places in a safe manner. (b) Safety posts, jacks, or temporary crossbars shall be set close to the face when necessary for safety before other operations are begun and as needed thereafter. (a) Roof shall be adequately supported to protect the workmen when roof material is being taken down, crossbars are being installed, roof bolt holes are being drilled, and when roof bolts are being installed. (d) The roof in all underground working places, unless self-supporting, shall be secured sufficiently to protect employees from falls of roof, face, or rib. Loose roof and overhanging or loose faces and ribs therein shall be taken down or supported. (e) (Section 209 (c)—Title II.) The roof and ribs of all active underground roadways and travelways in a mine shall be adequately supported to protect persons from falls of roof or ribs. (f) Supports knocked out accidentally shall be replaced promptly. (g) Permanent supports in active workings shall not be removed unless equivalent protection is provided. (h) Where roof supports are required at the working faces, persons shall not advance beyond artificially supported roof, except those who are assigned to install supports or inspect the place. 3. Testing of roof, face, ribs, and roof bolts, (a) The management shall instruct all underground workmen in the proper testing of roof, face, and ribs. (b) Persons exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs shall examine and test t h e roof, face, and ribs before starting work or before starting a machine and frequently thereafter. When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately before work is continued or any other work is done, or the place shall be vacated. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 151 (c) A n y foreman finding a d a n g e r o u s roof, rib, or face c o n d i t i o n i n a n y -working place shall cause s u c h c o n d i t i o n t o b e c o r r e c t e d a n d shall order t h e r e m o v a l of persons e x p o s e d t o such d a n g e r from t h e a r e a of d a n g e r except those r e q u i r e d t o correct such c o n d i t i o n . (d) A n y d a n g e r o u s roof or r i b condition f o u n d o n r o a d w a y s o r t r a v e l w a y s shall be corrected p r o m p t l y , or traffic t h e r e u n d e r shall b e d i s c o n t i n u e d u n t i l t h e danger h a s b e e n r e m o v e d . (e) W h e n t h e r e is d a n g e r of eoal rolling o n a p e r s o n d u r i n g or a f t e r c u t t i n g , i t shall b e s p r a g g e d b y p l a c i n g blocks i n t h e c u t o r b y b l o c k i n g w i t h leaning p o s t s . (f) A b a r of p r o p e r l e n g t h shall b e u s e d t o b a r d o w n loose m a t e r i a l . (g) Crossbars a n d t h e i r s u p p o r t s shall be well secured t o p r e v e n t t h e m from being dislodged b y falling or rolling coal or r o c k . (h) W h e n roof bolts a r e t e s t e d , s u c h t e s t i n g shall b e d o n e b y qualified persons designated b y t h e m i n e f o r e m a n . 4. Recovery of supports, (a) R e c o v e r y of roof s u p p o r t s shall n o t b e d o n e b y inexperienced persons unless such p e r s o n s a r e b e i n g t r a i n e d b y a qualified person. I n s t a l l e d roof b o l t s shall n o t b e r e c o v e r e d unless a d e q u a t e t e m p o r a r y s u p p o r t is p r o v i d e d . " (FMC 1953) Illinois T h e m a n a g e r m u s t p r o v i d e a sufficient n u m b e r of p r o p s , c a p s , a n d t i m b e r s , w h e n d e m a n d e d , delivered o n t h e m i n e r s ' cars a t t h e u s u a l p l a c e , i n s u i t a b l e lengths a n d dimensions for t h e securing of t h e roof b y t h e m i n e r s . W h e r e crossbars a r e set b y t h e m i n e r s t h e y m u s t be f u r n i s h e d in t h e r e q u i r e d lengths (20 (a)). E v e r y m i n e r m u s t s o u n d a n d t h o r o u g h l y e x a m i n e t h e roof of h i s w o r k ing place before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k a n d , if h e finds loose r o c k or o t h e r d a n g e r o u s conditions, h e m a y n o t w o r k in s u c h d a n g e r o u s p l a c e e x c e p t t o m a k e s u c h d a n g e r o u s conditions safe. I t is t h e d u t y of t h e m i n e r t o p r o p e r l y p r o p a n d t i m b e r in a skilful a n d w o r k m a n l i k e m a n n e r in o r d e r t o secure his place for his o w n safety w i t h m a t e r i a l s p r o v i d e d therefor b y t h e o p e r a t o r s in l e n g t h s as r e q u i r e d b y t h e p r e s e n t m i n i n g l a w . T h e m i n e r m u s t h a v e t h e necessary tools t o e n a b l e h i m t o c o m p l y w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s of t h i s section (23 (c)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico " 1 5 0 1 . E v e r y shaft, slope, t u n n e l , e n t r y , air-course i n t h e m i n e shall b e sufficiently t i m b e r e d , if necessary t h e r e i n from falling coal or r o c k . I t shall b e t h e d u t y c a r r y o u t a n d enforce t h e provisions of t h i s rule, b u t herein shall be c o n s t r u e d t o relieve t h e m i n e r from t h e his o w n working place s a v e as hereinafter p r o v i d e d . a n d working place to protect persons of t h e o p e r a t o r t o nothing contained d u t y of c a r i n g for 1502. E v e r y w o r k m a n e m p l o y e d in a m i n e shall e x a m i n e his w o r k i n g p l a c e a s t o safety from loose r o c k o r coal before c o m m e n c i n g w o r k a n d also a t f r e q u e n t i n t e r v a l s d u r i n g t h e shift. H e shall t a k e d o w n o r secure loose r o c k or coal i m m e d i a t e l y a n d shall set p r o p s a n d o t h e r t i m b e r i n g s e c u r e l y as soon as n e e d e d a n d a s r e q u i r e d b y m i n e t i m b e r i n g r e g u l a t i o n s . 1503. P r o p e r a n d s y s t e m a t i c m e t h o d s of t i m b e r i n g shall b e a d o p t e d t h r o u g h o u t each m i n e . 1504. Should a w o r k m a n a t a n y t i m e find his w o r k i n g place b e c o m i n g d a n g e r o u s b e y o n d his control from a n y cause or condition, h e shall a t o n c e cease w o r k a n d notify t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or his a s s i s t a n t of s u c h d a n g e r a n d , u p o n l e a v i n g such p l a c e h e shall place s o m e p l a i n w a r n i n g a t t h e e n t r a n c e t h e r e t o , t o w a r n o t h e r s from e n t e r i n g i n t o t h e d a n g e r a n d h e shall n o t r e t u r n u n t i l ordered t o d o so b y t h e m i n e f o r e m a n or h i s a s s i s t a n t . 152 VII. SUPPORTS : ROOF CONTROL 1505. I t shall b e the duty of the operator to see that all miners in the mine are supplied with suitable timbers. I t shall be the duty of the miner t o have such suitable tools as are necessary to keep his working place in safe condition. For the purpose of this and section 1506 the term 'timbers' shall be held to include and mean all wood to be used by the miner and /or steel or concrete material used in lieu of timber. 1506. Every miner when first employed shall be instructed by a responsible mine official in proper timbering and roof testing practice and correct practice in barring down loose material." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania The mine foreman must see that every working place is properly secured by props or timbers and t h a t no person works in an unsafe place unless for the purpose of making it safe. He must also see that workmen are provided with sufficient timbering materials, all of which must be reasonably suitable in size and be delivered to the working places (6). Every workman in need of roof supports, including wedges, cap pieces and lagging, must notify the competent supervisory official at least one day in advance, giving particulars of the type, quantity and sizes required. I n an emergency any such material may be ordered immediately. If for any reason the necessary material cannot be supplied when required, the mine foreman or his assistant must instruct the workmen to vacate the place until the material needed is supplied (7). The mine foreman must see t h a t as the workings advance all dangerous and doubtful pieces of coal, slate and rock overhead are taken down or at once carefully secured against falling on the workmen (9). (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) CHAPTER V i n HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES1 1. GENERAL CANADA Alberta " 1 4 1 . (1) No mine ears shall be used in any mine unless the bumpers are of sufficient length and width to keep the bodies of the cars separated by not less than 12 in. when the cars stand on a straight level road and the bumpers touch each other. (2) No wooden track or wooden turn-table shall be used in any mine to which this Act applies except for a short set of temporary track next the working face. 149 Rule 18. Every person shall use great care and precaution in handling cars so that no injury will occur. Rule 20 (c) No person in or about any mine shall improperly use or remove any signal, signal wire or signal apparatus and no person without proper authority shall give any signal. Rule 21. (a) Any person in charge of any haulage road, plane or incline, or any ears or machinery thereon, shall at all times pay strict attention to signals and to any deviation from the regular course of said cars or machinery and when he finds anything defective, he shall forthwith stop the cars and the machinery until the defect is repaired or remedied ; he shall also report to the manager, overman or person under whose charge he may be, forthwith, any danger, weakness or defect he may find. ( b) Any person whose duty it is to couple any car to any rope or chain or to any other car, shall see that the couplings are secure, properly made, in good order and not twisted, and no cars shall be coupled or uncoupled while the same are in motion. (c) Stop blocks or some other efficient appliance to prevent cars from accidentally going down, shall be provided and used at the top of all self-acting inclines, slopes and shafts. (d) Where a drag or other appliance is required to be used by the manager or overman, the person in charge of it shall in all cases attach the drag or other appliance to the cars before hoisting begins. Rule 26. No person shall guide any rope on to a drum, sheave, pulley» wheel or sprocket by hand or with a bar, while it is in motion. Rule 27. (a) Every road on which a horse or other animal is used underground, or by which it has to pass or get to its work, shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow the horse or other animal to pass without rubbing itself or its harness against the roof or sides. • For regulations concerning both haulage and winding see also Chapter X. 154 Vin. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KO ADS AND INCLINES (b) On all horse roads and haulage roads adequate clearance shall a t all times be maintained between the sides of the cars and the sides of the roads, and between the top of the car or contents thereon and the roof. (c) Every haulage and horse road shall be kept clear as far as possible of obstructions and no one shall place rails, pipes, props or other materials on one side of a haulage or horse road unless the opposite side at that part is kept clear of all obstructions. Rule 31. If the examiner finds any of the ropes, chains, signals, brakes, McGinty wheels and posts or other apparatus to be in an unsafe condition he shall stop the use thereof. Rule 32 (e) Sufficient and suitable sprags shall be provided and every person shall exercise great care while running or drawing cars and if necessary shall use sufficient sprags to prevent the said cars from getting beyond control." (A 1945) FRANCE "79. (1) The tubs shall have buffers the projection of which ensures a clear space of a t least 20 cm between the tub frames when the tubs are in one straight line. If this is impossible in existing installations, the necessary temporary exemptions shall be granted by the local inspection authority. (2) The couplings of the tubs shall make it possible to perform the operations of coupling and uncoupling without going between the tub frames unless the projection of the buffers allows this to be done without danger. (3) The coupling hooks shall be so arranged as not t o become detached while the tubs are running. 88. In roadways where haulage is carried on by mechanical means or by animals, and which are not wide enough to allow a person to stand in safety at the side, shelters in which two persons can take refuge shall be built in the sides a t intervals of not more than 50 m ; these shelters shall always be kept unobstructed. 89. At points where the usual volume of traffic justifies it, the haulage roads shall be provided with adequate fixed lighting. 90. At points where the tubs are usually coupled or uncoupled, there shall be available to the personnel, on a t least one side of the road, a clear space sufficient to allow them to reach such points safely. 93. Measures shall be taken to prevent the tubs standing in the roadways from running away, and moving tubs from acquiring a dangerous speed. 94. (1) I t shall be prohibited to go in front of tubs to slow them down, and to leave them to run by themselves on gradients except at places where sets are made u p ; approaches to these points shall be indicated by a conspicuous signal. I n low roads drawers shall handle the tubs with the help of devices protecting their hands from injury. (2) The tubs of one and the same set shall be securely coupled together. Hand haulage b y teams of men shall be prohibited failing an exemption granted by the local inspection authority. 95. I t shall be prohibited to rerail, by hand, a derailed tub before unhitching the animal, uncoupling the locomotive or detaching the chain or the rope. 1. GENERAL, 155 If it is desired to use a device that prevents any unexpected movement of the derailed tub, or a rerailer not fixed in position, the consent of the driver or the winchman shall be obtained before installing it. 96. Every set shall be equipped with a white lamp in front and a red lamp at the rear. Except in roadways provided with fixed lighting, locomotives shall carry a reflector lamp illuminating the road over a distance a t least equal to that required to stop the set. 97. The movement of trains or of mechanically propelled vehicles shall be governed by instructions approved by the divisional inspector of mines ; these instructions shall also determine the conditions for pedestrian traffic in the same roadways." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "Underground Haulage in General 32. (1) Drawers and horse drivers shall so place or carry the lamp during haulage that the light can be seen ahead. (2) Horse-hauled sets shall carry a conspicuous red tail-light on the last tub. 33. (1) Except at landings and loading places and during shunting, tubs that are moved together shall be coupled. (2) The couplings shall be so made that they can be safely handled from the side. 34. On inclined roads stationary tubs shall be blocked. 35. (1) A derailed loaded t u b shall only be rerailed with mechanical appliances. (2) In horse-haulage, derailed tubs shall not be rerailed until the horse has been unhitched. (3) In mechanical road haulage, before rerailing by hand the haulage engine shall be stopped. (4) On mechanical haulage planes derailed carriages, counterweights and tubs shall not be rerailed by hand until both the carriage or the t u b and the counterweight have been secured against running away by means independent of the haulage or braking equipment. Haulage on Horizontal Roads Hand-Haulage. 37. (1) In hand-haulage, drawers shall keep their tubs at least 10 m apart. They shall not allow the tubs to run by themselves. On gradients the tubs shall be braked. (2) Subsection (1) shall not apply to the movement of tubs a t landings and loading places and during shunting. 38. (1) I n horse-haulage only a -walking pace shall be kept. (2) The driver shall walk by or before his horse, lighted lamp in hand, when he is not occupied with the tubs. With the permission of the competent supervisory official he may ride on the first t u b ; in this case he shall drive the horse with reins. (3) The horse shall not be harnessed to the tubs until they have been coupled ; it shall be unharnessed before they are uncoupled. (4) Tubs detached from the set shall only be recoupled to the set after the horse has been unharnessed. (5) If the driver leaves the set he shall unharness the horse. (6) The swingletree shall be so arranged that it cannot scrape along the ground." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 11 156 VUE. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KOADS AND INCLINES NETHERLANDS ' 'Hand-Haulage 77. (1) Drawers shall take care t h a t two or more tubs pushed by them are so safely coupled to each other that accidental uncoupling is not possible. (2) Drawers shall take care t h a t in horizontal roads they keep at least 10 m, and in inclined roads at least 25 m, from the drawers in front of them. (3) Drawers shall take care t h a t their lamp is visible a t all times to persons approaching, unless general lighting is provided a t the place. 78. (1) Drawers shall so safely block standing tubs that they cannot start to move accidentally. (2) Whenever the gradient of a haulage road or stone drift over a considerable distance is such t h a t the drawers cannot a t all times and at all places safely stop the tubs, winches shall be employed unless the haulage roads are so wide t h a t safe passing is possible throughout and braking devices are used. 79. (1) In descending an inclined road it shall be prohibited to go in front of the t u b so as to hold it by pushing backwards. ( 2 ) If haulage roads are so low that the drawer's hands can be endangered when resting on the top of the tub, the tubs shall be provided with suitable hand grips fitted low, or with other adequate protective devices. (3) Derailed full tubs shall not be rerailed by a single person, except with the help of a crow-bar ; for this purpose the responsible supervisor shall take care t h a t an adequate number of crow-bars are provided a t an adequate number of places along the haulage roads and face workings. These crow-bars shall be used by the drawers. Haulage Animals 80. (1) With animal haulage on inclined roads care shall be taken that the sets of tubs can be safely stopped a t all times and at all places. (2) Roads where animal haulage is carried on shall be so wide and so high that the animal cannot injure itself. (3) If no adequate general lighting is provided, the driver shall precede the set with a brightly burning lamp, or, if he rides on the set, such a lamp shall be fastened in front of the set or on the animal, so that the light is visible to all persons approaching. (4) At the rear end of the last tub or on the last tub, the driver shall place a lamp that throws a bright red light rearwards. (5) The driver shall never ride on the animal. (6) Animal haulage and locomotive haulage shall not take place simultaneously on the same stretch of road. 81. (1) Haulage animals shall be provided with spacious and properly ventilated and lighted stables. (2) Haulage animals shall not be overworked and, as a rule, shall not be worked for more than eight hours in 24. (3) I t shall be prohibited to use haulage animals that are crippled or otherwise unfit for the work. Mechanical Haulage 82. (1) Mechanical haulage using locomotives that can give rise to ignition phenomena shall be prohibited without the special authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. 1. GEKBE.AL 157 (2) Mechanical haulage using shaker conveyors, belt conveyors, scraper conveyors, locomotives, winches, etc., shall be effected safely. (3) Haulage shall be stopped whenever such defects are noticed in the haulage installations as might cause danger to persons." (MR 1939) "The sidings near staple pits, inclines, etc., where the arrangements are such that loose tubs are constantly in movement, shall, during the period of regular use, be permanently lighted either by electricity or by miners' lamps, etc." (IGR 47) Note : The Inspector-General has also issued regulations (No. 13) concerning the fastening of haulage ropes on drums. UNITED KINGDOM I t is the duty of the mine manager to take, with respect to every length of road in which vehicles or conveyors run, or is used at the beginning or end of a shift by not less than ten persons for the purpose of walking to and from their working places, such steps as may be necessary to secure that— (a) every such length of road made after the commencement of the Act is so made and maintained as to avoid sudden changes of direction, height, width and gradient, except where this is inadvisable or unnecessary ; (b) every such length of road, whether made before or after the commencement of the Act is kept free from obstructions and the floor is kept in good repair and in such a condition that any persons or animals who use that length of road can tread it with reasonable convenience and safety. If an inspector is of opinion t h a t any sudden change of direction, height or width in a length of road ought to be eliminated he may require the manager to execute such works as will eliminate the sudden change (34). As a general rule every length of road in a mine which is used at the beginning or end of a shift by not less than ten persons for the purpose of walking to or from their working places in the mine, must, if the length was made after the commencement of the Act, be not less than 5 ft. 6 in. in height throughout. If an inspector is of opinion that such a length of road made before the commencement of the Act is not high enough or not wide enough he may require the manager to have the length brought up to a specified height or width as the case may be (35). Except for the purposes of specified repair work, the mine manager— (a) may not permit vehicles to run in any road unless neither the vehicles nor their loads, nor the ropes to which the vehicles are attached, nor animals nor their harnesses, rub against the roof or sides, or anything supporting the roof or sides or both, or anything in the road except control devices ; (b) may not permit a conveyor to be operated in any road unless neither the conveyor nor its load rubs against the roof or sides, or anything supporting the roof or sides or both, or anything in the road (36). The manager is empowered to make rules (transport rules) with respect to the use of vehicles and conveyors and the conditions under which they may be used, and generally for securing the safe operation of vehicles and conveyors and the avoidance of bodily injury to persons by reason of the running thereof, and must make such rules specifying— (a) a standard height and width with respect to each length of road in which vehicles run or conveyors operate ; (b) the maximum loads that may be carried hi vehicles in any length of road and the maximum number of vehicles loaded or unloaded that may be coupled together to run as a set or train in any length of road ; 158 VIH. HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (c) the maximum speeds at which vehicles may run in any length of road ; and (d) the circumstances in which and the conditions under which persons may travel in vehicles or conveyors in a road, and the precautions to be observed when persons so travel. I t is the duty of the manager— (a) to frame such of the provisions of transport rules as relate to the height and width of roads so as to secure the safety of persons who work and pass through the roads while vehicles are running or conveyors are being operated therein ; f b) to frame such of the provisions of transport rules as relate to loads, so as to secure t h a t each maximum load specified will, in his opinion, afford a reasonable margin of safety. I t is the duty of the manager— (a) to take, with respect to every length of road regarding which a standard height and width is specified by provisions of transport rules, such steps as are appropriate for securing t h a t the height and width are at all times throughout t h a t length of road not less than the specified standard height and width ; (b) to secure t h a t all other provisions of transport rules are executed and enforced. A copy of the transport rules in force must be kept at the office at the mine or at a place approved by an inspector, and notices that can conveniently be read, containing a summary of the rules, must be kept posted in conspicuous places in the mine (37). Regulations m a y require the provision in prescribed cases of facilities whereby persons employed below ground may be carried through the roads whereby they go to and from their working places or through parts of those roads, being cases where the provision of such facilities appears to the Minister to be necessary or expedient in the interests of safety or for the purpose of avoiding excessive fatigue (38). Subject to certain exceptions, the following provisions have effect with respect to every length of road in which vehicles are moved otherwise than by means of hand or animal traction : (a) during any period in which vehicles are moving on the length of road no person may pass on foot on the length of road unless the movement of vehicles is specially stopped for the purpose ; (b) if the length of road is used at the beginning or end, or both, of a shift by not less t h a n ten persons for the purpose of walking to and from their working place in the mine, it is the duty of the manager to fix a period, or periods, for the purpose of enabling them to do so in safety, and no person may cause or permit a vehicle to move in that length of road during a period so fixed. Except with the written permission of the manager, no person may, except as provided in the transport rules, accompany on foot a vehicle which is moving as p a r t of any rope haulage apparatus (39). Subject to any exceptions for which provision may be made by regulations, the manager m a y not permit vehicles, other than vehicles moved by hand, to run in any length of road unless, except within 75 ft. of a working face served by it, it is provided at prescribed intervals and at prescribed positions with refuge holes of prescribed dimensions and complying with prescribed requirements. Every such refuge hole must be kept free from obstruction (40). So long as vehicles are used in a mine there must be provided, maintained and used, such safety devices as are necessary to prevent the occurrence of accidents due to vehicles running away ; and every device so provided must as a general rule be designed to assume automatically the position in which it operates for the purpose for which it is designed. 1. GENERAL 159 In addition to the provision of such safety devices, the necessary steps must be taken respecting a person who, otherwise than as a matter of routine, is at work a t a place through which vehicles run, to protect him from bodily injury in the event of a vehicle running away (41). UNITED STATES Federal "78. Every mine locomotive shall be provided with an efficient headlight and a gong or bell, and the front end of every trip of cars in. transit shall be provided with a light of no less intensity than t h a t of lights used by miners. A red light shall be displayed on the rear end of every trip in transit except on the rope end of a trip while being lowered on a slope. 80. (a) In any mine in which more than ten men are employed underground on any shift, all haulageways used for the travel of men, unless a clearance of 4 ft. or more exists on one side and is kept free from debris, shall be provided with shelter holes on the side of the roadway opposite the trolley and power lines, at intervals of not more than 100 ft. The shelter holes shall be at least 4 ft. wide, 4 ft. deep, and 6 ft. high unless the entry, tunnel, or slope is of less height, and then they shall be on the same level and as high as the roadway, and they shall be kept whitewashed and free from debris. Cross-cuts and room-necks may be used as shelter holes if on the side used for travelling. (b) On haulage roads other than slopes, not used as travelling ways, shelter holes will not be required if the clearance between the mine car and the rib of the entry is at least 3 ft. 81 (c) Frogs, switch-points, and guard-rails shall be properly blocked and switch-levers so installed as to prevent men from tripping over them." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. Transportation 3. Haulage roads, (a) The road bed, rails, joints, switches, frogs, and other elements of the track of all haulage roads shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in a manner consistent with speed and type of haulage operations being conducted to insure safe operation. (b) All track switches, except room and entry-development switches, shall be provided with properly installed throws, and, where necessary, equipped with guard-rails. Room and entry-development switches shall be provided with properly installed latches and bridle-bars. (c) Track switches, except those in rooms and in entry development shall be equipped with properly installed guard-rails wherever necessary. (d) At least 24 in. of clearance shall be provided a t switch throws for a distance of not less than 10 ft. on each side of such throws. (e) Rails shall be secured at all joints by means of plates or welds. (f) Shuttle-car haulage roads shall be maintained as free as practicable from bottom irregularities, debris, and wet or muddy conditions t h a t make it difficult to control the shuttle car. 4. Clearance and shelter holes, (a) Track-haulage roads in entries, rooms, and cross-cuts developed after the effective date of this code shall have a continuous clearance on one side of at least 24 in. from the farthest projection of moving traffic ; provided, however, t h a t this does not prohibit the changing of the clearance side, should it become necessary, if adequate 160 VU!. HATTLAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES clearance is provided on both sides for a distance of not less than 100 ft. and warning signs are provided at such locations. (b) Track-haulage roads in entries, rooms, and cross-cuts developed after the effective date of this code shall have a continuous clearance on the 'tight' side of at least 6 in. from the farthest projection of moving traffic. (c) On haulage roads where trolley lines are used, the clearance for travelling shall be on the side opposite the trolley lines, except where such lines are 6% ft- or more above the rail. (d) The clearance space on all track-haulage roads shall be kept free of loose rock, supplies, and other loose materials ; provided, however, that not more than 24 in. need be kept free of obstructions. (e) Ample clearance shall be provided at conveyor-loading heads, at conveyor-control panels, and along conveyor lines. (f) Where it is necessary for men to cross conveyors regularly, suitable crossing facilities shall be provided. (g) Shelter holes shall be provided at intervals of not more than 80 ft. along all haulage entries driven after 24 July 1946, except conveyor entries. (h) Shelter holes made after the effective date of this code shall be at least 5 ft. in depth, not more than 4 ft. in width, and 6 ft. in height, or as high as the travelling space if the travelling space is less than 6 ft. high. Room-necks and cross-cuts may be used as shelter holes even though their width exceeds 4 ft. (i) Shelter holes shall be kept clear of refuse and other obstructions. (j) Shelter holes shall be provided at manually operated doors and at switch-throws, except where more than 6 ft. of side clearance is maintained and a t room switches. (Jc) At each underground slope landing where men pass and cars are handled, a shelter hole at least 10 ft. in depth, 4 ft. in width, and 6 ft. in height shall be provided. (I) Upon the approach of moving traffic, persons not engaged in haulage operations shall take refuge in shelter holes or other places of safety. 5. Haulage equipment, (a) Locomotives, mine cars, shuttle cars, supply cars, conveyors, and all other haulage equipment shall be maintained in a safe operating condition. (b) Wherever practicable track-mounted self-propelled mobile equipment and shuttle cars for use underground and ordered after the effective date of this code shall be equipped with safe seating or standing facilities for the use of the operator while tramming. 6. Safety devices and practices, (a) Locomotives shall be equipped with proper rerailing devices for the rerailing of locomotives and cars. (b) An audible warning device and headlight shall be provided on each locomotive and shuttle car. (c) A permissible trip-light shall be used on the rear of trips pulled and on the front of pushed trips and trips lowered in slopes ; provided, however, that trip-lights need not be used on cars being shifted to and from loading machines, on cars being handled at loading heads, during gathering operations at working faces, or on trips pulled by animals. (d) Pushing of cars on main haulage roads shall be prohibited, except where necessary to push cars from side-tracks located near the working section to the producing entries and rooms, where necessary to clear switches and side-tracks, and on the approach to cages, slopes, and surface inclines. (e) Backpoling shall be prohibited except a t places where the trolley pole cannot be reversed or when going u p extremely steep grades and then only a t very slow speed. (f) No person, other than the motorman and brakeman, shall ride on a locomotive unless authorised by the mine foreman and then only when 1. GENERAL 161 safe riding facilities are provided. No person shall ride on any loaded car or on the bumper of any car ; provided, however, that the brakeman may ride on the rear bumper of the last car of a trip pulled by locomotive, and an animal driver and trip-rider of a rope trip shall ride in the safest possible position on the trip. (g) No person shall get on or off moving locomotives or cars being moved by locomotives ; provided, however, that the brakeman may get on or off the rear end of a slowly moving trip. (h) Operators of shuttle cars shall face in the direction of travel except during the loading operation. (i) All trips and locomotives shall come to a complete stop before cars are coupled or uncoupled by hand unless a coupling hook is used. (j) Standing cars on any track, unless held effectively by brakes, shall be properly blocked or spragged. Cars shall be secured effectively at working faces. (k) Positive-acting stop-blocks or derails shall be used where necessary to protect persons from danger of moving or runaway haulage equipment. (I) Slides, skids, or other adequate means shall be used on descendingtrips on grades where the locomotive is not adequate to control the trip, and, where practicable, a drag shall be used on ascending trips. (m) Material being transported shall be so loaded and protected t h a t there is no danger to the motorman or brakeman from sliding of equipment and material. (n) Where safe seating facilities are provided on self-propelled mobile equipment, the operator shall be seated while such equipment is being trammed. (o) Operators of locomotives and shuttle cars shall sound a warning before starting such equipment and on approaching curves, side-tracks, doors, curtains, manway crossings, or any other places where persons are or likely to be. (p) Locomotives following other trips shall maintain a distance of 300 ft. from the rear end of the preceding trip or locomotive unless such locomotives are coupled to the trips. (q) Where block signals are used, not more than one locomotive, except pushers, shall operate in any signal block at the same time unless by special authority. (r) Where a dispatcher is employed to control trips, traffic under his jurisdiction shall be moved only at his direction. (s) Except in emergencies, timbers and other materials not necessary for, or not incident to, the operation of locomotives, cutting machines, loading machines, and coal-drilling machines shall not be transported on such equipment." (FMC 1953) Illinois "15. (a) On all single-track haulage roads, where hauling is done by machinery, which roads the persons employed in the mine must use while performing their work or travel on foot to and from their work, there shall be places of refuge on one side not less than 3 ft. in depth from the side of the car, and not less than 4 ft. long and 5 ft. in height and not more than 60 ft. apart. On all such roads constructed after the passage of this Act, the refuge places shall be placed on the opposite side from the electric power wire. On rope-haulage roads, means of signalling shall be established between the haulage engineer and all points on the road. A conspicuous light shall be carried on the front, and a gong, conspicuous red light or white signal board on the rear of every trip or train of pit cars moved by machinery. 162 v m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES Where man-trips are operated there shall be, on one side of man-trips, where men get on and off man-trips, a place at least 3 ft. from rail free from obstruction the full distance of man-trips. (b) On all haulage roads on which the hauling is done by draft animals, whereon men are obliged to be in the performance of their duties or have to pass to and from their work, there shall be places of refuge not less than 2 % ft- " i width from the side of the car, and not less than 4 ft. long and 5 ft. in height, and not more than 60 ft. apart. (c) Refuge places shall not be required in entries on which room-necks a t regular intervals not exceeding 60 ft. furnish the required refuge places. (d) All places of refuge must be kept clear of obstructions and no material shall be stored or be allowed to accumulate therein. (e) One side of all haulage roads shall be kept clear of refuse or materials, except timbering, unless the rib or timbering on such side shall be 2 % ftor more from the rail, but in such case materials or refuse shall not be permitted within 2 % ft. of the rail. 16. (a) When there is a n open hook coupling on either end of the car, the hook and links must be attached so that, when hanging down, the coupling will be clear of the ties and rails. (b) I n mines opened after the passage of this Act all mine cars shall be equipped with a bumper or bumpers on each end, which shall project from beyond the end of the car not less than 4 in. in length. This shall not be held to apply to mines employing ten men or less. " ™' v J * (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "1101. (a) I n any coal mine all entries, tunnels and slopes used both for the travel of men and for animal or mechanical haulage shall be provided with shelter holes a t intervals not exceeding 100 ft. ; the shelter holes shall not be less than 4 ft. high, 4 ft. deep and 4 ft. wide and approximately level with the road, and shall be kept whitewashed or otherwise well marked and free from debris. Provided that where the clearance between mine car or locomotive and the rib is 4 ft. or more, shelter holes will not be required, provided the clearance space between track and rib is kept free of debris. And provided t h a t cross-cut or room-necks will answer in lieu of the shelter hole requirement provided that they are properly accessible and free of debris and a t intervals not exceeding 100 ft. (b) On haulage roads hereafter constructed and not used as mantravelling ways there shall be a clearance space between mine car and rib of at least 3 ft. unless shelter holes or their equivalent at 100 ft. intervals are provided. 1103. Switch-levers underground shall be installed in such manner so to avoid danger of men tripping over them. Frogs and guard-rails shall be properly blocked. 1107. On main haulage the front end of all underground trips or trains pushed by locomotive or hauled by other mechanical means shall be provided with an efficient light ; a light shall be displayed on the rear of any trip or train on main haulage. 1109. Jumping off of moving locomotives to throw switches or open doors, and the coupling and uncoupling of cars in motion, are prohibited." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 6 . The superintendent shall provide a safety catch, or other safety device, to be placed on the rear end of the rear car of full trips that are being 1. GENERAL 163 hoisted up slopes, and he shall also provide signals approved by the Secretary of Mines to be carried on the last car of all trips pulled and the first car of all trips pushed in the mines by locomotives of any kind. He shall also provide headlights, alarm bells, and rerailing devices for all locomotives used in mines, and it shall be the duty of the superintendent to see to it that such safety devices and signals are placed and used in t h e manner stated." (A 9.6.1911, art. Ill) " 8 . The mine foreman shall see t h a t on all animal hauling roads, in entries driven after the passage of this amendment ', holes for shelter shall be cut into the strata, not less than 4 ft. deep and not more than 4 ft. wide, and level with the road, at least every 30 yd., and kept whitewashed and clear of obstruction, except in entries from which rooms are driven at regular intervals not exceeding 90 ft. : Provided t h a t the entrance to each room be kept clear of obstruction for a distance of 6 ft. On all hauling roads, in entries driven after the passage of this amendment, on which hauling is done by machinery, shelter holes shall be cut into the strata, not less than 4 ft. deep and not more than 4 ft. wide, and level with the road, and not more than 15 yd. apart ; and said shelter holes shall be kept whitewashed and clear of obstruction except in entries from which rooms are opened at regular intervals not exceeding 45 ft. : Provided that the entrance to such rooms be kept clear of obstruction for a distance of 6 ft. All shelter holes shall be made on the same side of the entry. All entries driven after the passage of this Act shall have a clear space of 2 % ft- from the side of the car to the rib, which shall be made and continued throughout on one side of the entry, if in the judgment of the inspector the condition of the roof will permit, and shall be kept clear of obstruction. " (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) "Duties of Driver Rule 2. When a driver has occasion to leave his trip he must be careful to see that it is left, when possible, in a safe place, secure from ears or other dangers, and where it will not endanger the drivers of other trips or other persons. He must take care while taking his trip down grade to have the brakes or sprags so adjusted that he can keep the cars under control, and prevent them from running over himself or others. He shall not leave any cars standing where they may materially obstruct the ventilating current, except in case of accident, which he shall promptly report to the mine foreman or assistant mine foreman. He shall not allow any person to ride on loaded mine cars. He shall not allow any person to drive his horses or mules in his stead. When it is his duty to open a door for the purpose of passing his trip through he shall see t h a t the door is immediately closed thereafter. Duties of Trip-Rider Rule 3. The trip-rider shall exercise care in seeing t h a t all hitchings are safe for use and that all the trip is coupled before starting, and should he at any time see any material defect in the rope, link or chain he shall immediately remedy said defect, or, if he is unable to do so, he shall detain the trip and report the matter to the mine foreman or assistant mine foreman. He shall not allow any person to ride on the full trip. He shall not allow any person to ride on the empty trip, except by the authority of the mine foreman, and the speed shall not exceed six mUes an hour. " (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 1 Dated 1 July 1937. 164 VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES 2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : G E N E R A L PROVISIONS CANADA Alberta "137. (1) Every locomotive in use underground shall be provided with proper lamps or headlights and also a whistle or alarm which shall be sounded when a n y person is ahead and it shall also be sounded frequently when the locomotive is approaching or working near partings, switches, curves, doors or landings. (3) No locomotive shall be operated underground at a speed exceeding six miles per hour without permission in writing from the District Inspector." (A 1945) GERMANY "40. (1) Underground, only locomotives of a type authorised by the Divisional Mining Office shall be employed. (2) Alterations to locomotives, even to individual structural parts, shall not be allowed. I n maintenance work only spare parts furnished by the maker or parts equivalent to these shall be used. (3) Haulage with compressed-air and diesel locomotives shall require the authorisation of the District Mining Office, and haulage with other locomotives the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. 40a. (1) I n main haulage roads newly constructed or reconstructed for locomotive operation, the clearance between the sides, supports or piping, if not on t h e ground, and the locomotive profile shall be at least 30 cm. The District Mining Office may authorise exceptions. (2) Ventilation doors in main haulage roads shall be provided with mechanical openers and with a conspicuous coating or luminous strips. 406. (1) Only the maximum number of loaded or empty cars fixed by the manager shall be coupled to the locomotive. This number shall be indicated on the locomotive in a durable manner. (2) During the run, on the locomotive a searchlight with a dimming device shall shine ahead and an easily visible white steady light shall shine behind. If one or more cars carrying persons are hauled with the set, a blue light shall also shine in the direction of travel. (3) Bogies and also tubs loaded with long material shall not be coupled immediately behind the locomotive. (4) At the end of every set a red lamp visible on all sides shall be attached. 40c. (1) Except during shunting operations the locomotive shall always run at the head of the set. Pushing the set during shunting shall only be allowed a t a walking pace and if a man walks in front of the set to warn the locomotive driver and other persons. (2) Tubs or sets shall only be coupled or uncoupled while the locomotive is stationary. The locomotive shall only be coupled to the set after all the tubs have been coupled together. Except in shunting, the tubs and the locomotive shall be coupled together before they move. (3) Pushing beams shall not be used in shunting tubs. Chains used for hauling tubs on an adjacent track shall be equipped with devices that cannot come away during hauling. 40d. (1) Locomotives shall only be driven by locomotive drivers, and for purposes of instruction also by supervisors of mechanical operations, and for testing by persons responsible for maintenance. 2. LOCOMOTIVE HAUIAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS 165 (2) On the driver's seat of the locomotive no one shall ride except the locomotive driver on duty. Exceptions shall only be allowed for the training of locomotive drivers. (3) On the spare seat only persons employed on locomotive operations, supervisors, sick persons, injured persons and such persons as are authorised to do so by a supervisor shall ride, but there shall only be one person on each seat. (4) Climbing on and off drivers' and spare seats while the locomotive is moving shall be prohibited. 40e. Shunters, pointsmen and couplers shall give audible or visible signals for the movements of the locomotive. Audible signals shall be given with a signal whistle, and visible signals by movements with a lighted lamp as follows : [Signal code omitted.] 40/. (1) The locomotive driver shall operate the locomotive from his seat, and during operation shall keep the road in the direction of travel constantly under observation. When meeting persons or passenger trains he shall give a warning by means of an audible signal. The driver shall also give warning signals before passing through ventilation doors, stations, junctions and curves partly out of sight, and also whenever he is about to start. (2) The permissible maximum speed shall not be exceeded. (3) At curves, points, stations and stretches partly out of sight, when passing through ventilation doors and when meeting persons or passenger trains the speed shall be low. (4) When meeting other locomotives or persons the locomotive driver shall dim the lights. (5) The forcing of points, except spring or snap points shall be prohibited. (6) The locomotive driver shall carry a portable mine lamp with him. (7) On trolley-wire roads, in the case of incidents (e.g., derailments, collisions) the remedying of which involves a danger of contact with the trolley-wire, the locomotive driver shall immediately make the trolleywire dead by means of the short-circuiting device or other remote circuitbreaker. Before beginning rerailing or clearing-up operations, t h e locomotive driver shall open the nearest road-disconnecting switch in t h e direction of the source of current. 40g. (1) When leaving the locomotive, the locomotive driver, with the help of the equipment provided for this purpose, shall so block the locomotive t h a t it cannot be set in motion by unauthorised persons or start by itself. (2) Locomotives ready to travel shall only remain unattended in the locomotive sheds or repair shops. (3) The locomotive sheds and repair shops shall be closed when persons are not employed therein. Admittance of unauthorised persons shall be prohibited. 40/i. (1) Persons entrusted with the operation and servicing of locomotives shall be at least 18 years old and be instructed in their service obligations in conformity with the requirements of section 40-i. They shall have been employed at least six months underground, of which a t least two months on haulage. (2) Only such persons shall be employed as locomotive drivers as have been tested by the District Mining Office and made responsible (verpflichtet). 40¿. The manager or a supervisor authorised by him shall instruct the locomotive drivers and the persons employed in locomotive operations in their service obligations, and against receipt hand them service instructions approved by the District Mining Office. 166 VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES 40;'. (1) Locomotive drivers and other persons employed in locomotive operations shall immediately report all defects noticed on the locomotives and the equipment used in their operation, and also on the locomotive roads, to the nearest available supervisor. Supervisors shall immediately take steps to remedy the defects or shall immediately stop locomotive operation a t the places concerned. (2) Damaged locomotives and tubs shall be taken out of operation." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Note : The Dortmund Divisional Office has issued instructional rules for mine locomotives, dated 11 J u n e 1954. NETHERLANDS "Provisions Applying to Transport by Means of Petrol, Battery, Diesel and Compressed-air Locomotives 39. (1) The engine-driver's stand shall be so installed that from it he can see the road to be travelled. (2) The locomotive shall be provided with a powerful acoustic signalling device and powerful brakes in good working order. 40. (1) Whenever the locomotive is in operation, it shall carry a lamp with a reflector throwing a good light forwards and, on the rear end of the last tub or on the last tub itself, a bright lamp throwing a red light rearwards shall be fitted. In addition, the motorman shall have in his possession one of the safety lamps used in the mine. (2) Except during shunting operations the locomotive shall always run in front. (3) Shunting operatings in unlit stone drifts or roads in which the locomotive does not r u n in front shall only be carried out by the engine-driver in accordance with signals received from the person in charge of shunting operations. (4) I n the case of the shunting operations referred to in the preceding subsection, on the front end of the first t u b , or on the first tub itself, there shall be a bright lamp throwing a red light forwards. (5) On the same route, mechanical haulage and animal haulage shall not take place simultaneously. 41. I t shall be prohibited to ride on a loaded tub. 42. Mechanical haulage may be carried on a t a speed of 4 m/sec. except in the following cases : fa) on single-track stone drifts and roads, unless there is an adequately wide footpath alongside the track, the speed shall not exceed 2 m/sec. ; (b) whenever on double-track roads there is no footpath and persons are present, such persons shall on each occasion be passed slowly and at a speed not exceeding 1 m/sec. ; (c) on curves and when passing over switches the speed shall not exceed 2 m/sec. 43. The tracks used for mechanical haulage and the timbering, as well as the roof of the stone drifts or roads in which such haulage is carried on shall be carefully examined daily by a person specially appointed for the purpose. 44. The locomotive shall only be started and operated by the qualified person who has taken his place on the locomotive. 45. (1) The minding and operation of the locomotive shall only be entrusted to persons specially appointed for the purpose. These persons shall be adult (the operation of compressed-air locomotives may be entrusted 2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS 167 to persons at least 18 years old) and fully acquainted with their duties, and equal to their task in all respects. (2) The engine-drivers shall be instructed in writing in all matters of importance for safety. These instructions shall be brought to the notice of the Inspector-General of Mines. 46. (I) The stone drifts and roads in which locomotive haulage is carried on shall, as an general rule, have throughout an adequately unobstructed cross-section. Where this is not the case— (a) recesses shall be made in a suitable manner in the side in order to permit safe passing of tubs ; ( b) measures shall be taken to avoid the harmful consequences of derailment of mine tubs such as knocking down of timbering. (2) I t shall be prohibited to deposit objects in the recesses referred to in the preceding subsection. (3) I n the stone drifts and roads referred to in subsection (1), material shall only be so deposited that it cannot be caught by the locomotive or tubs of a passing train. 47. (1) Except with the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines it shall be prohibited to push ventilation doors open with a locomotive. (2) If a ventilation door of a single-track stone drift or road is automatically opened, there shall be a separate and suitably laid footpath, unless an efficient automatic warning device is provided or the approach of the locomotive is clearly visible. (3) On a double-track stone drift or road the movement of persons on foot shall be suitably announced. 48. (1) During the movement of persons on foot and the transport of persons on the change of shifts no transport of material by means of locomotives shall take place. (2) During the time referred to in subsection (1) empty trains running from the shaft may run at a speed not exceeding 2 m/sec, except on singletrack stone drifts or roads not provided with an adequately broad footpath along the track, where the speed shall not exceed 1 m/sec. (3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply if there is no movement of persons on foot at the place concerned and the transport of persons is carried on in special passenger tubs. 49. Where the movement of persons on foot simultaneously with locomotive transport is prohibited, this shall be made known by a clear and distinctly visible notice board. 50. If the train has a conductor, the conductor shall be carried in a manner that ensures his safety." J (IGR 42) SOUTH AFRICA "42. No person shall be placed in charge of a locomotive engine used on or in a mine or works whilst used for the conveyance of persons other than those required for the working of the locomotive or train unless he is the holder of a locomotive engine-driver's certificate . . . . " (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "Design of Locomotives and Selection of Roads 4. (1) No locomotive for which motive power is supplied by electric power on the trolley-wire system, or by any internal-combustion engine other than a diesel engine, shall be used in any mine except with the consent 168 Vin. HAULAGE Oî" MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES of the Minister ; but, save as aforesaid and subject to the provisions of these regulations, any locomotive mentioned in subsection (1) of section 58 of the Act 1 may be so used with the consent of the Inspector of the Division. (2) Where any consent of an inspector of a division under the foregoing paragraph is withheld, or where such a consent is after being granted withdrawn, the manager may refer the matter to be determined in manner provided under the Act for settling disputes. 5. (1) No locomotive shall be used in any mine unless it is constructed in accordance with the provisions of this regulation. (2) The locomotive and each of its accessories shall, so far as practicable, be so constructed of non-inflammable material that no risk of fire is created ; and any inflammable material shall, unless the Minister approves otherwise, be shrouded with a substantial metallic covering. (3) If motive power is supplied by an internal combustion engine, effective provision shall be made so that— (a) air entering the engine is cleaned ; (b) exhaust gases are cooled and diluted ; and (c) the emission of flame or sparks is prevented. (4) I n any mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are required by the Act or the regulations of the mine to be used (otherwise than in an intake airway more than 300 yd. from the face) any locomotive shall, in so far as concerns the matters aforesaid and the construction of the locomotive to prevent the ignition of inflammable gas present in the air, be of a type approved by the Minister. 6. That part of every storage battery locomotive in which the battery is carried shall be so designed and constructed as to resist rough usage and to be properly ventilated. 7. Every locomotive used in any mine shall be provided with— a braking system which can, whether or not any other device for applying the brakes is fitted, be applied by direct mechanical action ; (b) means for applying sand to the rails ; (c) unless the locomotive cannot develop more than 25 horsepower and cannot on a level road exceed a speed of eight miles per hour, or was in use before the date of the coming into operation of these regulations and cannot reasonably be so provided, a combined-speed-and-mileage indicator so placed as to be readily seen by the driver ; (d) a headlight capable of showing any obstruction in the road ahead within 200 ft. of the locomotive : Provided t h a t where any locomotive in use at the date aforesaid had before t h a t date been equipped with a headlight, that locomotive may with the consent of the Inspector of the Division b e used as so equipped ; fej an adequate warning signal ; (f) a suitable portable fire extinguisher ; (g) a seat for the driver ; and such an arrangement of the controls that the driver can see ahead without leaning out of the locomotive ; (h) a portable lamp for use in emergency. (a) 8. No locomotive shall be used where the gradient exceeds one in 15. 9. (1) The provisions of this regulation shall apply to any road in which a locomotive is used, so however that the Inspector of the Division may grant exemption from any of them where compliance is not reasonably practicable or not requisite for safety. (2) The track shall be ballasted, and where necessary drained. ' Coal Mines Act, 1911. 2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS 169 (3) The weight of rail per yard of rail shall not be less— if the road is used only for the carriage or haulage of stores or supplies for the working of the mine and no locomotive therein exceeds five tons in weight, than 28 lb. ; (b) in any other case, than 40 lb. or 10 lb. with an addition of 5 lb. for each ton of weight on one pair of wheels, whichever is the greater. (•4) Every track shall be so constructed that— (a) the distance between the centres of adjacent sleepers does not exceed 2 ft. 9 in. ; (b) rail joints are secured by suitable fish-plates having a t least four bolts. (5) Curves shall be of such radius as is safe ; and either or both of the following precautions shall where necessary be taken—that is to say, raising of the outer rail and provision of a check-rail. (6) No locomotive shall be used in any road where there are not, after allowing for swing of the locomotive and trucks, clear spaces not less in extent than the following, that is to say— (a) below the roof or its supports—• (i) if the locomotive is fitted with a covered cab, 1 ft. ; (ii) in any other case, so much as to enable the driver to stand upright in the locomotive ; (b) on that side of the track on which refuge holes are provided, 2 ft. ; (c) on the side of the track opposite to the refuge holes— (i) where there are not more than two tracks, 1 ft. ; (ii) in any other case, 2 ft. ; (d) between any two adjacent tracks (if there are more tracks than one) so much as to afford a clearance of at least 1 ft. between any locomotive or truck on one and any locomotive or truck on the other of them. (a) 10. The manager shall— determine in respect of each road the maximum load to be hauled by any locomotive and the maximum speed of any train ; and cause notices specifying the same to be posted a t appropriate places ; (b) cause warning notices drawing attention to any necessary precautions to be posted in the roads at appropriate places ; and (c) give to each driver directions in writing with respect to loads, speed and all precautions necessary for safe running. (a) Ventilation 11. In every mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are required by the Act or the regulations of the mine to be used, determinations shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the four next following regulations of the firedamp content in every road or part of a road in which any locomotive is used : Provided t h a t the Inspector of the Division may exempt from the requirements of this regulation any road or part of a road in which he is satisfied that the normal firedamp content is not such as to make regular determinations necessary : and Provided also that in any main intake airway beginning at a shaft or outlet to the surface, no determination need be made at any point more than 300 yd. from any face. 12. Determinations shall be made by a competent person appointed in writing by the manager who shall— (a) use apparatus of a type approved by the Minister ; or (b) take samples of air, which shall be analysed within four days of being taken. 170 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES 13. The points at which determinations are made shall be— at each end of each road or part of a road in which any locomotive is used ; ( b) at such other points as may be fixed by the manager ; so however that the manager shall, if the Inspector of the Division so requires, vary any point so fixed or fix one or more additional points. 14. (1) Subject to the provisions of the next following paragraph, determinations at each place shall be made once a t least in every week at the time when the firedamp content is likely to be greatest, so however that, •when at any place— (a) a firedamp content exceeding 0.8 per cent, is shown, determinations at that place shall be made a t intervals not exceeding 24 hours for so long as the firedamp content shown at that place exceeds 0.8 per cent., and for the seven next following working days ; and (b) no determination has during the last preceding month shown a firedamp content exceeding— (i) in the case of an intake airway, 0.2 per cent. ; (ii) in the case of a return airway, 0.6 per cent. ; determinations may be made at that place once in every month. (2) Where any alteration in any ventilating arrangements is likely to affect substantially the quantity of air circulating in any road or part of a road in which any locomotive is used, determinations shall be made therein as soon as practicable after the said alteration. fa) 15. Particulars of every determination made shall be recorded forthwith in a book to b e kept a t the mine for the purpose. 16. Where at any place a determination shows a firedamp content exceeding 1% per cent., or any indication of inflammable gas is shown in any flame safety lamp— (a) the person making that determination, or the person using the lamp, as the case may be, shall immediately inform the official in charge of the district, who shall after verifying the presence of inflammable gas as aforesaid discontinue the use of every locomotive in that part of the road ; (b) no locomotive shall after the said discontinuance be used in that part of the road except by direction of the manager when the manager is satisfied t h a t the firedamp content therein has been reduced below 1/4 P e r cent. ; (c) the manager shall as soon as practicable report the said discontinuance to the Inspector of the Division. Working of Locomotives and Engines 17. (1) Each haulage road in which any locomotive is used in any mine shall be placed in the charge of a competent person appointed in writing by the manager. (2) Once a t least in every 24 hours each such road shall be inspected by, or under the supervision of, the person aforesaid with particular regard to— (a) clearance and freedom from obstructions ; ( b) the state of t h e track ; (c) the state of t h e roof and sides ; (d) ventilation a n d absence of inflammable gas ; (e) coal dust ; (fj general safety. 2. LOCOMOTIVE HAULAGE : GENERAL PROVISIONS 171 18. (1) Once at least in every 24 hours each locomotive in any mine shall be examined b y a competent person appointed in writing by the manager. (2) Once a t least in every seven days each such locomotive shall be examined by an electrician and mechanic, appointed in writing by the manager, who shall ensure that— (a) every part requiring to be cleaned is properly cleaned ; (b) the locomotive is in all respects in proper working order. 19. (1) Once at least in every seven days the braking system of each locomotive in any mine shall be examined and tested by a competent person appointed in writing by the manager ; and the said test shall include applications of the brakes— (a) when the locomotive is moving, by direct mechanical action and by each other means provided ; and (b) when the locomotive is a t rest with the engine stopped, by a n y means provided other than direct mechanical action and for a period of a t least ten minutes. (2) Immediately after any repairs or adjustment to the braking system of any locomotive, an examination and test shall be made as provided in the foregoing paragraph. 20. Any person making any inspection, examination or test in pursuance of the three last foregoing regulations shall forthwith record particulars thereof in a book to be kept a t the mine for the purpose. 21. No locomotive shall be used in any mine if— (a) it has any defect liable to affect its safe running ; or ( b) it is not maintained in proper working order or replenished with all necessary oil and consumable stores. 22. Any protective device, fitted to an exhaust opening of an internalcombustion engine shall whenever necessary, and in any event not less often than once in every period of 24 hours during which the engine has been run (or, if, in relation to any specified device, the Minister has specified longer periods, not less often than once in every such period), be thoroughly cleaned or replaced by a like device in clean condition. 23. (1) No locomotive shall in any mine be operated, except for repairs or tests, otherwise than by an appointed driver, being a person certified to be competent without supervision to drive a locomotive of the type concerned, and, if the locomotive is used for the haulage of persons, a person not less than 21 years of age. (2) I n this regulation the expression 'appointed driver' means a person appointed by the manager to be a driver of locomotives ; and the expression 'certified' means certified by the person appointed by the manager to supervise the competence of all drivers of locomotives in that mine. 24. (1) Except during shunting operations— (a) no locomotive shall be used in any mine for moving any truck otherwise than by hauling from in front ; (b) no truck containing timber or other materials exceeding in length the length of the truck shall be coupled next to the locomotive or to any truck in which any person is being conveyed. (2) A red light visible a t a distance of 200 ft. shall be attached at the rear of the last truck of each train in any mine, and at the rear of each unattached locomotive. 25. Except with the permission of the manager, no person shall be on any locomotivo in any mine when it is in motion unless he is— (a) the driver of the locomotive ; or ( b) a person engaged in shunting operations for which the locomotive is a t the time being used ; or 12 172 VUE. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES a person appointed under regulation 23 of the General Regulations 1 to accompany a n d have charge of a train drawn by the locomotive ; or (d) a person engaged in maintaining or testing the locomotive. 26. The driver of a locomotive shall not leave it unattended away from the place where it is housed when not in use, unless he has ensured that it cannot be set in motion by any unauthorised person." (R 24.3.1949) (c) TOOTED STATES Federal "78. Every mine locomotive shall be provided with an efficient headlight and a gong or bell. 79. In any mine which is termed gassy or in which more than onefourth of 1 per cent, of flammable gas is found in the moving air current non-permissible locomotives may be used only in entries or passageways ventilated by intake air, and for hauling coal from the face to the back or parallel entry." (R 23.12.1937) New Mexico "1803. No fuel-burning locomotive or engine of any kind shall be permitted underground without a written exemption issued by the mine inspector." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "Rule 5. The motorman or locomotive engineer shall keep a sharp look-out ahead, and sound the whistle or alarm bell frequently when coming near the parting switches or landings, and shall not exceed the speed allowed by the mine foreman. He shall see that the motors, cables, and controlling parts are kept clean and in a safe operating condition, and that the headlight is burning properly when the locomotive is in motion. He shall not allow any person except his assistant to ride on the locomotive or on the full cars, and it shall be unlawful for any motorman to operate a locomotive in gathering service without an assistant, except when written permission is given by the inspector of the district to do otherwise, which written permission may be modified or withdrawn at the pleasure of the inspector. Gathering service shall include all shuttling of mine cars before trains are consolidated on a main parting. Rule 30. When a steam locomotive is used for the purpose of hauling coal out of a mine, the tunnel or tunnels through which the locomotive passes shall be properly ventilated and kept free as far as practicable of noxious gases, and a ventilating apparatus shall be specially provided by the operator t o produce such ventilation." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 3. P E T R O L LOCOMOTIVES NETHERLANDS " 1 . The transport of petrol underground shall not take place otherwise than in tank cars specially constructed for the purpose and possessing adequate strength, or in adequately strong tanks fixed on transport cars. • See Chapter IX, Division 2. 3. PETBOL LOCOMOTIVES 173 The petrol containers in such cases shall be so locked that they cannot be opened by unauthorised persons except with the use of force. 2. Every opening towards the exterior in the petrol containers shall be provided either with an adequate number of metal gauze sheets which shall have a mesh area not exceeding 0.25 m m 2 and be made of metal wire of a uniform thickness between 0.30 and 0.42 mm, or with other devices whereby the propagation of flames to the exterior is adequately prevented. During transport all these openings, irrespective of whether the petrol container is full or empty, shall be closed airtight. 3. (1) The transfer of petrol underground from the transport cars to the petrol tanks of the locomotives or, if this is for any reason necessary, from the petrol tanks of the locomotives, shall not be effected otherwise than in filling rooms specially equipped for the purpose. (2) The filling devices shall be so constructed that dripping of petrol is avoided and in particular the floor cannot be soaked in petrol. I n addition the construction of the filling devices shall be such that during filling the escape of petrol vapours in the filling rooms and overflowing of the petrol tanks of the locomotives are prevented. 4. (1) The filling rooms shall not be entered with a lighted petrol lamp. They shall be constructed fireproof and explosion-proof, and shall be so installed that all openings from the outside shall be capable of being closed without danger to persons. The adjacent roads and spaces shall be fireproof to a distance of 10 m from the approaches to the filling rooms. In the case of an outbreak of fire all the above-mentioned openings of the filling rooms shall be immediately closed airtight ; the devices which serve for this purpose (such as doors, shutters, hatches, etc.) shall be fireproof and of strong construction. The access doors shall be so installed that they can only be opened outwards. (2) At the places where the locomotives and transport cars stand during the transfer of petrol, pits with impermeable walls shall be installed between the rails having such capacity that each of them can hold the contents of one transport car. Devices shall be provided that are capable of removing safely the gases that may accumulate in these pits. (3) The filling rooms shall be continuously ventilated in such a way that no accumulation of petrol vapour can occur. The air used for ventilating the filling rooms shall be led off by the shortest possible route and shall not be further used for ventilation purposes. I n every filling room an adequate quantity of sand in a bucket, and a shovel, shall be kept in readiness for immediate use. Access to the filling rooms shall be strictly prohibited to unauthorised persons ; the access openings shall be closed by means of a lock whenever no one is inside. 5. The places that may be installed for the housing of locomotives and petrol cars shall comply with the requirements laid down in the preceding section for filling rooms. 6. The petrol tank of the locomotive shall be so installed t h a t it is, as far as possible, immune from mechanical damage ; the tank shall be permanently and rigidly connected to the locomotive and be provided with a gauge glass that is adequately protected against breakage. All openings in the tank shall, in the manner prescribed in section 2, be provided with devices that adequately prevent the propagation of flames. 7. The outlets both of the air-intake pipe and of the exhaust pipe shall be outside the locomotive. These outlets shall, also in the manner prescribed in section 2, be provided with devices that adequately prevent the propagation of flames. These devices shall be so installed t h a t they can easily be removed and tested, and are adequately protected against mechanical damage. 8. The ignition of the petrol shall be so effected that the sparks generated by the igniter can only be formed in the motor cylinder and that 174 V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES reaction of the explosion on the contents of the petrol tank is excluded. The leads used for ignition shall be insulated and in such a manner that nowhere can a short circuit occur. 9. (1) The regulators for ignition shall be so constructed that the products of combustion contain only harmless quantities of flammable vapours. (2) The devices for cooling the combustion gases shall be so constructed and the cooling water shall be so frequently renewed t h a t in normal operation the combustion products do not develop a temperature exceeding 40° C. (3) I n the walls of the locomotive casing an adequate number of ventilation openings shall be provided in such a manner t h a t an accumulation of flammable vapours in the inside cannot occur. 10. Under the motorman's stand, or at another place suitable for the purpose, a bucket shall be provided in which cloths of tightly woven material or other equally efficient means for the smothering of any flames t h a t may occur shall be kept in readiness. 11. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. In addition, every locomotive shall a t least once a week be thoroughly examined by an expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered b y the said expert in a register to be kept specially for the purpose, and shall be signed. (2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use if serious defects of any kind develop, and in particular when leaks occur whereby petrol can escape, or air or vapours penetrate. (3) During a temporary stoppage a locomotive that is not in a depot or a filling room equipped for the purpose shall not be left without supervision. 12. Mechanical transport shall be immediately stopped whenever it is found that the air in the roads through which the locomotive travels contains more than 1% per cent, firedamp. 13. The minding of both filled and empty petrol cars underground and the transfer of petrol to or from the tanks fitted on the locomotive shall only be entrusted to persons specifically appointed for the purpose. These persons shall be adult and adequately instructed concerning their duties, and be equal to their task in all respects. They shall be kept adequately informed concerning the properties and the dangers of petrol and also concerning the course of action to be taken in the event of a fire. The names of these persons shall be recorded in the register referred to in section 11, subsection (1). 14. All stone drifts and roads in which the locomotive travels or remains shall be included in the system of general ventilation. 15. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers and regularly removed from the mine. 16. The ignition apparatus of the locomotive shall not be tested in the mine." (IGR 42) 4. D I E S E L LOCOMOTIVES BELGIUM "Chapter I. Prohibitions—Conditions of Authorisation 1. The use of explosion or internal-combustion engines other than diesel engines shall be prohibited in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries. 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES 175 2. The use of mobile or stationary diesel engines 1 shall be subject to the conditions laid down in the present order. 3. Diesel engines installed or used in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries shall form the subject of an annual notification addressed to the Divisional Director of the mining region. This notification shall indicate the nature, power in kW, use, manufacturer's name, manufacturer's number and, if appropriate, the date and number of the decision approving each of the types of engine in use or in reserve. I t shall also furnish a detailed description of the sites of the stationary engines and the locomotive sheds t h a t will be installed in the course of the year, and the new routes and extensions of existing routes of the locomotives in service. To the annual notification shall be attached detailed plans, on a suitable scale, of these sites or sheds, as well as a general plan showing the entire system of roads served by locomotives, with an indication of new routes. The notification shall give the situation on 31 December of the year and shall be despatched during the first quarter of the next year; receipt shall be acknowledged by the Divisional Director of the mining region. Chapter II. Mobile Engines Installations. 4. The roads along which the locomotives run shall have a t least a width of 1.70 m at the height of the top rim of the cars, and a useful height of 1.80 m above the outside rails. They shall be maintained in perfect condition. All measures shall be taken to ensure that, a t any point along the route of the locomotives and throughout the entire period of their use, no part of the locomotive or of loaded rolling stock is less than 25 cm from— (a) the sides or the supports of the roads ; (b) the intermediate uprights, if any, of the supports ; (c) any installation (door frames, ducts, electric cables, piping, etc.) or any permanent or provisional store of objects of any kind ; (d) the clearance gauge of another locomotive or of a vehicle coupled or loaded a t passing places. 5. The dimensions of the rails, their joins and their supports, shall offer every guarantee of safety having regard to the weight and the speed of the locomotives. The switches shall be provided with a control device placed a t a distance such that the switchman can operate it while keeping entirely outside the clearance gauge of the rolling-stock. 6. If, on single-track roads, the shortest horizontal distance between either side of the road and the locomotive or loaded vehicles is less than 60 cm, there shall be excavated, a t intervals of 50 m, shelters 1.80 m high, 80 cm wide and 60 cm deep where any person can take refuge. These shelters shall be solidly supported by props and kept clear. They shall be conspicuously indicated by signs. 7. The haulage roads shall be ventilated by a regular air current of which the volume shall be a t least 100 litres per second per kW of power used. 3 This supply of air shall be at least 2 m 3 /sec. but shall not exceed 10 m /sec. The locomotives shall only be used in roads where the firedamp content of the air current is less then 1 per cent. The Divisional Director of the mining region may require periodic analyses with due regard to the extent and the nature of the emanation of firedamp. If the ventilation is stopped or considerably reduced, the use of the locomotives shall he immediately suspended and shall only be resumed after the restoration of normal ventilation. I. 1 For stationary engines see Chapter XX, Division 1. 176 Vni. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES 8. The locomotives shall be housed in a special shed that is sufficiently spacious. The walls of the shed shall be lined with incombustible material t o the exclusion of any other. The sides of all the roads leading to the shed shall also be lined with incombustible material over a length of 5 m. The timbering used for the temporary support of these sheds or roads shall be completely removed when the definitive lining has been applied. The floor of the shed shall be made impervious and so arranged as to collect in an oil-tight sump any spillage of combustible oil. The shed shall be provided with a n inspection pit of dimensions such that examination of the locomotives can be carried out easily. This pit may be replaced by a lifting appliance or by any other suitable device. 9. The sheds shall be well lighted by electric lamps. The lighting installation shall consist entirely of flameproof equipment of approved types. Portable lamps shall be of a type specified by ministerial decision. 10. The sheds shall be ventilated by fresh air in such a way that any accumulation of harmful fumes or gases is avoided at all times. If the shed is branched on to t h e main intake airway of the level, at least one isolating door entirely of metal and fixed on a masonry abutment shall be provided on each of the lengths of intake and return airway and as near as possible to the shed. These doors, which shall be made airtight with particular care, shall be provided with means of tightening them, preferably by screws, so that they can be fixed on their frames from the outside. If the air current t h a t has ventilated the shed returns directly to the up-cast shaft, only the length of intake airway shall be provided with such doors. Normally the doors shall remain open ; they shall only be closed to isolate the shed in case of fire. 11. Access t o locomotive sheds shall be strictly prohibited to unauthorised persons. This prohibition shall be made known by conspicuous notices. When no one is in the shed the openings shall be closed by locked doors other than the isolating doors referred to above, and in such a way that the ventilation remains unchanged. 12. If the combustible oil is stored underground, it shall only be stored in the shed and then only in barrels or metal containers that are quite tight and closed. The quantity stored shall not exceed the consumption of three working days but may, nevertheless, amount to 200 litres. The transport of the combustible liquid shall be effected in conditions t o be specified by the manager. Arrangements shall be made to avoid any spillage of combustible liquid, both during transport and during the filling of the locomotive tanks. II. Use, Construction and Maintenance. 13. Except at places where sets of cars are made up, locomotive haulage shall be suspended in roads or parts of roads where transport is effected by men or draft animals. 14. The only mobile explosion or internal-combustion engines allowed to circulate in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries shall be diesel locomotives of a type that satisfies the conditions laid down b y the Minister and is approved by the Director-General of Mines. The locomotives shall be provided with the indicator plate prescribed b y the approved decision, and shall be constantly maintained in conformity with the type approved. Every locomotive shall also bear a distinctive serial number if the owner possesses several locomotives. (a) 15. Every locomotive shall be provided with the following equipment : an effective quick-acting brake so arranged that the engine-driver can operate it easily ; i. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES (b) (c) 177 an acoustic warning device ; two electric lamps in front and two electric lamps a t the rear or one electric searchlight in front and one electric searchlight a t the rear. The lamps and searchlights shall be of an approved type. The equipment of every locomotive shall also include a red lamp or some other device which shall be placed on the last vehicle of each set. This lamp or device shall be placed a t a height such that it can be seen, on a straight length of road, both by the train driver and by any other vehicle driver following the train. 16. Every day the locomotives shall be taken to the shed and examined there by an inspector. The inspector's examination shall be directed to the essential mechanisms and safety mechanisms. Any defect in any one of these mechanisms shall entail taking the locomotive out of use until repairs have been made. Every fortnight the head of the maintenance service shall have every locomotive more thoroughly examined by a particularly qualified employee. The locomotive shall be placed over the pit provided for in section 8 or lifted by the device provided for in the same section. The result of the examination shall be entered in a register kept specially for the locomotive. 17. Periodically, every locomotive shall be taken to the surface and sent to the workshop to undergo a complete overhaul including the reconditioning of all worn mechanisms. The interval between two successive overhauls shall not exceed 24 months. I t shall not be necessary t o take the locomotives to the surface if an underground workshop is available where dismantling and repairs are feasible. Chapter IV. General Provisions 20. The training of engine-drivers shall be organised systematically. The definite appointment of engine-drivers shall only be made after they have passed a probationary period under supervision. 21. The operational measures and the precautions required for compliance with the present regulations and, more generally, for the safety of the personnel shall form the subject of instructions. These instructions shall relate in particular to the driving of locomotives, shunting and signalling, and also to supervision of the working of stationary engines. Compliance with these instructions shall be verified by supervisory officials. 22. The manager shall appoint the inspectors of locomotives and stationary engines, and also the employees responsible for supervising the training of locomotive drivers. The manager shall issue the instructions. The instructions shall be brought to the notice of the Divisional Director of the mining region who, if appropriate, shall prescribe additional measures. 23. A sufficient supply of sand or loose earth shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of locomotive sheds and inside chambers housing stationary engines. Extinguishers, kept in good working order and easily accessible, shall be placed inside these chambers and sheds and on all locomotives in use ; on the locomotives there shall also be a thick blanket or a fireproof cloth that enables any flames to be promptly smothered." (RO 19.5.1952) 178 VH£. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES CANADA Alberta "Application. 2. These regulations apply to the installation and use of diesel locomotives in coal mines. Permission to Use Diesel Locomotives. 3. A diesel locomotive shall not be used in a mine without the permission in writing of the Director of Mines. 4. An application to the Director of Mines for permission to install and operate a diesel locomotive in a mine shall be made in writing and shall statefa^ the type of construction of t h e diesel locomotive ; (b) the districts or sections of the mine in which the diesel locomotive will be operated ; (c) the maximum gradient of all proposed diesel haulage roads ; (d) the quantity of air passing and the percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the air, determined with an approved gas-testing device other than a flame-type safety lamp on each shift during a period of not less t h a n six consecutive working days closely preceding the application, a t each end of a road on which a diesel locomotive is t o be used and a t every intermediate point where air from a split enters the road ; provided that, with respect to any main intake airway commencing a t a shaft or outlet t o the surface, the percentage of inflammable gas shall not be required to be determined except within 300 yd. of the face ; and (e) such further information as m a y be required by the Director of Mines i n considering t h e application. 5. (1) The Director of Mines, upon considering the application, may grant in writing the permission to operate a diesel locomotive on any roadway either on the intake or return of any ventilating district specified in the application, upon such terms and conditions and subject to such special rules as he may prescribe, or he m a y refuse the application. (2) The Director of Mines in his discretion at any time by notice in writing may cancel permission granted pursuant to this section, or may vary the terms, conditions and special rules prescribed. Roadways. 6. (1) The track upon which a diesel locomotive is operated in a mine shall have adequate strength and rigidity and shall be laid properly and maintained so t h a t t h e locomotive and its full complement of load will be supported with the maximum of safety at all times. (2) Each curve shall be of such radius as is safe, and where necessary— (a) the outer rail shall be raised ; (b) a guard-rail shall be provided. 7. The clearance on all diesel-operated roads shall be adequate to prevent the restriction of air currents and for the prevention of accidents. Oas. 8. (1) The quantity of air passing and the percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the air at each end of a road on which a diesel locomotive is operated and a t such intermediate points as the manager or the District Inspector may specify, shall be determined a t least once every week and in addition whenever any alteration is made in the quantity 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES 179 of air circulating ; provided that, with respect to any main intake airway commencing at a shaft or outlet to the surface, the percentage of inflammable gas shall not be required to be determined except within 300 yd. of the face. (2) If the percentage of inflammable gas in a test exceeds 0.75, determination shall be made at intervals not exceeding 24 hours for so long as the percentage continues to exceed 0.75 and for a t least six working days thereafter. (3) The tests required by subsection (2) shall be made by a person appointed in writing for t h a t purpose by the manager and a t t h e times when the percentage of inflammable gas is likely to be greatest, and a written record of the results shall be made to the manager and by the manager to the District Inspector within seven days. (4) If the percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the air is found to exceed 1— (a) the use of the locomotive shall be discontinued forthwith ; (b) a report of the test shall be made to the manager and by the manager to the District Inspector immediately ; (c) use of the locomotive shall be resumed only after— (i) steps have been taken to improve the ventilation, (ii) it has been ascertained that the percentage of inflammable gas present in the general body of the air does not exceed 1, (iii) the District Inspector approves the resumption, and (iv) the manager instructs the resumption. (5) The owner, agent or manager shall report without delay to the Director of Mines any instances in which the use of diesel locomotives is discontinued because of the presence of inflammable gas. Equipment and Maintenance. 9. Every diesel locomotive used shall be of a type and construction which have been approved by the Director of Mines, and all parts of the locomotive and its accessories shall be maintained properly in their designed condition. 10. The exhaust from the engine of a diesel locomotive shall be fitted with a flameproof trap to prevent the emission of sparks, flames, smoke, noxious or toxic gases. 11. A diesel locomotive shall be provided with— (a) a speed indicator so placed t h a t it may be seen readily by the driver, unless permission to operate without a speed indicator is granted by the Director of Mines ; (b) an efficient headlight capable of showing obstructions 200 ft. ahead ; and (c) a suitable and efficient portable fire-extinguisher placed within easy reach of the driver. 12. At least once in every day that a diesel locomotive is used— (a) it shall be exammed by a capable person appointed in writing for the purpose by the manager ; (b) the flameproof trap fitted to the exhaust opening of the engine of the locomotive shall be detached and replaced by a flameproof t r a p in clean condition and where necessary the replacement shall be oftener. 13. (1) At least once in every week a diesel locomotive is used, it shall be examined by a capable mechanic appointed in writing for that purpose by the manager. (2) The mechanic shall (a) see that the locomotive in all respects is in proper working order ; (b) see that the flameproof trap fitted t o the inlet opening of the engine is kept clean. 180 VHI. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON BO ADS AND INCLINES 14. (1) The braking system of every locomotive shall be maintained in good working order. (2) The braking system shall be examined and tested thoroughly by a capable person appointed in writing for the purpose by the manager— (a) at least once in every week ; and (b) after repairs or adjustments have been made. (3) The test shall include— (a) an application of the brakes when the locomotive is moving; and (b) a continuous application of the air brakes for a period of a t least ten minutes with the engine stopped. 15. A report of each examination or test required by sections 12, 13 and 14 of these regulations shall be entered and signed by the person making the examination or test in a book kept at the mine for that purpose. 16. A diesel locomotive shall not be used if it has any defects liable to affect its safe operation. Operation. 17. The driver of a diesel locomotive shall be trained thoroughly in the operation of the unit. 18. (1) The manager shall determine— (a) the maximum load to be hauled by each diesel locomotive; ( b) the maximum speed of trains on each road ; and (o) all such other matters as are necessary to ensure the safe running of trains. (2) The manager shall cause to be posted a notice approved by the District Inspector setting out the matters determined under subsection (1), in the roadway wherever special precautions are necessary to ensure safe operations. 19. A diesel locomotive shall not be overloaded under any circumstances. 20. The engine shall not be kept running while a locomotive is stationary, unless there is a sufficient amount of ventilation passing to dilute, render harmless and remove exhaust gases. 21. At least once in every month a sample of exhaust gas shall be taken from each locomotive and shall be tested for carbon monoxide, and the locomotive shall be deemed to be defective if the undiluted exhaust gas contains more than two parts per thousand of carbon monoxide. 22. The oil used as fuel in a diesel locomotive underground shall— (a) have a flash-point of not less than 150° P., as certified by the refiner; (b) be taken below ground only in sufficient quantity for one day's work, unless permission to take in a larger quantity is obtained from the District Inspector of Mines ; (c) be taken below ground in strong metal receptacles which do not leak. 23. The diesel locomotive oil tanks shall be filled only at filling stations authorised by the manager and approved by the District Inspector of Mines. 24. An underground filling station shall— (a) have a floor of smooth concrete ; (b) be ventilated by a through current of air ; (c) be constructed of non-inflammable material and provided with fireproof doors opening outward ; (d) contain adequate fire-fighting equipment in good working order approved by the District Inspector. 25. (1) Adequate means shall be provided to prevent spillage of oil during the filling of oil tanks. 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES 181 (2) Any oil spilled shall be taken up with sand immediately and deposited in a fireproof receptacle, and shall be removed from the mine at suitable intervals not exceeding 24 hours. (3) All empty oil-containers shall be taken out of the mine daily. 26. A copy of sections 22 to 25 of these regulations shall be kept posted at each filling station. General. 27. A diesel locomotive in a mine when not in use shall be housed in a suitable housing station approved by the District Inspector of Mines. 28. No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other t h a n a locked flame-type safety lamp or an adequately protected electric lamp or use any means for igniting inflammable gas, in, or within 30 ft. of, a filling station, whether above or below ground." (R 24.8.1953) FRANCE "265. The use of liquid-fuel locomotives in the underground workings shall be preceded by a notification to the district inspector of mines, specifying their conditions of use. Any substantial alterations in these conditions shall immediately be recorded in a supplementary notification. 266. The fuel shall have a flash-point above 50° C. The fuel shall only be taken into the mine in metal drums or tank cars and shall not be stored underground. Transfer from drums or tank cars to the locomotive tanks shall only be effected in a filling room and only by means of a pump ensuring direct transfer. The lighting of this room shall only be provided by safety lamps or fixed electric lamps in tight globes. 267. Instructions shall specify the precautions to be taken for the transport of fuel underground, the filling of tanks and the driving of locomotives, and also the conditions for the periodical inspection and maintenance of the locomotives, and the recording in a special register of the results of the inspections and of any dangerous occurrences in operation. 268. Every locomotive shall be equipped with a fire-extinguisher of appropriate capacity, constantly maintained in working order. 269. (1) The ventilation shall be so organised that in any length of road traversed by the locomotives the carbon monoxide content calculated in relation to the quantity of this gas liberated by the locomotives in use along this length and above it shall be less than two one-hundred-thousandths (2/100,000). (2) When a locomotive runs in the same direction as the air current its speed shall be markedly different from that of the air current so that no plug of toxic gases is formed. 270. I n mines where safety lamps are compulsory, and as an exception to the provisions of section 124 (I) 1 , the district inspector of mines may authorise the use of lighting wicks. They shall only be used inside the locomotive depot by an employee appointed by name. 271. (1) In fiery mines the locomotives shall be of a type approved for use in a fiery atmosphere, and the firedamp content shall is no case exceed 1 per cent, at any point whatever along their route. (2) The approval of types shall be given by the Minister in the conditions laid down in section 308 (2) and (3).2 The conformity of the locomotives 1 See Chapter XXVI, Division 2. " See Chapter XIX, Division 7. 182 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES with an approved t y p e shall be certified and their maintenance ensured, in the conditions laid down in section 309 and section 310 (1) and (2)." 1 (R 4.5.1951) Note : Rules for the approval of appliances intended to operate in an atmosphere containing firedamp adopted by the Permanent Commission for Scientific Research into Firedamp and Explosives on 29 May 1946 contain provisions (Part IV) concerning the construction of diesel locomotives. GERMANY The following are among the conditions laid down by the Dortmund Divisional Office for approval of the use of diesel locomotives underground. " 3 . Depot General. (1) For housing the locomotives and the fuel-tank cars underground special rooms (depots) shall be provided. Tank cars may be housed in the locomotive depot or in a room separated from it. (a) (b) Installation. (2) The depots a n d the adjacent mine places up to a distance of 10 m from the approaches shall be of fireproof construction. (3) I t shall be possible to close tightly all approaches to, and openings in, the depots from the outside without endangering the persons employed there. The devices for closing (doors, shutters, etc.) shall be strong and fireproof. I t shall only be possible to open the approach doors outwards and they shall close automatically. (4) At places where the fuel is transferred there shall be provided in the tracks impermeable pits of such capacity t h a t they can hold the fuel content of one tank car. (5) Care shall be taken that any accumulation of flammable gases is securely prevented. On the floor of the depots drain openings shall be provided. I n the track pits (No. (4)) it shall be possible to sweep away any accumulations of gases by suitable installations. (6) The depots shall be provided with through ventilation. The outgoing air shall not be led through occupied workings. (7) The depots shall have electric fighting complying with the regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers for fiery mine places. (8) I n the immediate vicinity of the approaches to the depots a telephone shall be provided. (9) I n the depots and in their vicinity hand fire-extinguishers shall be kept in readiness. (c) Use. (10) The depots shall be deemed to be mine places with a fire risk. (11) The admission of unauthorised persons to the depots shall be prohibited. (12) Greasing a n d cleaning materials shall only be kept in metal containers or closed recesses. Used greasing and cleaning materials shall be removed daily. (13) The persons employed in the depots shall be trained in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment. Instructions for the use of extinguishing appliances shall be posted up. 1 See Chapter XIX, Division 7. 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES 183 (14) If a fire breaks out all approaches to, and openings in, the depots shall be tightly shut off from the outside. This also applies to the drain openings provided on the floor. 4. Ventilation of the Haulage Tracks (1) The quantity of air in the roads to be travelled over shall amount to at least 6 m 3 /min. per locomotive horsepower. (2) The quantities of air provided in the haulage roads shall be ascertained by monthly air measurements. The results of the measurements shall be marked on boards at the beginning and the end of the roads. (3) I n a separately ventilated road not more than one diesel locomotive shall run. Care shall be taken that in such a road the locomotive does not stop longer than is absolutely necessary in bringing up empty tubs and taking away loaded tubs and that shunting is avoided. 5. Fuel and Lubricating Oil [Specifications of fuel and lubricating oil.] 6. Transport of Fuel (1) The fuel shall only be transported in the mine in strong t a n k cars specially intended for this purpose. (2) The tanks shall have an opening for equalising the air pressure. For the prevention of ejections of flames this opening shall be protected by five layers of wire gauze with 144 meshes to the square centimetre. The layers of gauze shall not be more t h a n 2 m m apart. (3) If there is a special discharge opening at the lowest point in the tank it shall be closed by a cap screw t h a t is secured against working loose. (4) All openings shall be closed during transport of both full and empty tanks. (5) The tank cars shall be so closed t h a t they cannot be opened by unauthorised persons. (6) Both full and empty tank cars shall, during transport, be accompanied by reliable persons specially appointed for this purpose. 7. Transfer of Fuel underground (1) The fuel tanks of the locomotives shall only be filled in the depots. (2) The transfer appliances shall be so made that the fuel is not spilled during transfer and the fuel tanks of the locomotives cannot be overfilled. (3) During the transfer the engine shall be stopped. 8. Operating the Locomotive (1) In fiery mines, for starting up the engine use shall only be made of ignition paper that, according to a certificate of the testing gallery in Dortmund-Deme, cannot be made to glow by impact and friction a n d has an ignition temperature over 140° C. The ignition paper shall only be kept and used in the depots. The key of the cupboard in which the paper is kept and the special key for the plugs for inserting the paper in the cylinder shall only be in the possession of a reliable person appointed by the manager. (2) When taking over the locomotive the locomotive driver shall thoroughly examine it and take special care to see t h a t the water tank is full and that the water bath of the exhaust pipe is in good order. Locomotives with substantial defects shall not be taken into use. 184 V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (3) The locomotive driver shall cut off the fuel supply to the engine during every break in operation in which he leaves the locomotive. The same shall apply if a fire is suspected. (4) Locomotives shall only be left unattended in the haulage roads, even if the haulage is stopped, if the engine cannot be started up by unauthorised persons. 9. Maintenance and Repair of Locomotives ( 1 ) The filter in the intake pipe and also the plate protection shall always be kept clean. The plate protection of the exhaust pipe shall be cleaned daily or exchanged for a clean set of plates. (2) The water bath shall be flushed out at least once a week and refilled with water. (3) The piping for spraying water shall be flushed out at least once in every four weeks. On these occasions a test shall be made of the efficiency of the device that automatically stops the engine when the supply of spraying water ceases. (4) The fuel tank of the locomotive shall be dismantled once a year and cleaned on the surface. (5) The hand fire-extinguisher on the locomotive shall always be kept in working order. (6) The locomotives shall be thoroughly overhauled annually. (7) Work shall only be done on the locomotives in the depots or in special repair shops. (8) The provisions of section 3, Nos. (2) to (14), shall apply to such repair shops mutatis mutandis. Fuel shall not be kept in them. If the depots and repair shops directly adjoin one another they need not be separated in a fireproof manner. 10. Regular Tests (1) Once a week the locomotives shall be tested as to their good working order by a qualified person appointed by the manager. (2) Once a month the transfer appliances and hoses shall be examined by a qualified person appointed by the manager. (3) Once a quarter samples of the undiluted exhaust gases of the locomotive a t the maximum speed of revolution of the engine when running idle and under full load shall be taken and tested as to carbon monoxide content by a qualified person having no concern with the operation of the locomotive. (4) Once in every six months the locomotive and the associated installations (depots, tank cars, transfer appliances, fire-extinguishing installations, etc.) shall be examined by an expert of the Supervision Association (Überwachungsverein). On the occasion of this examination, once a year while the engine is running a t the maximum speed of revolution both idle and under full load, samples of the undiluted exhaust gases shall be taken. They shall be tested as to carbon monoxide content by the iodine pentoxide process or by another process prescribed by the Divisional Mining Office. (5) If the carbon monoxide content of the undiluted exhaust gases when the engine is running idle and under full load exceeds 0.12 per cent. the locomotive concerned shall be taken out of use. I t shall not be taken into use again until the irregularities have been eliminated. When the locomotive is taken into use again, fresh samples of the undiluted exhaust gases shall be taken in the manner indicated in No. ( 3) and tested as to their carbon monoxide content. (6) The test prescribed in No. (4), including the sampling and examination of the exhaust gases, shall also be undertaken before the locomotives and the associated installations are first taken into use. 185 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES (7) The report of the tests under Nos. (1), (2) and (3) shall be entered in a test register by the person making the test and shall be signed by him. The expert shall draw up a certificate concerning the report of the tests under Nos. (4) and (6), and this certificate shall be kept at the mine in a special register for a t least three years. A copy of the certificate shall be furnished to the district inspector. 11. Operation of Locomotives (1) Except during shunting the locomotives shall always be a t the head of the train. (2) While the locomotive is in operation a bright electric lamp with a reflector shall be alight on the front of the locomotive, and a conspicuous red tail-light shall be placed on the last tub of the moving train. I n addition the locomotive driver shall carry a portable mine lamp with him. If the reflectors are provided with dimming devices they shall be dimmed in good time when locomotives are approaching each other or persons are approaching. (3) The maximum permissible running speed shall be x m/sec. 1 (4) Locomotive and animal haulage shall not take place simultaneously in the same road. 12. Installation and Maintenance of the Haulage Roads (1) The superstructure shall be sufficiently strong. The rails shall be joined together by fish-plates. Their weight shall be at least x kg 2 per running metre and the distance between the sleepers shall not exceed 0.80 m. On curves the outer line of rails shall be suitably raised. (2) In all haulage roads installed for single-track operation and also in double-track haulage roads in which locomotives cross each other, on one of the sides there shall be a footpath alongside the vehicles a t least 0.60 m wide and 1.80 m high. On curves of less than 30 m radius there shall also be, on the crossing side and a t intervals not exceeding 10 m, recesses a t least 1.20 m deep measured from the locomotive, unless a t such places there is a footpath at least 0.80 m wide. (3) The locomotive tracks shall be examined daily as to the good condition of the infrastructure and the superstructure. Any repairs t h a t are necessary shall be carried out without delay. 13. Employees and Service Instructions (1) Only persons at least 20 years of age shall be entrusted with the minding and operation of the locomotives, the accompanying of fuel-tank cars underground, and the transfer of fuel to the locomotive tanks ; these persons shall be sufficiently instructed in their duties, the properties and the risks of the fuel, and the procedure to be followed by them in an outbreak of fire. The names of these persons shall be entered in the mine register. The locomotive drivers shall have been employed at least six months underground and have demonstrated their competence to the district inspector. (2) The persons responsible for transferring fuel and persons employed in connection with the operation of the locomotives (locomotive drivers, couplers, road foremen, pointsmen, etc.) shall be handed, against receipt, service instructions concerning their duties and their mutual service relationships, and approved in writing by the district inspector. 1 For main road locomotives 3 to 4 m/sec. according to the condition of the road and the superstructure. 2 Determined according to the circumstances, minimum weight 14 kg. 186 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON KO ADS AND INCLINES 14. Operation Permit Locomotive haulage shall not begin until after the expert (section 10, No. (4)) has undertaken an inspection of all the plant and installations in use for the operation of the locomotives, and the district inspector has communicated t h e operation permit in writing." Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions for the approval of types of diesel locomotives. NETHERLANDS "22. The transport of the fuel underground shall not be effected otherwise than in tank cars specially constructed for the purpose, or in adequately strong tanks fixed on transport cars. 23. The only fuel used shall be mineral gas oil of which the flash-point shall lie between 55° and 100° C. The flash-point shall be determined with the Abel-Pensky petroleum-testing apparatus. 24. (1) The fuel shall only be poured into the locomotive tank in the locomotive shed or a special filling room. (2) The filling appliances shall be so constructed that during filling the spilling or dripping of fuel is avoided and the locomotive tank cannot overflow. 25. (1) The locomotive sheds shall be constructed fireproof and shall be so installed t h a t all openings from the outside can be effectively closed without danger t o persons ; the adjacent roads and places shall be fireproof t o a distance of 10 m from the approaches. The locomotive shed shall be lit by electricity. The doors of the locomotive shed shall be fireproof and of strong construction. The access doors shall be so installed that they can be opened only outwards, unless use is made of sliding doors. (2) At the places where the transport cars and the locomotives stand during the transfer of fuel, pits with impermeable walls shall be installed between the rails having such a capacity that each of them can hold the contents of one transport car. (3) I n every filling room an adequate quantity of sand in a bucket, and a shovel, shall be kept in readiness for immediate use. Access to the filling rooms shall be strictly prohibited to unauthorised persons ; the access openings shall be closed by means of a lock whenever no one is inside. (4) The filling rooms for the storage of fuel and for filling and emptying the fuel tanks of the locomotives shall comply with the requirements laid down in subsection (1) for locomotive sheds. 26. The places which may be installed for the housing of locomotives and fuel cars shall, unless all the fuel has been emptied, comply with the requirements laid down in section 25 for filling rooms. 27. (1) The fuel tank of the locomotive shall be so installed that it is, as far as possible, immune from mechanical damage ; the tank shall be permanently and rigidly connected to the locomotive. (2) On the locomotive a device shall be provided that stops the fuel supply when the flow of cooling water stops or the exhaust pipe becomes overheated. 28. The air-intake pipe and the exhaust pipe shall be so installed t h a t fresh air is continuously drawn in and the exhaust gases cannot penetrate into the locomotive. 29. (1) The stone drifts and roads in which locomotives travel or remain shall be included in the system of general ventilation. The minimum quantity of air t h a3 t must be provided under other regulations shall be increased by 50 m /min. for every locomotive present. (2) I n stone drifts and roads with auxiliary ventilation only one diesel locomotive shall be present a t a time. 4. DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES 187 30. (1) The regulators for ignition shall be installed in such a manner that the combustion products contain only harmless quantities of flammable vapours. (2) The devices for cooling combustion gases shall be so constructed, and the cooling water so frequently renewed, that in normal working the combustion products do not develop a temperature exceeding 70° C. 31. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. I n addition, every locomotive shall at least once a week be thoroughly examined by an expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered by the said expert in a register to be kept specially for the purpose, and shall be signed. (2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use if serious defects of any kind develop, and in particular when leaks occur whereby fuel can escape, or air or vapours penetrate, or when the exhaust gases have a composition that is dangerous to health. (3) A locomotive outside the locomotive depot or the filling room shall not be left without supervision unless the brakes are applied and the motor stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the motor. 32. Mechanical transport shall be immediately stopped whenever it is found that the air in the roads through which the locomotive travels contains more than 1 % per cent, firedamp. 33. The minding of both filled and empty fuel cars underground and the transfer of petrol to or from the tanks fitted on the locomotive shall only be entrusted to persons specifically appointed for the purpose. These persons shall be adult and adequately instructed concerning their duties, and be equal to their task in all respects. They shall be kept adequately informed concerning the properties and the dangers of the fuel and also concerning the course of action to be taken in the event of a fire. The names of these persons shall be recorded on the register referred to in section 31, subsection (1). 34. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers and regularly removed from the mine." (IGR 42) UNITED KINGDOM "27. Every diesel locomotive in any mine shall, when not in use, be housed in a suitable housing station— (a) provided with two means of egress ; (b) ventilated by a through current of air sufficient to render the exhaust gas harmless while the engine is being run in the housing station ; (c) constructed of non-inflammable material ; (d) having a floor of smooth concrete ; (e) fitted with an inspection pit or other effective means of inspecting the locomotive from below ; and (f) kept provided with equipment for extinguishing fire. 28. (1) No diesel locomotive shall be replenished with fuel oil in any mine except at a filling station appointed by the manager. (2) The provisions of subparagraphs (a) (b) (c) (d) and (f) of the last foregoing regulation shall apply to any filling station as they apply to a housing station, so however that the floor of each filling station shall be provided with a sill ; and each filling station shall be so equipped t h a t the spilling of oil is, so far as practicable, prevented. (3) Any oil spilt shall forthwith be taken up with a non-inflammable absorbent, which shall be deposited in a fireproof receptacle and as soon as practicable removed from the mine. 13 188 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (4) No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other than a locked safety lamp or an electric lamp adequately protected, in any filling station, or within 10 yd. of any filling station. (5) No oil shall b e taken from any container in a filling station while any internal-combustion engine in the filling station is running. 29. (1) No oil shall be used in any mine for supplying motive power to any diesel locomotive which does not comply with the standard specified for Class A fuel in t h e 'British Standard (Fuels for Oil Engines)' as published by the British Standards Institution. (2) No oil for use as aforesaid shall be taken below ground except in an adequate container which does not leak. (3) No such oil shall a t any time be stored below ground unless— (a) it is, until transfer into the tanks of a locomotive, stored in a filling station in an adequate container which does not leak ; (b) the quantity thereof does not exceed the quantity which with any oil then in the tanks of the locomotive or locomotives for which it has been brought below ground will according to the normal user of those locomotives be consumed within the 48 hours next following. 30. A copy of the two last foregoing regulations shall be kept posted and clearly visible in each filling station. 31. A diesel locomotive shall be deemed to have a defect liable to affect its safe running if gas from its exhaust is found to contain more than two parts of carbon monoxide, or one part of oxides of nitrogen, per thousand. 32. (1) The engine of a diesel locomotive shall not be kept running in a mine when the locomotive is stationary except— (a) during brief halts while in use ; or (b) while being tested. (2) No diesel locomotive shall be used in any place where there is not for the time being a sufficient current of air to render the gas from its exhaust harmless. (3) Where in a n y working place or road in which diesel locomotives are in use there is found in the general air a concentration of carbon monoxide greater than— (a) fifty parts per million, immediate steps shall be taken to disperse the said concentration ; (b) one hundred parts per million, the operation of every diesel locomotive in the district shall be discontinued until it is determined t h a t the concentration of carbon monoxide in the general air at that place does not exceed fifty parts per million. 33. (1) I n the case of each diesel locomotive in use in any mine a sample of the gas from the exhaust when the engine is being run— (a) a t maximum speed on full load ; (b) a t normal idling speed on no load ; shall be taken and analysed once at least in every three months. (2) A sample of the general air at each appointed place shall be taken and analysed once a t least in every month. (3) In this regulation the expression 'appointed place' means a place appointed b y the manager, so however t h a t the manager shall, if the Inspector of the Division so requires, vary any appointed place, or appoint one or more additional places ; and there shall be sufficient appointed places to ensure that harmful concentration in the general air in any working place or road in which a n y diesel locomotive is being used shall be detected. (4) Particulars of the analysis of each sample taken in pursuance of paragraph (1) or (2) of this regulation shall be recorded in a book t o b e kept a t the mine for the purpose." (R 24.3.1949) 5. COMPRESSED-AER LOCOMOTIVES 189 UNITED STATES Illinois "14.16. Internal-combustion locomotives used in haulageways in coal mines must be equipped with a device that eliminates gas given off by said locomotives, if same is found to be injurious to the health of employees. 14.17. A laboratory shall be established to analyse mine air for gas and dust content and for flame-propagating characteristics, and qualified personnel, equipment and space shall be provided." (A6.6.191D 5. COMPRESSED-AIR LOCOMOTIVES GERMANY The following conditions for the use of compressed-air locomotives underground have been issued by the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office. "General. 2. (1) The fixed compressed-air receivers underground shall be so installed at the sides of the roads or in special rooms off the main haulage roads that, if a receiver explodes, as far as possible no persons shall be endangered. (2) For the road system use shall be made only of pipes t h a t have successfully undergone a hydraulic pressure test a t 1 % times the working pressure. Storage receivers in the piping, the main and working receivers and the reducing valves of the locomotives shall, before first being taken into use, undergo a pressure test at 1 % times the working pressure. Equipment and Operation of the Locomotives. 3. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives except that the maximum speed is fixed at 4 m / s e c ] 1 Equipment of the Haulage Roads. 4. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives.] 1 Supervision of the Haulage System. 5. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be examined daily as to their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The necessary repair work shall be carried out without delay. (2) On every occasion before taking the locomotive into use the locomotive driver shall carefully examine it externally. I n addition a qualified person (Sachkundiger) shall thoroughly examine the locomotive externally a t least once a week, and enter a report signed by him in an examination register ; the register shall be kept for at least three years. (3) An expert (Sachverständiger) shall thoroughly examine the locomotives and the associated installations before they are taken into use and thereafter examine them thoroughly externally once a year ; he shall further thoroughly examine internally every two years the fixed air receivers on the surface and underground and also the main and working receivers of the locomotives. In addition all fixed and movable high-pressure and 1 See Division 4 of this chapter. 190 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS OK BOADS AND INCLINES working receivers underground and on the surface shall, at least once in every eight years reckoned from the time of taking into use, undergo a hydraulic pressure test by an expert at iy2 times the working pressure. The expert shall draw u p a certificate concerning every test and this certificate shall be kept at the mine in a register for at least three years for inspection by the mining authorities. By expert shall be meant an engineer of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen. Employees and Service Instructions. 6. [Similar to the provisions concerning diesel locomotives except that the minimum age for persons minding and operating locomotives is 18 years.] l Operating Permit. 7. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotives.] ' " Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions for the approval of the use of compressed-air locomotives (gathering locomotives) underground. NETHERLANDS "35. (1) On each occasion before being taken into use a locomotive shall undergo a careful external examination by the motorman. In addition, every locomotive shall, at least once a week, be thoroughly examined by an expert both internally and externally. The results of the weekly examinations shall be entered by the said expert in a register to be kept specially for the purpose, and shall be signed. (2) A locomotive shall not be taken into or kept in use when serious defects of any kind develop. (3) A locomotive in service shall not be left without supervision unless the brakes have been applied, the handle of the controller placed in the neutral position and the key of the main switch removed. The enginedriver shall be bound to keep this key on him when he leaves the engine. 36. Used cleaning rags shall be kept in incombustible containers and regularly removed from the mine. 37. (1) The cylinders and pre-heaters shall, on the occasion of every major repair or at the most every four years, be cleaned internally and externally and dismantled, rinsed out wiht warm linseed oil and, while being hammered, undergo an oil-pressure test at a pressure of 1% times the working pressure. If the high-pressure and the low-pressure pre-heaters are not provided with pressure relief valves and the occurrence of a higher air pressure t h a n the working pressure is possible in such parts of the engine, the test pressure shall be taken as i y 2 times the highest anticipated air pressure. The testing oil shall consist of one part linseed oil to one part machine oil. (2) A record shall be kept of every repair and test. 38. (1) Once in every three months the cylinders of the batteries shall be examined for the presence of water. Any water present shall be removed. (2) The cylinders referred to in the preceding subsection shall once in every four years be cleaned internally and externally and dismantled, rinsed out with warm linseed oil and undergo an oil-pressure test at 250-300 atmospheres, while being hammered. The testing oil shall consist of one part linseed oil to one part machine oil. (3) A record shall be kept of every repair and test." .._ • See Division 4 of this chapter. 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 191 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES BELGIUM " 2 3 . The supply pressure for the locomotives shall not exceed 650 volts. The trolley wires shall be placed a t a height of a t least 2 m above the top of the rails ; when the supply pressure is less t h a n 250 volts this distance may be reduced to 1.80 m. This distance may be reduced when protective devices prevent any accidental contact with bare conductors. At the points of suspension the trolley wires shall be at least 0.20 m from the road lining and 0.40 m from piping. At all other points these distances shall never be less than 0.15 m and 0.30 m respectively, even under the pressure of the current collector. A trolley wire shall not be installed above parts of the track where tubs are normally loaded. 24. When the trolley wires are not laid on insulators with double bells of porcelain or other equivalent material, they shall be doubly insulated from the earth. Transverse wires of any kind (carriers or tensioners) within hand's reach shall be doubly insulated from the trolley wire. The supply conductors or feeders normally at a potential to earth shall be capable of being disconnected from the source of current and from the conductors that they supply. If by means of line-sectionalising switches, the possibility is reserved of making both the feeder and the adjacent part of the trolley wire dead, it shall not be necessary to be able to disconnect at the supply centre. 25. The current collector shall be capable of being safely detached from the trolley wire and being kept in the lowered position. 26. The switch between the current collector and the rest of the electrical equipment of the vehicles shall be so installed as not to extinguish the lighting. 27. The locomotives shall be provided with an automatic safety switch for the electric motors. The earth circuit and the electric braking circuit shall not include fuses ; the latter circuit shall only be cut off through the controller. The handles on controllers shall be capable of being removed, but only when they have been placed in the position for cutting off the current. A roof of solid metal sheeting shall protect the seat of the engine-driver and that of the train guard. 28. When the rails are used as return conductors they shall be fish-plated and so connected that the electrical resistance of the joint between two successive rails is not higher than t h a t of one rail of normal length. The resistance of the return circuit shall be verified monthly. At intervals not exceeding 100 m the rails of one and the same track shall be connected together by cross-bonding of good conductivity. The earthing of rails used as return conductors shall be so effected that they cannot acquire a potential to earth t h a t is dangerous for persons. Piping, cable armouring and metal signalling wires t h a t cross trolley wires shall be insulated or electrically connected to the rails at the crossing places. In haulage roads there shall not be hanging wires or any other metal parts detached from their supports. 29. Electric locomotives supplied by trolley wires shall only run in roads swept by a volume of air of at least 3 m 3 /sec. In coal mines where dusts constitute an explosion danger, the dusts shall be effectively neutralised in all roads travelled by electric locomotives supplied by trolley wires. 30. The trolley wires shall be made dead while the personnel are travelling on foot in the haulage roads a t the beginning and end of each shift. 192 Via. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES When the trolley wires are live, only persons required there by their duties or authorised by the manager and warned of the dangers of any contact with live parts shall travel in the haulage roads. The switching on of the trolley wires shall be indicated by light signals specially placed a t junctions with other roads whatever their importance. The lighting of each signal shall be ensured by at least two lamps supplied in parallel from the haulage current. 31. Installations or parts of installations shall be made dead before the beginning of any repair work or other work creating a risk of contact with the trolley wires. The current shall not be restored until the persons employed on repair work have left the road, with the exception, however, of qualified electricians appointed to verify the installation." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "1 (t) Haulage by electric locomotive on the overhead trolley-wire system or haulage by storage battery locomotive may be used in mines only with the permission in writing of the Director of Mines. (1) I n a mine where such haulage is used, its use may not be extended to other adits, tunnels, levels, drifts, roads, ways or parts of the mine without the permission in writing of the Director. (2) The permission of the Director m a y be subject to such conditions regarding safety as he may prescribe." (Electricity Regulations) The conditions for the approval of trolley-locomotive installations are as follows : " I n mines where safety lamps are required to be used, the trolley wire shall be installed only in fresh intake air. The supply station for the trolley, such as motor-generator set or rectifier, to be installed in fresh intake air and where practical in a fresh-air split between intake and return air. The room housing the supply station to be constructed of concrete not less than 6 in. in thickness, or of brick not less than 8 in. in thickness, or of steel plate not less than % in. in thickness. Ample working space to be provided around the equipment. Doors or ventilators that close automatically in case of fire within the room, to be provided so as to seal off the fire. An automatic power release to be installed so that the power supply to the trolley will be automatically cut off in the event of a stoppage or reversal of the flow of air in the trolley haulage roadway. Trolley wire to be supported on insulated trolley-wire hangers, properly aligned and reliably secured. Hangers to be so spaced t h a t the sag between supports shall not exceed 3 in. when the height is 5 ft. or less, nor exceed 5 in. when the height is greater than 5 ft. KTo trolley wire t o be installed at a height less than 4 % ft- above the rail. In no case shall the voltage between any conductor of the mine trolleytraction system and ground exceed 300 volts. Trolley wires to be guarded a t all points where men regularly pass under, and throughout their length where a height above the rail of 6 % ft. cannot be maintained. Trolley wires used in mine traction systems shall have a tensile strength not less than No. 0 B . & S. gauge hard drawn copper. Trolley wires shall be placed as far to one side of the roadway as is practicable, but not less than 6 in. outside of line of rail and on the side opposite to the manway or travelling way. 6 . TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 193 The ends of trolley wires to be dead-ended by strain insulators a n d fitted with a suitable device for adjustment of tension. Trolley to be sectionalised a t least every 2,500 ft. by means of an insulated trolley section and switch. All branch trolley lines to be provided with trolley frogs at the point where they leave the main line, with insulated trolley sections and switches installed close to the frogs by which the trolley branches can be disconnected from the main trolley line. All rail joints of the track on which it is intended that trolley locomotives are to operate, to have each and every joint bonded by an approved rail bond. The cross-sectional area of the bond to be equal to t h a t of the trolley wire. At intervals, not greater than 200 linear ft., a cross-bond to be installed. Special provision to be made for bonding around switches, frogs or other openings in the track system to ensure a continuous return conductor. All rail bonding to receive regular routine inspection for the detection of damaged bonds or other defects in the track return circuit. Telephone and signal lines to be situated on the clearance side of the tracks and kept clear of the trolley line. Locomotives to be equipped with suitable headlights and with a warning gong, bell or some such audible signal. Control levers to be so arranged t h a t the lever cannot be accidentally removed when the power is on. Guards shall extend a t least 3 in. below the lowest point of the trolley wire. In open-light mines the location of the trolley supply station and the trolley haulage roadway to be acceptable to the District Inspector of Mines. The general requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act as affecting installations of this nature will apply in all cases. This equipment may be ordered out of the mine forthwith for cause at any time by the District Inspector of Mines. " (R 1949) FRANCE (See also Chapter X I X , Division 4.) "295. (1) I t shall be prohibited to use currents of the second class 1 for haulage without the special authorisation of the local inspection authority. (2) The bare conductors used either for the trolley line or for the feeders installed parallel to it, shall, either by their mechanical strength or by their conditions of situation and use, avoid the risks of inadvertent breaking, fire in the timbering and being touched while live by persons. The transverse junction wires shall be insulated conductors. (3) The pipes, cable armourings and mechanical signal wires t h a t cross the trolley wires or the feeders shall be electrically connected to the rails at the crossing point. 296. (1) The bare conductors of the feeder system or of the trolley line shall be effectively protected wherever the operations and movements required of the haulage personnel by the performance of their duties are liable to bring this personnel accidentally into contact with these conductors. If at certain places this protection is technically impossible, the risks shall be brought to the attention of the personnel by very conspicuous notices. (2) While persons are travelling on foot the current shall be cut off from the bare conductors of the feeder system or the trolley line unless they are at least 2.20 m above the rail or are effectively protected ; a t crossings and junctions, if it is technically impossible to achieve this effective protection, the risk shall be indicated by very conspicuous notices. 1 For the classification ol currents see Chapter XIX, Division 2. 194 v m . HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES The cutting off of the current shall not be compulsory when pedestrian traffic is carried on in a passageway physically separated from the bare conductors. 297. The current shall be cut off during repairs to the haulage wiring, its supports or the roads in which it is installed. 298. Electric locomotives supplied by a trolley line shall be so designed that the driver is not liable to touch the bare live conductors inadvertently. 299. (1) The live parts of electric locomotives shall be insulated or protected by covers having sufficient mechanical strength and an effective insulated lining ; all measures shall be taken to ensure t h a t this insulation is not impaired by jolting. (2) I t shall be prohibited to undertake the examination or the repair, even purely mechanical, of the electrical equipment of the locomotives without having first cut off the current from them. Nevertheless this prohibition shall not apply t o examinations of the electrical equipment by an authorised and qualified employee. 300. The motors shall be protected against overloads by an automatic circuit breaker or by fuses." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Trolley Wires and Accessories. (a) The standard operating pressures are 220, 440, 550 and 750 volts. (b) The use of alternating current is only permissible for the transfer or extension of existing alternating-current tracks. (c) The height of the trolley wire above the top of the rails must be a t least 1.80 m with pressures up to 220 volts ; a t least 2.20 m with pressures between 220 and 550 volts ; and, for the transfer or extension of alternating-current tracks, a t least 2.50 m with pressures over 550 volts. (d) The minimum cross-sectional area for trolley wire is 50 mm 2 . (e) The lateral distance between the trolley wire and metal parts of supports, and also piping, cables and signal wiring, when bow current collectors are used, must be 100 nun greater than the utilisable contact width of the current collector and at least 400 mm. This does not apply when roller current collectors are used. (f) Trolley wires must be laid on porcelain insulators. Suspension or span wires of all kinds must be insulated from the trolley wire. For cross connections serving to balance the pressure between the trolley wires, bare wires m a y not be used. Rubber core-conductors must be weatherproof. (g) When use is made of locomotives with more than one bow collector or more than one roller or drum, a t the end of the trolley wire precautions must be taken to prevent the road supports or the ground from being made live if the terminus is over-run. (h) Disconnecting switches must be placed a t least every 1,000 m along the road and a t junctions with branch roads over 100 m in length. The switch position must be visible from the outside. The indicating device must be such as to ensure t h a t the switch is open when the device is in the "off" position. The gaps along the road must be such that they cannot be bridged over by the current collectors of the locomotive. 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 195 (i) For trolley-wire installations that are fed from a number of mutually independent feeders, an automatic overload circuit breaker must be placed on every feeder. (j) Feeders must be disconnectable from the source of current, and at the feeding points, from the trolley wire. Disconnectability at the feeding point is not necessary when by means of disconnections along the road it is ensured that, together with the feeder, the corresponding part of the trolley wire is also made dead. (k) When the rails serve as a return wire, the rail ends in both lines of rails must be efficiently connected together electrically, and at intervals of not more than 100 m efficient electrical cross-connections must be established between the rails. The rail ends must be bridged over in such a way that the resistance in the bridge is not greater than t h a t of a rail length. Points, crossings and the like must be efficiently bridged over electrically. (I) At shunting places, crossings and approaches, conspicuous warning signs must be placed (23). Locomotives. (a) For controllers and current collectors, wood may be used as insulating material. For flameproof controllers, wood may only be used as insulating material inside pressure-resisting enclosures or plate-protected enclosures. (b) If bow current collectors are used, the utilisable contact width must be at least 300 mm. When the direction of travel is changed the bows must reverse automatically. (c) Live parts of the collector, u p to the bow and its bearings, must be protected against accidental contact. (d) I t must be possible t o lower the collector safely from the driver's stand and to lock it in the lowered position. (e) On roads where the occurrence of firedamp is not excluded the locomotives must be equipped with a t least two bow current collectors separated by a mean distance of a t least 300 mm. In this case roller and drum collectors are not permissible. ({) Between the current collectors and the other electrical equipment of the locomotive a disconnecting device—switch, disconnecting switch or switch fuse—must be installed. The lighting must not be cut off by this device. (g) Trolley locomotives must have short-circuiting switches through which either the road is made dead by the tripping of the overload circuit breaker or the voltage drop in the trolley wire up to the short-circuit point is so great that the remaining voltage is not dangerous. The short-circuiting device on the locomotives may be replaced by devices that, by means of a remote release, trip the overload circuit breaker on the trolley wire. (h) The handles of the controller must be so constructed t h a t they can only be removed when they are in the stop position. (i) Combined trolley-wire and battery locomotives must have an automatic switch that prevents return current from the batteries from running into the current collector when the trolley current fails or when the current collector slips off the wire or is lowered. On combined locomotives in which the batteries are charged from the trolley wire, charging must be stopped by an automatic device before gasification begins in the battery cells. (j) The trolley wires must be protected by overload protectors. If fuses are used for the protection of copper wiring on a locomotive, they must comply with the regulation specifications. 196 v m . HAULAGE Oï MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (k) E a r t h wires, and brake leads independent of the power current, must have no fuses. They must only be disconnectable in the controller. (1) Brake leads must be at least as thick as the trolley wires. (m) Insulated wires must be securely fixed and so laid that their insulation is not exposed to damage from oil, fat, acids, lyes, or the heat of neighbouring resistors. Insulated trolley lines running side by side must either be so installed as a multiple conductor in a common sheath t h a t displacement and rubbing of the individual conductors are prevented, or laid separately ; and, at places where they penetrate walls, so protected by insulation that they cannot be worn through. (n) On flameproof locomotives standard rubber core wiring is not permissible. (o) The rules under (m), paragraph 1, and (n) also apply to the electrical equipment of non-electrical locomotives (24). (VDE 0118/1937) The conditions for the approval of trolley-locomotive haulage underground issued by t h e Dortmund Divisional Mining Office include provisions based on VDE 0118 /1937 and provisions similar to those for diesel and other locomotives in so far as concerns construction and maintenance of the haulage roads, employees and service instructions and operating permits. Among the remaining provisions are the following : " Travelling on the Haulage Roads. 6. (1) So long as the trolley wire is live, travelling along the haulage roads shall only be permitted, subject to the authorisation of the manager or his representative, to those persons who in the performance of their duties have to be on the haulage roads while locomotive haulage is in operation. The persons concerned shall be specifically warned b y the manager or his representative of the dangers inherent in travelling on the haulage roads while the trolley wire is live and the haulage in operation. (2) Before repair work of any kind is begun in the haulage roads the electric current shall be cut off. The current shall not be switched on again until all the persons employed on the work have left the haulage road. Protection against Ignition of Firedamp. 7. (1) Accumulations of firedamp shall be effectively prevented in all parts of the road by abundant ventilation. I n all haulage roads the air velocity shall be at least 1 m/sec. in the largest cross-section occurring. (2) For controlling the proper working of the ventilation system of the roads, at intervals not exceeding 14 days the quantities of air flowing through the roads and the resultant air velocity shall be ascertained. The results shall be inscribed on a board to be placed a t the measuring station and also in the register referred to in 11 (2).1 The quantities of air shall be measured at the beginning and the end of the haulage roads and also a t junctions a t which air flows in or out. (3) Outgoing air from separately ventilated workings shall only be led into haulage roads with the special authorisation of the District Mining Office which shall be given in writing for each individual case. The introduction of outgoing air with a firedamp content exceeding 0.3 per cent. shall be prohibited. (4) In all haulage roads air samples shall be taken regularly and a t least once in every quarter and tested as to their firedamp content. The results shall be entered in the register referred to in 11 (2). (5) In addition, air measurements and tests shall be undertaken a t the request of the District Mining Office. 1 Register for recording tests and examinations. 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 197 (6) Locomotive haulage shall be immediately stopped if it has been found that the air in the haulage roads contains more than 0.3 per cent. firedamp. (7) Pot-holes in the roof shall be packed tight. In so far as the locomotive roads are not lined with masonry or are not supported, the roof and sides down to the level of the trolley wire shall be tightly lagged (by tight-fitting boards, sheet metal, etc.). The bottom layer of the filling over the lagging shall consist of fine dirt, washery dirt, sand, etc., and shall be a t least 10 cm thick. (8) At places at which workable seams t h a t have not yet been worked, or unworkable seams or bands cross the haulage roads the roof and sides shall be protected against falls of coal and the formation of pot-holes b y masonry or concrete construction or by tight lagging with fine dirt or similar filling. The same shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to faults t h a t cross the haulage road. (9) After the winning of a seam has been completed the gate roads shall be shut off from the locomotive roads by stone stoppings a t least 5 m thick with mortar walling in front of them. (10) Without prejudice to the provisions of 3 (2) 1 , the trolley wire in the locomotive roads shall terminate 50 m before the lower road of the seam being worked at the time. This point may be passed when the winning operations, measured from the haulage road, have advanced at least 50 m on both sides and 40 m above the level. The trolley wires shall only be led up to a distance of 50 m from the last break through to the upper level. (11) The workable seams shaE, as far as possible, be worked from the roof downwards to the floor ; as far as possible provision shall be made for complete extraction. (12) The right is reserved to prescribe further conditions for protection against ignition of firedamp. Warning Notice-Boards and Notices. 8. At all approaches to the haulage roads, irrespective of the further requirements of* the installation regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers, electrically illuminated warning notice-boards shall be provided which shall bear in clear type a text strictly prohibiting entering the haulage roads while the trolley wire is live and also strictly prohibiting unauthorised climbing upon the locomotives and the cars. This prohibition with the same indications shall be brought to the notice of the miners by being posted up at the mine. Supervision of the Haulage Installation. 9. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be thoroughly examined daily as to their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The necessary repair work shall be undertaken without delay. (2) The electrical parts of the haulage installation shall be examined daily as to its regulation condition by a person with sufficient electrical training (electrician). Defects shall be remedied without delay. (3) The electrical parts of the haulage installation shall, in conformity with section 273 of the Mining Eegulations of 1 May 1935, be thoroughly examined at least once a year by an expert. The interval between two examinations shall not exceed 15 months. By expert shall be meant a n electrical engineer of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen and any other expert recognised by the Divisional Mining Office. (4) The names of the persons responsible for the daily examinations under Nos. (1) and (2) shall be entered by the manager in the register referred to in 11 (2)." 1 Section 3 (2) provides that operation of the system in return air with the zone of influence of the face workings above and below the level and in specially ventilated workings shall be prohibited. 198 VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES NETHERLANDS " 4. Installation and Maintenance of the Haulage Roads 1. The superstructure shall be of adequate strength. The weight of the rails shall be at least 16 kg/linear m ; the number of sleepers shall be adequate. Installation and Use of Locomotives 3. The engine-driver's seat shall be protected against the draw-bars of the locomotive. 4. If there is a sheet-iron roof above the engine-driver's seat, parts of it shall not be cut out. 5. The engine-driver's seat shall be so installed that from it the mine road to be travelled can be watched without it being necessary for a person to put his head out of the locomotive. For this purpose, if necessary, a seat shall be fitted a t both ends of the locomotive. 6. A locomotive that is outside the locomotive depot shall not be left without supervision unless the brakes are applied and the motors stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the motors. 7. On every locomotive there shall be an acoustic device. Rules concerning the use of this device shall be included in the engine-driver's instructions. 8. During locomotive transport, in front of the locomotive there shall be a powerful electric lamp with a reflector and on the last tub of a moving train there shall b e a red lamp throwing a powerful light rearwards. The same shall apply to light locomotives. In addition the engine-driver shall have with him a safety lamp of the kind usually employed in the mine. 9. Except in shunting operations, the locomotive shall always be in front of the train. 10. (1) Shunting operations in unlit roads in the coal or stone in which the locomotive is not in front shall only be carried on by the engine-driver in accordance with signals received from the person in charge of shunting operations. (2) I n the case of the shunting operations referred to in the preceding subsection, on the front end of the first tub or on the first tub itself there shall be a bright lamp throwing a red light forwards. 11. I t shall b e prohibited to ride on a loaded tub. 12. The speed in the transport of materials shall not exced 4 m /sec. 13. (1) On all single-track haulage roads and also on double-track roads on which locomotives approach one another in opposite directions, there shall always be for passing purposes a footpath alongside the vehicles a t least 0.60 m wide and 1.80 m high, unless it is laid down in the enginedriver's instructions t h a t on double-track roads if persons are present on the road the engine-driver of the train running towards these persons shall stop if another train is approaching from the opposite direction. (2) On track curves with a radius less than 30 m, on the side where passing occurs and at intervals not exceeding 10 m, recesses at least 1.20 m deep, measured from the locomotive, shall be installed unless there is a travellable way a t the place a t least 0.80 m wide. 14. (1) Except with the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines it shall be prohibited to push ventilation doors open with a locomotive. 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 199 (2) If a ventilation door on a single-track road in the coal or the stone is automatically opened, there shall be a separate and suitably laid footpath unless an efficient automatic warning device is provided or the approach of the locomotive is clearly visible. (3) On a double-track road in the coal or the stone the movement of persons shall be suitably announced. Protection against Ignition of Firedamp 15. (1) Accumulations of firedamp shall be prevented on all routes by very copious ventilation. (2) The air velocity over the whole length of the track shall be a t least 1 m /sec, unless the Inspector-General of Mines has allowed a smaller velocity in special circumstances. 16. (1) Cavities in the stone roof shall be tightly filled in. (2) Where excavations have been made previous to the construction of the track or later, on the installation of transport with electric trolley locomotives in old stone drifts, and owing to circumstances of operation cannot be tightly filled in but must be packed—for example, with large pieces of rock, wood, etc., they shall be tightly barred off from the stone drift by means of masonry, concrete or wood planking. Above this barrier there shall be a layer of small stones, ash or the like a t least 10 cm thick. 17. (1) The return air current from workplaces with auxiliary ventilation shall not be led off along electric-locomotive routes without the special written permission of the Inspector-General of Mines. This permission shall be requested separately for each particular case. (2) The introduction of return air currents with more than 0.3 per cent. firedamp shall be prohibited. 18. I n such parts of stone drifts with trolley-locomotive haulage as are indicated by the Inspector-General of Mines, air samples shall be regularly taken in accordance with his rules and tested for firedamp content. The results shall be entered in a register specially kept for this purpose and shall be signed. 19. Locomotive haulage shall be immediately stopped whenever it is found that the air on the haulage roads contains more than 0.3 per cent. firedamp. 20. I n roads in the stone or the coal the trolleys shall not be brought closer than 30 m to the last roads connecting with the upper level. Inspection and Maintenance 21. (1) A thorough examination shall be made daily by an official or a supervisor to see whether the track and its accessories comply with the regulations. (2) All necessary repair work shall be carried out as speedily as possible. Officials and Instructions 22. (1) The maintenance and driving of the locomotive shall only be entrusted to persons who are at least 18 years old and have been carefully instructed in their work. They shall have worked underground at least six months. The names of these persons shall be recorded in a register. (2) The engine-drivers shall be able to satisfy the officials of the State Mines Inspectorate that they can perform their duties properly. 23. Persons employed in connection with locomotive haulage—enginedrivers, trackmen, pointsmen, shunters, couplers, etc.—shall be instructed 200 V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES concerning their duties and mutual service relationships. This shall be done by means of instructions which shall require the approval of the InspectorGeneral of Mines." (IGR 39) The regulations for the establishment of low-tension electrical installations in the underground workings include the following provisions : "Chapter XI. Supplementary Regulations for Underground by Means of Electric Trolley Locomotives Transport 281. Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapter I 1 , in so far as they are not modified b y the following provisions, sections 282 to 309 inclusive shall apply to underground transport by means of electric trolley locomotives. . 282. Underground transport by means of electric trolley locomotives shall only be carried on after an authorisation has been obtained from the Inspector-General of Mines. 283. For the propulsion of electric trolley locomotives, use shall only be made of direct current with a rated voltage not exceeding 250 volts to earth. 284. On the locomotives, switches shall be installed by which the rails and the trolley wires can be short circuited. 285. (1) The devices for collecting the current from the trolley wire for the locomotives shall be such t h a t sparking on the trolley wire is reduced to a minimum. (2) On every locomotive at least two current collectors shall be installed. This provision shall not apply to locomotives with pantograph current collectors. 286. (1) If bows are used as current collectors, the effective length of contact shall be at least 30 cm. (2) At deviations of about 10 cm from the normal height of the trolley wire the bows shall continue to collect the current efficiently, and shall automatically adjust themselves to changes in the direction of travel. 287. The current collectors shall be provided with a device by which they can safely be taken off the trolley wire and be fastened in the lowered position. 288. (1) On the locomotives, for the protection of the motors, there shall be main fuses or overload circuit breakers, the rated capacity of which shall be identical with the total amperage used by the motors. (2) Conductors for braking current shall have at least the same crosssection as the leads to one of the motors. 289. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 116 2 , leads to the motors shall not be loaded with heavier current or be more heavily protected than indicated in the table in subsection ( 1 ) of the said section for conductors with the next larger copper cross-section. 290. Conductors on locomotives shall be so installed t h a t the insulation cannot be adversely affected by the heat of adjacent resistances. 291. For insulated conductors lying alongside one another, except for conductors used for lighting, there shall be provided a common enclosure which effectively prevents the mutual displacement of any of the conduc• General provisions. a Specifies the maximum loads to be carried by various types of cable. 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES 201 tors, or rubbing together of any of the conductors, or each of the conductors shall be installed separately. At places where conductors are led through walls, they shall be so protected that they cannot be damaged by rubbing against the wall. 292. Conductors for braking current, which do not carry the operating current, shall not be provided with fuses or overload circuit breakers ; it shall only be possible to switch them off by means of the controllers. 293. For controllers and current collectors, wood may be used as insulating material. 294. Handles of the controllers shall be removable ; it shall only be possible to remove a handle when the controller is dead. 295. Lamp holders shall be fitted in metal lighting fittings which shall be electrically connected with the metal frame of the locomotive. Switches, fuses and the like belonging to the lighting installation shall be installed in boxes of heavy construction or of a t least equivalent construction. 296. If there is a battery for lighting on the locomotives, the cells may be mounted on wood, provided that they are separated from the wood by means of a simple intermediate layer of non-hygroscopic insulating material. 297. (1) The copper cross-section of trolley wires shall be a t least 80 mm 2 . (2) Trolley wires shall throughout be installed a t a height of a t least 1.90 m above the top of the rails. 298. The clearance between the trolley wire and the stone roof or bottom edge of the roof timbering shall throughout be at least 20 cm. If, a t the level of the trolley wire there is piping that runs parallel with the trolley wire, the clearance between them shall be at least 40 cm. 299. Trolley wires shall be doubly insulated from the earth, or suspension or span wires, if there are any—for example, by insulators with double petticoats. 300. Trolley wires shall be suspended in an elastic manner and so as to be vertically displaceable. 301. If trolley wires have to be led through ventilation doors, it shall not be possible for them to come into contact with the wood of the doors, with brattice cloths, or with other combustible material. 302. (1) At junctions of the trolley wire, gaps in the wire shall be made in the branch stone drifts and shall be capable of being bridged b y means of switches. The gaps shall be such t h a t they cannot be bridged by the current collectors of the locomotives. (2) All switches for the same junction shall be centrally installed. (3) I n trolley wires, at intervals not exceeding 1,000 m, gaps shall be made which it shall be possible to bridge by means of switches placed at the gaps. The position of these switches shall be clearly visible ; it shall be possible to lock them in the open position by means of a special key. (4) I n the feeder wires of trolley wires that are supplied from different mutually independent sources of current, overload circuit breakers shall be installed. 303. (1) I n feeder wires of trolley wires that are supplied through different conductors, switches shall be installed a t the beginning a n d a t the place where they are connected to the trolley wires. (2) I n feeder wires of trolley wires or parts of trolley wires t h a t are supplied from only one conductor, switches shall be installed at the beginning. 304. Conductors for the connection of switches for the bridging of gaps of trolley wires and also conductors for equalising the tension in parallel trolley wires shall be effectively insulated. 202 V n i . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES 305. (1) If the track rails have to be used as return conductors for the current, the rail ends shall be well connected together electrically. (2) Connections between the rail ends shall be welded by fusion, by electricity, or by some at least equivalent method. This provision shall not apply to rail connections in advancing stone drifts, provided t h a t the resistance of the connections complies with the requirements in subsection (5) of the present section. (3) At intervals not exceeding 100 m and also at switches, crossconnections of adequate cross-section shall be installed between the rails. (4) The ends of rails shall be supported by sleepers. (5) The resistance of connections between rail ends shall not be greater than that of a rail length. 306. Between the rails, on the one hand, and piping, cable armouring and steel used for the construction of the roads, on the other hand, there shall be no metallic connection. Return conductors of lamps that are supplied from the trolley wires shall be connected to the rails and so installed that they cannot come into contact with pipes, cable armouring or other metal parts. 307. Haulage roads shall be kept clear of hanging wires and the like. 308. The conveyance of persons in open tubs shall only be allowed subject to the compliance with the following provisions : (a) at entraining and detraining places a switch shall be installed by which, during entraining and detraining, the part of the trolley wire t h a t is above the train shall be made dead ; (b) to the switch referred to under (a) a number of green lamps shall be so connected t h a t they are alight while the switch is open ; (c) to the part of the trolley wire that is above the train a number of red lamps shall be so connected that they are alight while the wire is live ; (d) the lamps referred to under (b) and (c) shall be provided in such number and be so distributed that from every place in the train at least one red and one green lamp can be seen. 309. At places where shunting is done and where conductors cross one another, or where other roads give access to the roads with electric haulage, warning notices shall be placed that clearly show that contact with the trolley wires is dangerous. The notices shall be adequately illuminated while the trolley wire is live." UNITED STATES Federal "Article VIII. Electricity 4. Power circuits (g) Where track is used as a power conductor— (1) both rails of main-line tracks shall be welded or bonded at every joint, and cross-bonds shall be installed at intervals of not more than 200 ft. If the rails are parallel with a feeder circuit of like polarity, such parallel feeder shall be bonded to the track rails at intervals of not more than 1,000 ft. ; (2) a t least one rail on secondary track-haulage roads shall be welded or bonded at every joint, and cross-bonds shall be installed at intervals of not more than 200 ft. ; provided, however, that rail joints in such secondary haulage roads need not be bonded where a copper feeder adequate in size parallels the track and is electrically connected thereto a t intervals of not more than 200 ft. by cross-bonds ; 203 6. TROLLEY LOCOMOTIVES (3) t r a c k switches o n entries shall b e well b o n d e d ; (4) i n r o o m s w h e r e electric e q u i p m e n t o t h e r t h a n locomotives is d e p e n d e n t u p o n t h e r o o m t r a c k rails as a p o w e r c o n d u c t o r , rail j o i n t s shall b e secured b y m e a n s of fish-plates, a n g l e - b a r s , or t h e e q u i v a l e n t , a n d a t least one rail shall b e b o n d e d a t e a c h j o i n t . (i) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall b e installed o n t h e side of t h e e n t r y opposite t h e clearance s p a c e a n d s h e l t e r holes, e x c e p t w h e r e t h e wires a r e g u a r d e d or a r e 6 % ft. or m o r e a b o v e t h e t o p of t h e rail. (j) Trolley-wire h a n g e r s shall be so s p a c e d t h a t t h e wire m a y b e c o m e d e t a c h e d from a n y one h a n g e r w i t h o u t c r e a t i n g a shock h a z a r d . (k) Trolley wires shall b e a l i g n e d p r o p e r l y a n d installed o n i n s u l a t e d h a n g e r s a t least 6 in. outside t h e r a i l . (I) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires installed after t h e effective d a t e of t h i s code shall b e p r o v i d e d w i t h c u t - o u t switches a t i n t e r v a l s of n o t m o r e t h a n 2,000 ft. a n d n e a r t h e b e g i n n i n g of all b r a n c h lines. (m) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall be k e p t t a u t a n d n o t p e r m i t t e d t o t o u c h t h e roof, r i b s , t i m b e r s , or a n y c o m b u s t i b l e m a t e r i a l . (n) Trolley wires, a n d trolley feeder wires unless i n s u l a t e d , shall b e g u a r d e d a d e q u a t e l y a t b o t h sides of d o o r s a n d a t all places w h e r e it is necess a r y t o w o r k or p a s s u n d e r t h e m u n l e s s t h e y a r e m o r e t h a n 6 % ft. a b o v e t h e t o p of t h e rail. (o) (Section 209 (f) (4)—Title I I . ) In a gassy mine, trolley and feeder wires shall not extend beyond the last open cross-cut and shall be kept at least 150 ft. from pillar workings. (p) Trolley wires a n d trolley feeder wires shall be g u a r d e d , a n c h o r e d securely, a n d i n s u l a t e d p r o p e r l y a t t h e e n d s . (q) I n a n y n e w m i n e or a n y old m i n e t h a t m a y b e r e o p e n e d a n d ree q u i p p e d after t h e effective d a t e of t h i s code, trolley wires or o t h e r e x p o s e d c o n d u c t o r s shall n o t c a r r y m o r e t h a n 650 v o l t s . " (FMC 1953) New Mexico " 1106. All electric locomotives shall h a v e efficient a n a u d i b l e signal device. headlights and 1110 (a) E l e c t r i c trolley locomotives a n d s t o r a g e - b a t t e r y l o c o m o t i v e s of non-permissible t y p e shall b e u s e d i n coal m i n e s only w h e r e t h e n o r m a l a i r c o n t a i n s less t h a n o n e - q u a r t e r of 1 p e r cent, of m e t h a n e , a n d shall n o t b e u s e d b e y o n d t h e l a s t o p e n b r e a k - t h r o u g h in a n y e n t r y , o r w i t h i n 50 ft. of t h e n e c k of t h e first r o o m in w h i c h pillars a r e being d r a w n , o r p a s t sealed o r open places which give off m e t h a n e a s d e t e c t e d b y a flame safety lamp. 1712. T h e t r a c k s of all m a i n h a u l a g e s y s t e m s t h a t u s e a rail r e t u r n shall b e b o n d e d a t e v e r y j o i n t a n d a r o u n d switches a n d frogs. S u c h t r a c k s shall b e cross b o n d e d . " (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " Transmission Circuits and Conductors 38. After t h e p a s s a g e of this a m e n d m e n t 1, all trolley wires installed in u n d e r g r o u n d r o a d s shall b e p l a c e d a s far t o one side of t h e p a s s a g e w a y ' Dated 1 July 1937. 14 204 v m . HATTLAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES as is practicable, but not less than 6 in. outside of line of rail, and securely supported upon hangers which shall not be more than 24 ft. apart, and efficiently insulated. 39. All other wires, except telephone, shotfiring and signal wires, shall be on the same side of the road as the trolley wire. 40. At all landings and partings or other places where men are required to work regularly or pass under trolley or other bare power wires, which aie placed less t h a n 6% ft. above top of rail, a suitable protection shall be provided. This protection shall consist of placing boards along the wire, which boards shall not be more than 5 in. apart, or less than 2 in. below the lowest point of the wire : Provided that the distance between boards on curves may exceed 5 in. but shall not exceed 8 in. This does not prohibit the use of other approved devices or methods furnishing equal or better protection. 41. All branch trolley lines shall be fitted with an automatic trolley switch or section insulator and line switch, or some other device, that will allow the current to be shut off from such branch headings. Switches or circuit breakers shall be provided on haulage roads to de-energise all trolley and feeder lines a t intervals not to exceed 2,000 ft. 42. I t is recommended that, where air pipes or water pipes parallel the grounded return of power circuits, the return be securely bonded to such pipes at frequent intervals to eliminate the possibility of a difference of potential between rails and pipes and to prevent electrolysis of the pipes. The rail return shall be of sufficient capacity for the current used, independent of the capacity of the pipes. On main haulage roads both rails shall be bonded, and cross-bonds shall be placed at points not to exceed 200 ft. apart. Electric Locomotives 77. Electric haulage by locomotive operated from a trolley wire is not permissible in any gaseous portion of a mine, a gaseous portion of a mine as used herein being all the workings and roadways traversed by the locomotive and ventilated by the same continuous air current and in which portion explosive gas has been generated in sufficient quantity to be detected by an approved safety lamp within a period of two years, except when the portion in which the locomotive operates is free of accumulated explosive gas, and the highest methane content of the air current in which the locomotive operates is not in excess of five-tenths of 1 per cent., and except where the air current is so guided and directed that the opening or closing of a door will not interrupt or seriously diminish the airflow passing into and through the portion of the mine in which the locomotive operates. Moreover, it shall be unlawful in any gaseous portion of a mine as defined in this rule to run or operate a locomotive fed directly or indirectly from a trolley wire by the open entrances to worked-out places wherein the pillars have been drawn, or places in which the pillars have not been drawn, but in which places the roof has collapsed, unless such places are constantly and thoroughly ventilated and examined as frequently for explosive gas as active working places are examined. No open type electric locomotive or open type electric machine of whatsoever name shall be taken into a working place or places in a gaseous portion of a mine as denned in this rule. Main return airways shall not be used as haulageways for electric locomotives operated from a trolley wire in gaseous mines. 78. I n no case shall the potential used in the trolley system be higher than medium voltage." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 7. BATTERY AND CABLE REEL LOCOMOTIVES 205 7. BATTERY AND CABLE R E E L LOCOMOTIVES BELGIUM "32. When the haulage is effected by battery locomotives or locomotives supplied by trailing cables wound on reels, the installations shall in particular comply with the provisions of sections 26 and 27.1 33. The rooms in which the batteries are charged shall be ventilated by a strong current of pure air returning directly to the upcast shaft without passing by any active workplace." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta (See also Division 6 of this chapter.) The conditions for the approval of battery locomotives for underground use are as follows : " I n mines where safety lamps are required to be used, battery locomotives shall be of approved 'permissible' type. Storage battery charging stations shall be located in a fresh air split between intake and return air with sufficient ventilation to render harmless the gases evolved from the charging. The charging apparatus to be installed on the intake side of the batteries. The charging apparatus to be installed in a fireproof room constructed of concrete at least 6 in. in thickness, or brick at least 8 in. in thickness, or of steel plate at least % in. in thickness. Doors or ventilators that close automatically in case of fire within the room, to be provided so as to seal off the fire. Adequate means for extinguishing fires to be kept at all charging stations. Conductors in charging stations, if of such material or so located as to be liable to corrosion, shall be protected by suitable acid-proof coverings. Live parts, above 50 volts, in charging stations to be guarded so as to prevent accidental contact by attendants. Control levers to be so arranged that the levers cannot be accidentally removed when the power is on. All locks, seals, etc., shall be kept in place and in good condition. Locomotives shall be equipped with a warning gong, bell or some such audible signal. In open light mines approved 'permissible' type locomotives will not be required. The location of the charging apparatus and batteries shall be acceptable to the District Inspector of Mines. The general requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act as affecting installations of this nature will apply in all cases. This equipment m a y be ordered out of the mine forthwith for cause at any time by the District Inspector of Mines." (R 1949) FRANCE See Chapter X I X , Division 4. GERMANY The following conditions for the approval of the use of electric battery locomotives (gathering locomotives) have been issued by the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office. 1 See Division 6 of this chapter. 206 TOI. "Installation HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES of the Locomotive, Repair and Charging Booms. 2. (1) The locomotive depots and charging rooms shall be of fireproof construction and be provided with through ventilation by a fresh air current. The adjoining mine workings shall have fireproof supports up to a distance of 10 m from the approach doors of these rooms. (2) The locomotive depots and charging rooms shall be provided with electric lighting complying with the regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers for fiery mine places and approved by the Divisional Mining Office. ( 3 ) Entering the charging rooms with lighted gas detectors burning petrol shall only be allowed for the purpose of testing for firedamp. The testing shall only be done at a time when the batteries are neither charged nor in a condition of after-gasification. Equipment and Operating of the Locomotives. 3. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotives.] * Equipment and Maintenance of the Haulage Roads. 4. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1 Protection against Ignition of Firedamp. 5. (1) Accumulation of firedamp shall be effectively prevented in all parts of the roads by abundant ventilation. (2) The batteries shall not be changed in the gate roads and may only be changed in the intake air current. (3) The supply of current from the batteries to the motor shall be so ensured t h a t even after taking out the plug any possibility of misusing the current is excluded. (4) The pole connections between the individual cells shall be so arranged that, as far as possible, sparking is avoided (e.g. cone connections). (5) The plate protection 2, the cab tire cables and the connection ducts for the conductors shall be examined weekly as to their good condition by a person with electrical training, and, if necessary, replaced. (6) The keys for the device for locking the cover of the battery container and the key for opening the plate protection cover 2 shall only be in the possession of a person specially appointed for this purpose, who shall see that the battery container is not opened in the presence of firedamp and that it is in proper order after being charged and before being taken into use again. (7) The outside of the battery containers shall be kept free from coaldust ; further, the cells shall at all times be in a clean condition. (8) The tractive effort of the locomotives shall be so calculated by determining the maximum number of the cars (dirt, coal, empty) to be hauled simultaneously, that the controller rheostat casing can in no case be heated above 200° C. The maximum number shall be determined on the basis of data of the sElectrical Department of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen. Supervision of the Haulage Installations. 6. (1) The haulage roads and tracks shall be thoroughly examined daily as to their regulation condition by an official or a supervisor. The necessary repair work shall be undertaken without delay. 1 2 See Division 4 of this chapter. The words italicised in 5 (5) and (6) are to be deleted if absence of the plate protection on large battery locomotives operating exclusively in main haulage roads with little firedamp can be justified. 3 Section 5 (8) is to be deleted in the case of locomotive types without controller rheostats. 7. BATTERY AXD CABLE BEEL LOCOMOTIVES 207 (2) The electrical parts of the locomotive shall be thoroughly examined every six months by an expert. By expert shall be meant an electrical engineer of the Technical Supervision Association in Essen and any other expert recognised by the Divisional Mining Office. (3) The other parts of the electrical installations (locomotive depot and charging room) shall be thoroughly examined at least once a year by an expert (see (2)). The interval between two examinations shall not exceed 15 months. (4) The locomotives and the charging installations, especially the cable connections between battery and motor, shall be examined as to their regulation condition a t least once a week by an official with electrical training who shall be recognised by the district inspector for this purpose. Damaged cables shall, if necessary, be changed immediately. (5) The electrical parts of battery locomotives shall be examined daily as to their regulation condition by a person with sufficient electrical training (electrician). Defects shall be remedied immediately. (6) The names of the persons responsible for the daily examinations under Nos. (1) and (5) shall be entered by the manager in the register referred to in No. (7). (7) The report of the tests on delivery and the weekly, six-monthly and yearly examinations shall be entered in a special register, which shall be submitted to the district inspector on request. Employees and Service Instructions. 7. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1 Operation Permit. 8. [Similar to the provisions for diesel locomotive haulage.] 1 " Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has also issued conditions for the approval of combined trolley and battery locomotives. NETHERLANDS "17. The places used for the housing of locomotives shall always be properly ventilated. The air supply shall come from the intake air, and the used air shall be led off by the shortest possible route and shall not be further used for ventilation purposes. 18. An adequate number of safety lamps shall be placed lighted in the places lit by electricity so that, even in the event of accidental interruption of the current, necessary work can be carried on. 20. The locomotive shall only be used on roads free from firedamp. At regular intervals air samples shall be taken in these roads for control purposes and shall be analysed ; if the analysis shows a content of more than 1 y2 per cent, firedamp the Inspector-General of Mines shall be so notified immediately. 21. A locomotive outside the locomotive depot or the filling room shall not be left without supervision unless the brakes have been applied and the motors stopped, and it is impossible for an unauthorised person to start the motors." (IGR 42) UNITED KINGDOM "34. (1) No battery of a storage-battery locomotive shall be charged or changed below ground in any mine except a t a place appointed for t h a t purpose by the manager. 1 See Division 4 of this chapter. 208 V m . HAUXAGE OF MATERIALS ON BOADS AND INCLINES (2) Every place so appointed for charging (in these regulations referred to as a 'charging station') shall be— (a) constructed of non-inflammable material ; (b) ventilated by a through current of air sufficient to render gases harmless ; (c) so fitted that in relation to the said current of air—• (i) the charging apparatus is on the intake side of the battery racks ; (ii) the current passes from the battery racks directly into a return airway ; (d) so equipped t h a t the spilling of water or electrolyte is, so far as practicable, prevented ; and (e) kept provided with equipment for extinguishing fire. 35. (1) No person shall smoke, or use any light or lamp other than a locked safety lamp or an electric lamp adequately protected, in any charging station, or within 10 yd. of any charging station. (2) Any water or electrolyte spilt on any battery in a charging station shall forthwith be removed. 36. A copy of the two last foregoing regulations shall be kept posted and clearly visible in each charging station." (R 24.3.1949) UNITED STATES Federal "Article VIII. Electricity 10. Trailing cables (f) (Section 209 (f) (3)—Title II.)—In a gassy mine explosion-tested cable-reel locomotives shall be equipped with two-conductor trailing cables." (FMC 1953) Pennsylvania "79. Storage-battery locomotives may be used in gaseous mines, only when all electrical parts that it is practicable to enclose are enclosed in flameproof and explosion-proof casings." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 8. R O P E AND CHAIN HAULAGES CANADA Alberta "135. (1) Every underground plane which is self-acting or worked by an engine, windlass or gin shall be provided, if exceeding 90 ft. in length, with some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals between the stopping places and the ends of the plane and every back or counterbalance used for raising or lowering coal or other minerals, if exceeding 90 ft. in length, shall be provided with some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals between the lower end and between the entrance of every working place thereon for the time being in work and the upper end thereof. This provision shall apply to all places worked on the McGinty system or any other gravity system where the loaded car raises the empty car. (2) Every slope or incline which is self-acting or worked by an engine, windlass or gin, if exceeding 60 ft. in length and on which persons normally 8. BOPB AND CHAIN HAULAGES 209 travel shall be provided with sufficient man-holes or places of refuge a t intervals of not more t h a n 60 ft. and in addition to the man-holes so specified there shall be at the landings on each slope, a man-hole or man-holes to give protection to any landing tender in the event of any car or cars running back. (3) Every level, entry or tunnel underground where the produce of the mine in transit exceeds 10 tons in any one hour over any part thereof, and where the load is drawn by a horse or other animal, shall, where there is not standing room of at least 2 ft. between the side of the car and the side of the road, be provided with man-holes or places of refuge at intervals of not more than 75 ft. (4) On every level, entry or tunnel on which persons normally travel where the haulage is worked by gravity or mechanical power at a speed not exceeding five miles per hour, and there is not standing room of at least 2 ft. between the side of the car or locomotive and the side of the road, there shall be provided man-holes or places of refuge at intervals of not more than 60 ft. ; or where the load is drawn by rope-haulage and the speed exceeds five miles per hour, man-holes shall be provided irrespective of the standing room available. (5) Every man-hole or place of refuge shall be as nearly as possible 3 ft. in width and not less than 4 ft. in depth and not less than 5 ft. in height. (6) Every man-hole and place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear and shall be treated with whitewash or other colour so t h a t the same are of a colour distinct from the colour of the surrounding walls at all times, and no person shall place anything in a man-hole or place of refuge so as to prevent access thereto. (7) Whenever in the opinion of the Director of Mines the provisions of this section are not sufficient for the safety of the persons travelling on such road he may require the owner, agent or manager of such mine to make such provisions as he may deem necessary for safety, and may require them to provide a separate travelling road. (8) No repair work shall be done on any slope or incline where the haulage is worked b y gravity or mechanical power while the haulage is in operation unless the place to be repaired is above the points where the cars are being moved, or if below such point, ample protection is provided to safeguard the workmen against runaway or derailed cars. 137 (2) On all main and tail rope haulages there shall be displayed a conspicuous light on the front and rear of every trip or train of cars when in motion in the mine and on any other trips when ordered in writing by the District Inspector." (A 1945) " 2 3 . (a) A notice showing the signals used shall be posted a t the terniinals and at all intermediate points or landing places on all rope-haulage systems. (b) No unauthorised person shall work or interfere with any signalling apparatus in or about any mine. " (R 1945) FRANCE "80. The winchnian shall not leave the winch without having cut off the power from the engine and made sure that the brake is effectively applied. Measures shall be taken to prevent the winchman at his operating stand from being struck either by the tubs that he is moving or by the ropes in motion." (R 4.5.1951) 210 V m . HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES GERMANY " 4 1 . (1) I n t h e case of road haulage with stationary engines, it shall be possible to communicate with the engineman from any point in the road either by signals or by calling. The engineman shall be able to stop the engine from his workplace. (2) This provision shall not apply when the engine can be stopped from any point in t h e road. Nor shall it apply to haulage on gate roads with small winches, when the speed does not exceed 1.5 m/sec. (3) Every haulage winch shall be provided with an automatic stopping device t h a t prevents persons from being inadvertently pulled on to t h e rope-drum." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "Underground Horizontal Transport of Material by Means of an Endless Rope or Chain in Double-tracked Roads or Stone Drifts. 1. Alongside or between the two tracks a separate adequately safe travelway at least 0.50 m wide shall be installed. 2. I t shall always be possible to send signals with the signalling appliances in the road or stone drift from any point on the track to the personnel responsible for the operation of the haulage engine, so that haulage can be stopped at any moment. 3. Haulage shall be stopped during the change-over of shifts. 4. The haulage speed shall not exceed 1 m/sec. 5. Brattice cloths or doors shall not be installed in the ropeway." (IGR 38) "Underground Horizontal Transport of Material along Roads and Stone Drifts by Means of One or More Winches. 1. In so far as transport is not carried on by means of sidings in stone drifts with adequate permanent lighting, in which case only section 4 shall apply, and sidings in roads, in which case an adequately safe travelway a t least 0.50 m wide shall be provided, the horizontal haulage of material along stone drifts a n d roads by means of one or more winches shall only take place subject t o compliance with the following conditions. 2. I n the road or stone drift there shall be a suitable signalling appliance within easy reach. With this signalling appliance it shall be possible to signal from any point on the haulageway to the personnel responsible for the haulage operations. 3. The speed of the trains shall not exceed 1 m/see. 4. The first tub of every train shall be provided with a brightly shining red safety lamp. 5. If the distance over which horizontal mechanical haulage is carried on exceeds 100 m a n d if, in the case of smaller distances, the road or the stone drift winds, at every approach to the part of the road or the stone drift in which haulage is carried on a notice-board shall be placed with the wording 'Access allowed only after asking permission and receiving an affirmative answer from the worker operating the winch '. 6. If the distance over which horizontal mechanical haulage is carried on does not exceed 100 m, and if the road or stone drift is straight, at every approach to the p a r t of the road or stone drift in which haulage is carried on a notice-board shall be placed with the wording 'Access allowed only after the worker operating the winch has been warned by calling or by signalling with the lamp and has given an affirmative answer and has stopped the haulage '. " (IGR 40) 8. ROPE AND CHAIÏT HAULAGES 211 SOUTH AFRICA "43. The following provisions shall apply to underground traction : (1) (a) Where traction is operated by machinery other than locomotive a signalling apparatus shall be provided by which distinct signals can be given to the engine-driver from convenient places along the tramway. (b) Where traction is operated by gravity, and the inclined plane exceeds 150 ft. in length, some efficient means of communicating distinct signals between the stopping places shall be provided. (2) (a) (b) If persons are allowed to travel on any haulageway or inclined plane constructed after 1st October, 1930, where traction is operated by machinery or gravity and where the speed of traction exceeds four miles per hour or where the gradient exceeds 1 in 12, places of refuge a t intervals of not more than 50 ft. shall be provided if there is not ample room for a person to stand between the moving trucks and the side of the haulageway or inclined plane. If the Inspector of Mines requires it, a fenced travelling way shall be provided. Every such place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM No mechanically or gravity operated winding or rope-haulage apparatus a t a mine may be operated on any occasion when persons are carried by means thereof except by a competent male person at least 22 years of age appointed by the manager for the purpose, and it is the duty of the manager to appoint a sufficient number of such persons. I t is the duty of the manager to make and to secure the efficient carrying out of arrangements whereby a person appointed under this section is in attendance to operate the apparatus for carrying persons through a shaft, outlet or staple pit, as the case may be, so long as any person is in the mine whom it is intended should come out through that shaft, outlet or staple pit. As a general rule no person appointed to operate the apparatus in question may be employed for more than eight hours in any day on which his duties consist of or include the operation, when persons are carried by means thereof, of mechanically or gravity operated winding apparatus, and regulations may provide for limiting the number of hours for which any such person may be employed in any week (42). No mechanically or gravity operated winding apparatus may be operated on an occasion when no persons are carried by means thereof, except by, or under the constant supervision of, a competent male person who has attained the age of 21 years. No mechanically or gravity operated rope-haulage apparatus may be operated on an occasion when no persons are carried by means thereof except by, or under the constant supervision of, a competent male person who has attained the age of 18 years (43). No conveyor may be operated along a working face except hy, or under the constant supervision of, a competent male person who has attained the age of 18 years (44). There must be provided and maintained— (a) in connection with every mine shaft provided with winding apparatus where the distance between the highest and lowest entrances in use exceeds 50 ft., effective means of transmitting audible and visible signals from each shaft entrance in use to the place at which the winding apparatus is operated ; 212 VIH. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON EOADS AND INCLINES (b) in connection with every unwalkable mine outlet provided with rope-haulage apparatus where the distance between the terminal surface entrance thereto and the terminal underground entrance thereto exceeds 60 ft., effective means of transmitting audible and visible signals from each entrance to the outlet in use to the place at which the haulage apparatus is operated. Regulations may require the provision and maintenance of means of transmitting signals between the entrances of shafts and of unwalkable outlets. Regulations m a y require that signals shall be transmitted in a prescribed code and t h a t the manager shall secure the attendance at prescribed times of persons for the purpose of transmitting and receiving signals (45). Where rope-haulage apparatus or a conveyor is installed in a road, then if the length of the part of the road through which vehicles can move as part of the apparatus, or through which loads can be carried by means of the conveyor, exceeds 90 ft., there must be provided and maintained effective means of transmitting signals from every point throughout that part of the road to the place where the apparatus or the conveyor is operated (46). Regulations m a y provide for excluding or modifying the application of the provisions of sections 42 to 46 in the case of winding or rope-haulage apparatus or conveyors whose operation is remotely controlled or is wholly or partly automatic (47). (A 1954) "100. The manager shall, in the case of a mine where there are several districts, prescribe the additional signals J to be used to indicate the districts ; and shall fix any other signals that may be required. 101. A notice shall be posted in the hauling engine-house and at each signalling station, containing the system of haulage signals in use at such engine-house or signalling station." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "Article VII. Transportation 1. Hoisting (g) Any rope attached to a cage, man-car, or trip used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with two bridle chains or cables connected securely to the rope a t least 3 ft. above the socket or thimble and to the cross-piece of the cage or to the man-car or trip." (FMC 1953) 9. CONVEYORS CANADA Alberta "140. (1) Main conveyor roads shall not be less than 4 ft. in height with a clear space of not less than 2 ft. between the conveyor and one side of the road. (2) Persons shall only travel on the clear space on the road and no person shall travel in a moving conveyor either a t the face or on a roadway without the consent in writing of the District Inspector and subject to such terms and conditions as the said District Inspector shall prescribe. The provisions with respect to man-holes shall not apply to conveyor roads. » The standard code of signals is laid down in section 98 (not reproduced). 9. CONVEYORS 213 (3) On all longwall faces there shall be provided an escape road (or other road), a t intervals of not more than 450 ft., or a t such less distance as may be ordered by the District Inspector. (4) The size of the escape road shall not be less than 4 ft. high and 4 ft. wide to within 20 ft. of the face, where it may be the height of the seam. (5) Where a face conveyor is used, which exceeds 90 ft. in length, it shall be provided with some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals from any point on the face to the person in charge of the engine or motor driving the conveyor." (A 1945) FRANCE "255. (1) Belt conveyors and their driving heads shall be so designed, installed, maintained and supervised as to avoid any friction liable to cause dangerous heating of the belts, neighbouring objects or deposited combustible dust. (2) When a driving head of a belt conveyor is not so installed that while it is in operation the immediate vicinity is frequently patrolled by the personnel, the supports of the driving head and the timbering within a distance of 4 m shall be of incombustible or fireproofed material." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "39. (1) Discharge points of belt conveyors at driving and reversing rollers shall be provided with a protective device or so fenced t h a t no one can get between the belt and the roller. (2) Belt conveyors shall be so attended that damage from projecting wire hooks or bent or damaged plates cannot be caused. (3) The clearance between the belt support and the ground shall be at least 30 cm and between the support and the side of the road opposite to the travelway shall be a t least 20 cm." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "Conveyors in Conveyor Roads 1. If the driving rollers of the engine have a facing with high frictional resistance that is not eliminated by any heating that may occur, then the engine so long as it is in operation shall always be under supervision either by someone who can see the engine or by someone who is on the windward side of the engine and from the place where he is stationed can stop the engine immediately. 2. The timbering of the road shall be fireproof on both sides of the engine over a total length of 4 m, unless the engine has a facing -with high frictional resistance which is eliminated by any heating that m a y occur, in which case the main timbering in the road shall be fireproof over the said distance. 3. (1) In every road an easily travellable footpath shall be provided alongside each belt conveyor. (2) From the footpath referred to in the preceding subsection, it shall be possible to inspect the rollers of the whole conveyor satisfactorily and to keep the space under the belt properly clean. (3) Under the conveyor structure there shall be no wood or other combustible material. 214 VIH. HAULAGE OP MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (4) Whenever a t places along the conveyor material or mine timber has to be stacked, this shall be so done that a worker can pass by the stacks without having to stop the conveyor. (5) Every 100 m there shall be at least 100 kg of stone-dust on a dry floor of iron plates or concrete blocks. (6) By each set of driving machinery there shall be a t least one fireextinguisher." (IGR 16) "Chain Conveyors 1. (1) By chain conveyor is meant transport equipment with which material is transported by means of a single or double chain equipped with scrapers and driven by an engine. (2) For the purposes of the present regulation, chain-haulages in the neighbourhood of shafts and baffle-plate conveyor pits in face workings shall not be deemed to be chain conveyors. 2. Man-riding a n d the conveyance of persons on chain conveyors shall be prohibited. 3. (1) Above or at the side of chain conveyors and extending over their whole length a trip-wire shall be installed by means of which it shall be possible to stop the driving unit or units in case of need. (2) This trip-wire shall not be required a t places where an operator is continually present by the driving units, and where along the conveyor a signal-wire or switches or press-buttons have been installed by means of which light signals can be given to the operator. (3) The intervals between the switches or press-buttons required in the preceding subsection shall not exceed 10 m in the case of seams exceeding 60 cm in height or 6 m in the case of seams less than 60 cm in height. (4) The trip-wire shall also not be required for chain conveyors not exceeding 25 m in length erected in roads. 4. (1) Chain conveyors equipped with a trip-wire required under section 3 shall be stopped by means of this wire in case of need. (2) Chain conveyors that are not equipped with this trip-wire shall in case of need be stopped by giving the emergency signal after the normal stop signal. 5. Whenever a chain conveyor is stopped as indicated in section 4 it shall not be started again before first the emergency signal and then the start signal have been given. 6. Whenever on or near chain conveyors equipped with the trip-wire referred to in section 3 work has to be done for which the driving unit has been stopped and inadvertent restarting may cause danger to the persons carrying out the work, the trip-wire shall be so blocked by the person in charge of the work that the operator cannot start up the driving unit. 7. Where chain conveyors are used there shall be sufficient space for walking or crawling along the whole length. 8. The driving units, reversing equipment, guide rollers, etc., shall be so protected as to offer the greatest possible safety. 9. The dangerous parts of a chain conveyor and also the driving units, direction-changing rollers, guide rollers, etc., shall only be repaired, cleaned and greased when t h e driving units are stopped. 10. The valves of compressed-air engines shall be provided with a hand wheel. 11. The entire chain conveyor shall be constantly maintained in good and safe condition." (IGR 16a) 215 9. CONVEYORS "Protection of Workers During Work at the Face 1. The moving parts of the driving machinery of shaker conveyors, belt conveyors and other means of transport shall, where necessary, be adequately protected. 2. I n the immediate vicinity of the motor switch a workman shall be appointed to work and at the same time take charge of the operation of the motor. 3. On gravity conveyors and shaker conveyors brakes shall, if necessary, be fitted to limit the speed of the material to be conveyed. 4. On activities other than coalgetting and loading in steep rooms where danger may arise through objects sliding along the conveyor, a few metres below and above the place where the activities are carried on adequately strong protection shall be provided so as to retain objects falling into the conveyors." (IGR 17) UNITED KINGDOM See Division 8 of this chapter. UNITED STATES Federal "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire Protection (I) Underground belt conveyors installed after the effective date of this code, unless fire-resistant, shall be equipped with control switches to automatically stop the driving motor in the event t h a t the belt is stopped by slipping on the driving pulley, by breakage, or other accident." (FMC 1953) Pennsylvania "Rule 36. All conveyor entries shall be provided with a minimum width and height of not less than 4 ft. for travel, but in conveyor entries in which track is installed, the minimum amount of clearance shall not be less than 2 % ft., which clearance space shall be continuous throughout the entry. All such travel space and clearance space shall be kept free of all forms of obstruction under foot, and free from electric wires and electric cables. A space of not less than 4 ft. in width shall be provided for travel from the immediate entrance of each working place to the face thereof, which space shall be kept free of all forms of obstruction underfoot and free from electric wires and electric cables. Rule 37. At all points where men must of necessity cross conveyors, the conveyor at the point where the crossing is made shall be so arranged that men can cross safely and conveniently without coming in contact with the conveyor. Rule 38. All conveyors in working places shall be brought to rest while mine officials are making examinations, and so remain until the examination is completed. Rule 39. All electric motors and cables in dry areas, and in gaseous areas in conveyor sections shall have all coal-dust removed from their exterior surfaces once each operating shift, and all electric equipment in areas of the above character shall be thoroughly examined b y a competent person once each calendar day such equipment is used, and a written report 216 VU!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES of the condition of such equipment shall be made by the person making the examination, which report shall also give an identification number of the piece of equipment so examined. Said report shall be kept in a book furnished by the operator or superintendent, and shall be preserved for a period of one year. Rule 40. All electric wires or electric cables in completed portions of conveyor entries shall be carried on insulators, and all electric cables constantly kept in rooms or pillars or other working places shall be carried on suitable supports t o within 70 ft. of the face of each working place." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 10. INCLINES1 FRANCE " 8 1 . (1) Access to any incline in operation shall be so barred that the personnel cannot unexpectedly enter the incline. (2) The landings shall be so arranged that the tubs can only be set in motion by a deliberate act. (3) At all landings of a carriage incline a device shall, in its normal position, prevent vehicles from unexpectedly entering the incline ; it shall only be p u t into the off position when the carriage is properly in place at the landing. At the top landing and the intermediate landings of other inclines a device shall prevent tubs from running away before they are attached to the rope. I t shall not be put into the off position until the tub or tubs have been attached to the rope and their couplings verified. If this device is not sufficient to prevent tubs from entering the incline unexpectedly, this shall be ensured by a second device. (4) I t shall be prohibited to allow a man to work, even exceptionally, in an incline, raise or drop pit, without taking all precautions to prevent tubs above him from running away. 82. (1) I t shall be prohibited to be in the incline or at the foot of the incline while the tubs are running ; special shelters shall be arranged as required for the workers a t the landings. (2) Personnel working or travelling a t the foot of inclines shall be protected against runaway tubs. (3) I n drop pits in course of sinking or on inclines being packed measures shall be taken to stop runaway tubs. 83. (1) The pulleys of self-acting inclines shall be provided with a counterweighted braking device t h a t is ordinarily kept applied ; it shall be prohibited to block this device in the off position. (2) Movable brake pulleys and other braking devices attached to a post shall be tied to a second post by an independent auxiliary fastening. 84. Unless oral communication is free from any element of uncertainty, every incline shall be provided with reciprocal means of communication between the various landings on the one hand, and the brakeman or the winchman on the other. The signal code, specified by instructions, shall be permanently and conspicuously posted at every landing and at the brakeman's or winchman's stand. A sound signal consisting of a single note shall always be taken to signify a n order to stop. 85. (1) Travel on inclines used for haulage shall be regulated b y instructions approved by the district inspector of mines. 1 For rope and chain haulages see also Division 8 of this chapter. 217 1 0 . INCLINES The instructions shall specify the conditions under which persons may cross the incline. (2) I t shall be prohibited to travel on the tubs or carriages of inclines or drop pits failing an authorisation from the district inspector of mines specifying the conditions applicable to such travel. This prohibition shall not apply to the transport of the sick and injured. 86. When a tub is derailed or is accidentally stopped the brakeman or winchman shall first be notified. During the operations undertaken to restore order, no person shall be below the tub before it has been blocked by an effective device and on the responsibility of an onsetter a t a higher landing. The tub shall not be restarted until all the men employed in rerailing and handling it are in safety. The instruction referred to in section 85 (1) shall lay down the rules to be applied for securing compliance with these requirements. 87. (1) Roads with a gradient exceeding 25° used for the ordinary travel of personnel shall, if they are not cut in steps or provided with ladders, be provided with a rope or with a bar serving as a handrail. (2) If the gradient exceeds 45° these roads shall be cut in steps or provided with ladders ; repair work on these roads shall be undertaken only on platforms or with a safety belt furnished by the operator." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY For haulage and travel on inclines and in shafts see Chapter X . NETHERLANDS "82 (4) In the case of haulage on inclined roads with the use of winches or brakes, the operators shall satisfy themselves at the beginning of the shift that the incline is clear." (MR 1939) "Transport of Material in Inclines and Dips 1. In single-track rope-haulage inclines and dips, if these can be entered at both ends only through one entrance, no switches shall be installed. 2. Inclines and dips which a t the bottom run into the road through one or more curves, and also inclines and dips under construction, shall be protected at the bottom by means of a bar of adequate strength. 3. The bar, which shall be securely suspended in a recess made in the roof of the incline, shall be capable of being raised and lowered by means of a counterweight through the vertical plane passing through the axis of the track. 4. The bar, which as far as possible shall remain lowered, shall be capable of being operated from a safe place. 5. The radius of the curve or curves of the incline shall be so small a t the bottom t h a t descending tubs that arrive at too high a speed will be derailed. 6. Two or more tubs shall not be sent up or down simultaneously in inclines unless the tubs are so fastened to one another by extra couplings that accidental breaking loose is as far as possible excluded. 7. The placing of pumps in completed inclines and dips in 'which haulage is carried on shall be prohibited ; in either case, subject to the proviso that if, in special cases, such prohibition cannot be complied with, it shall be possible to reach the pump or, if appropriate, the switch, from the footpath running along the incline or the dip." (IGR 41) 218 Vu!. HAULAGE OF MATERIALS ON ROADS AND INCLINES SOUTH AFRICA " 4 3 . The following provisions shall apply to underground traction : (1) (c) (d) (e) On every inclined plane one or more effective contrivances shall be provided and used to arrest trucks or other vehicles should they run or move out of control down such inclined plane ; provided t h a t this subsection shall not apply to inclined planes where the gradient is such that trucks cannot run out of control. Where trucks are to be operated by a rope they shall be properly attached to the rope before being moved into, or placed in, a position from which a runaway can occur. Where the aforementioned effective contrivances are handoperated, every person operating any such contrivance shall be afforded adequate protection from any truck or vehicle moving out of control. The shift boss in the section of the mine under his charge shall personally appoint every person required to operate a contrivance such as referred to in subsection (1) (c) of this regulation, and such shift boss shall personally instruct such person in the proper a n d safe way of performing his duties ; provided that, in case of emergency, the miner or ganger may temporarily appoint a person to operate such contrivance." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM (See also Division 8 of this chapter.) "26. No person when taking a tub by hand down an incline of which the gradient exceeds 1 in 12 shall go in front of the t u b ; and in every case where the conditions are such that a person cannot control the tub by hand from behind, he shall not take the tub down unless some contrivance is provided to enable him to control the t u b . " (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "81 (b) Derails or stopping blocks shall be placed in dip entries and rooms as a protection against runaway cars' injuring men working a t the face, and all cars must be safely blocked while being loaded or standing on a grade." (R 23.12.1937) New Mexico "1102. At the t o p of any slope or incline used for haulage shall be an automatic stop-block or spring derail which will stop or derail cars, except when removed or closed by an attendant while cars are passing under control. 1104. Except while gathering trips an effective drag or mechanical device shall be used o n all mechanically hauled trips when going against an average grade of 5 per cent, or more. 1105. Brakes shall be set or sprags applied or cars blocked while standing or being loaded on grades." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 2 1 . The mine foreman shall direct and see that safety blocks, or some other device, are constructed for the purpose of preventing cars from falling 10. INCLINES 219 into the shaft or slope, or running away on slopes and incline planes ; and safety switches, drop logs, or other devices shall be used on all slopes and incline planes ; and the mine foreman shall see that said safety blocks, safety switches, or other devices, are maintained in good working order." (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) "Duties of Hooker-on Rule 9. The hooker-on a t the bottom of any slope shall be over 18 years of age, and shall be very careful to see that the cars are properly coupled to a rope or chain, and that the safety catch or other device is properly attached to the rear car, before giving the signal to the engineer. He shall not allow any person to ride up the slope on the full trips, other than the trip-rider. Ditties of Top Man Rule 12 The top man of a slope or incline plane shall be careful to close the safety block or other device as soon as the cars have reached the landing, in order to prevent any loose or runaway cars from descending the slope or incline plane, and in no case shall said safety block or other device be withdrawn until the cars are coupled to the rope or chain and the proper signal given. He shall carefully inspect each day all the machinery in and about the check house and the rope used for lowering the coal, and shall promptly report to the superintendent any defect discovered, and shall use care in attaching securely the cars to the rope and in lowering them down the incline. He shall ring the alarm bell in case of accident, and when necessary immediately set free to act the drop logs or safety switch." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 15 CHAPTER IX TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES 1. GENERAL CANADA Alberta "149 Rule 17. (a) No person shall ride on any car or locomotive in, on, or about any mine without the permission of the manager, overman or other proper official. Rule 20 (b) No person shall walk up or down a hoisting slope while hoisting is in progress without the permission of the manager, overman or other proper official, and every person in or about a slope or shaft bottom shall obey the orders of the onsetter or eager." (A 1945) FRANCE " 9 1 . (1) In roadways with chain or rope-haulage, while the haulage is in operation the personnel shall travel only if there is available to them a passageway at least 60 cm wide, and if, a t all points on their route, there is a means of signalling providing communication with the engineman or winchman, or a remote control for stopping the engine. Every roadway equipped with a conveyor and used for the travel of personnel shall have a clear passageway at least 60 cm in width between the conveyor and one of the sides. Exemptions from the provisions of the present subsection may be granted by the district inspector of mines for persons travelling singly. (2) The signals shall be specified in instructions permanently posted a t the control station of the haulage system and a t each of the attaching and detaching stations. A sound signal consisting of a single note shall always be taken to signify an order to stop. 125. Workers shall be prohibited from taking, without special permission, other roads t h a n those that they have to follow to reach their workplace or to do their work." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "On Level Roads. 76. I n the case of hand-haulage or horse-haulage on single-track roads that do not allow of safe passing, passing places shall be arranged every 60 m. 77. (1) On mechanical-haulage roads, notwithstanding the requirements of subsection (3), on one side a travelway with a clear width of 1. GENERAL 221 0.80 m and a clear height of 1.80 m shall be available. This shall not be required on curves of less than 30 m radius if, a t intervals not exceeding 10 m, recesses, 1.20 m deep and 1.80 m high, are available. With ropeways and also at landings and loading places the travelway may be in the middle of the road. (2) For gate roads with mechanical haulage, subsection (1) shall only apply if the haulage speed exceeds 1.50 m /sec. ; safe travelling or passing shall, however, be possible. I n gate roads with locomotive haulage, on one side there shall be available recesses for passing, or branches of level roads, at intervals not exceeding 50 m. (3) On belt-conveyor roads a travelway 0.80 m wide and at least 1.30 m high shall be available. Places a t which the belt must be crossed shall be so arranged that safe crossing of the belt is possible. If the travelway crosses places where there are elevated belts the lower belt shall be fenced at these places. Places at which the travelway crosses the belt shall be clearly indicated. 77a. (1) Travelways shall be used. (2) Trolley-wire roads in which the trolley wire is live shall not be entered by persons carrying long metal objects. On Inclined Roads and in Shafts. 78 to 84. [See Chapter I I I , Division 2 and Chapter X, Division 1.] " (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 7 1 . (1) Whenever the gradient of a travelway is so steep that traffic is difficult or dangerous, steps shall be cut in the floor or other suitable precautions shall be taken. (2) If an incline is used from time to time for transport purposes, adequate safety measures shall be taken. (3) I n inclines that are steeper than 45°, safe ladders and, in so far as necessary, rest platforms with adequate protection shall be provided. 72. (1) I t shall be prohibited, without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines, to enter or cause to be entered the transport compartments of shafts, staple pits, raises and rope-haulage inclines. (2) The prohibition mentioned in subsection (1) shall not apply to persons who have to work in the transport compartments of shafts, staple pits, raises and rope-haulage inclines, provided that transport is stopped before the persons enter. 73. (1) I t shall be prohibited to enter chutes, except on the express order of the responsible supervisor and subject to observance of suitable precautions to be indicated by him. (2) Rope-haulage inclines and chutes shall be adequately protected a t both ends. 74. In roads and stone drifts wherever animal or mechanical transport is carried on and the roads or drifts are not closed to travel, if no special adequately safe travelway is provided alongside or between the tubs, an adequate number of recesses shall be made in the side in a suitable manner. I n these recesses no objects shall be deposited. 75. At crossings of roads or stone drifts that are not closed to travel with roads or stone drifts where mechanical transport is carried on, or with rope-haulage inclines, adequate safety precautions shall be taken. 76. (1) Parts of the underground workings t h a t are closed to travel shall be closed by means of bars or otherwise ; where this is not possible 222 IX. TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES for reasons of transport, prohibition to enter such places shall be brought to notice a t all approaches in a conspicuous and clear manner. (2) All persons below the rank of supervisor shall be prohibited, without express orders from a responsible supervisor, from entering parts of the underground workings t h a t are closed to travel. (3) Unauthorised persons shall be prohibited from opening barriers or removing warning signs. (4) Every person who opens a barrier or finds one open shall immediately close it. (5) Superfluous warning signs or barriers shall be removed as promptly as possible." (MR 1939) "Separatum of Lateral Footpaths in Inclines and Dips 1. If use is made of lateral footpaths in inclines or dips, to the posts placed between the footpath and the rail track (which posts, if they are wooden, shall be a t intervals not exceeding 1 m) shall be attached rails with the bottom fastened to the side of the post towards the rail track, and in such a manner that the middle of the top of the rail is from 25 to 30 cm below the top edge of the mine tubs that are used on the incline, and the clearance between the rail a n d the side of the tubs on the adjacent rail track does not exceed 15 cm. 2. If the mine manager wishes to use another construction than t h a t prescribed above, the prior approval of the Inspector-General of Mines shall be required. 3. (a) Inclines or dips in which transport by means of a carriage is carried on shall be provided with a lateral footpath or shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37. * Precautions shall be taken such that, if the carriage runs away, it cannot get on the footpath. (b) The carriage shall not be filled above the brim. 4. (a) Inclines or dips the gradient of which exceeds 12° and in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on conveyors or on rails, or inclines and dips in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on the floor, shall, in the case of inclines in which the filled bucket can start moving by itself, be provided with a lateral footpath or be installed in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37. Precautions shall be taken such that, if the bucket runs away, it cannot get on the footpath. (b) On haulage roads of which the gradient is less than 12° and in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on conveyors or on rails, or in which transport is carried on by means of a bucket on the floor in the case of inclines in which the filled bucket cannot start moving by itself, there shall be an adequately wide footpath, or the road shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of Regulation No. 37 with the exception of sections 7 and 8. (c) The bucket shall not be filled above the brim." (IGR 18) "Movement of Persons in Haulage Inclines 1. The incline shall be provided with a double system of signalling appliances by which it shall be possible to send signals both from the bottom to the top and vice-versa. 1 See below. 1. GENERAL 223 2. All haulage operations in the incline shall be prohibited unless a signal for the purpose has been received from the signaller at the bottom of the incline. 3. At the bottom and a t the top of the incline the code of signals shall be posted up in a clearly legible manner a t a conspicuous place. 4. While haulage is in progress in the incline, there shall always be a signaller a t the bottom and an engineman or brakeman a t the top of the incline. 5. The persons referred to in the preceding section shall not remove themselves to such distance from the incline that a person a t the bottom or the top can enter the incline without being observed by these persons, or that a signal can no longer be clearly understood by them. 6. A person desiring to enter the incline shall warn the signaller or the brakeman before doing so ; the- incline shall not be entered before one of these persons has given the signal 'Movement of Persons' and the other has received the signal. 7. While persons are in the incline, or if it may in any way be suspected that a person is in the incline, the haulage and signalling appliances shall be out of operation and care shall be taken t h a t tubs standing a t the top of the incline cannot inadvertently run down. 8. The bottom of the incline shall be so protected that persons in the road to which the incline leads are not exposed to any danger of being struck by tubs running down. 9. Sections 2, 5, 6 and 7 shall, in a suitable manner, be brought to the notice of the workers concerned." (IGR 37) Note : The Inspector-General has also issued regulations (No. 43) concerning the transport of persons underground by means of cycles on rail tracks. SOUTH AFRICA "43 (3) (a) No person shall travel on or in any truck or on the haulage rope unless authorised to do so by the manager or mine overseer. (b) The manager or mine overseer shall not authorise the regular conveyance of persons in or on any truck or other means of conveyance on any haulage or inclined plane where traction is operated by machinery until written permission has been obtained from the Inspector of Mines, who may impose such conditions as he considers necessary for the safety of the persons conveyed. 44. Where a main travelling way lies between a double line of rails, such lines shall be kept sufficiently far apart to allow a clearance of not less than 2 ft. between any two trucks passing each other on the respective lines ; provided that this regulation shall not apply to haulageways in which the speed of the trucks is less than four miles per hour and the grade less than 1 in 12." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM (See also Chapter VIII, Division 1.) " 4 . Subject to any directions that may be given by any official of the mine, no workman shall, except so far as may be necessary for the purpose of getting to and from his work or in case of emergency or other 224 IX. TRAVEL OE WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES justifiable cause necessarily connected with his employment, go into any part of the mine other than that part in which he works, or travel to or from his work by any road other than the proper travelling road. 25. (a) No person except by permission of tub or other contrivance (b) No person shall below ground shall ride upon any animal or, the manager or undermanager, upon any tram, drawn by a horse or other animal. ride on any haulage rope." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "34. The roof and sides of every travelling road and working place shall be maintained in a safe condition, and no one shall be permitted, unless appointed for the purpose of exploring or repairing, to travel on or work in any travelling road or working place which is not in safe condition. 37. The lessee shall arrange, so far as practicable, manways free from regular haulage for the passage of underground employees to and from their working places. Such manways shall be maintained in safe condition, and signs with arrows shall be provided showing direction toward the escapeways on each side of crossing or intersecting passages. The lessee shall require his employees to use the manways, so far as practicable, in going to and from their working places." (R 23.12.1937) Illinois " 2 3 . (6) (g) No person, except the person necessary to operate the trip or car, shall ride on any loaded car or on the outside of any car, or get on or off a car while in motion." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "1108. No person other than train or trip crews and authorised officials shall ride on locomotives and only trip crews on the rear of loaded cars. No person shall ride on top of loaded cars." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "8 No person except officials or repair men shall be permitted to travel on slopes, gravity or incline planes while the cars thereon are in motion. . . . " (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) "Rule 8. No person shall be allowed to travel on foot to and from his work on any hoisting slope, incline plane, duly or locomotive road, unless no other roads are provided for that purpose. Rule 9. No person shall ride upon or against any loaded car or cage in any shaft or slope in any mine. No person, other than the trip-rider, shall be permitted t o ride on empty trips on any slope, incline plane, or duly road, except as provided for in other sections of this Act. Rule 10. No person, other than the driver or trip-rider, shall be allowed to ride on the full cars." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) "Rule 27. No person . . . shall travel to and from his working place except by the travelling road assigned for that purpose." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXVIII) 2 . MECHANICAL PASSENGEB HAULAGE 225 2. MECHANICAL PASSENGEE HAULAGE BELGIUM "25. The personnel shall not be conveyed by locomotive except in special vehicles. This transport shall form the subject of a special instruction." (RO 19.5.1952) CANADA Alberta "136. I t shall be permissible to run man-trips to convey workmen to or from their work in mines subject to the written approval of the Director of Mines, and to any conditions he may prescribe, and in addition thereto the following conditions shall apply to man-trips on slopes : (a) On all slopes of 20° inclination or more, on which regular man-trips are being hoisted, each car or carriage shall be attached to the one ahead by two or more separate couplings or connections each of which must be of ample strength to hold any load placed upon it by the breaking of the other. (b) The first car shall be secured to the rope socket or capping and in addition the first car shall be secured by one or more extra cables or chains securely attached to the rope above the socket or capping ; (c) The man-trip cars or carriages shall be so constructed and provided with safety devices t h a t in the event of the rope breaking the trip shall be brought to a stop. (d) On all slopes of less than 20° inclination the requirements of paragraph (a) may be dispensed with in the case of a man-trip which is coupled up in the ordinary manner if the man-trip is provided with a safety rope which extends from the main rope to the last car or if the man-trip is equipped with any other approved safety device that will answer the same purpose. (e) On all man-trips and other trips being raised on slopes when n o t more than 15° in inclination, a drag shall be attached to such trip to prevent cars or carriages running back. (f) No person shall entrain on or detrain from any man-trip while the same is in motion." (A 1945) FRANCE "98. I t shall be prohibited to ride on tubs. Nevertheless, the conveyance of personnel by train or single vehicle may be organised in conformity with instructions approved by the district inspector of mines. Instructions of the operator shall determine t h e conditions for the conveyance of injured persons, train staff, and supervisory officials." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 8 5 . The use of mechanical haulage on level roads for regular passenger transport shall only be allowed with the authorisation of the District Mining Office. 85a. (1) Begular passenger transport in systematic locomotive haulage shall only take place under the supervision of travel overmen (Fahraufseher). These shall keep order at the departure and arrival points, 226 IX. TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES give the necessary signals and accompany every passenger train. Their names shall be made known b y notices a t the passenger stations near the shaft. (2) The passengers shall obey the orders of the travel overman. During the journey they shall so behave t h a t they do not touch the sides or roof or the trolley wire. Jumping on and off and standing during the journey shall be prohibited. (3) In passenger cars only such tools shall be carried with the men as do not project over the edge of the cars. Tool cars shall be coupled at the ends of the trains. (4) Persons authorised to fire shots who carry explosives with them shall only travel in the last cars of passenger trains. (5) For regular passenger transport in systematic locomotive haulage the provisions of sections 406 to 40/ ' shall apply with the proviso that cars loaded with material, bogies and open cars with long material shall not form part of the train. 856. (1) On roads for which the District Mining Office has authorised regular passenger transport (section 85) persons may also travel in empty cars of goods trains. (2) For this passenger transport the provisions of 406 to 40j * shall apply with the proviso t h a t the passenger cars shall be coupled directly behind the locomotive, and bogies as well as open cars with long material shall only be hauled at the end of the train. 85c. (1) On roads for which the District Mining Office has not authorised regular passenger transport with locomotive haulage, in empty cars there may travel persons employed in locomotive operations, supervisory personnel, sick persons or injured persons with the persons accompanying them, and also persons who have the written permission of the manager. (2) The provisions of section 856 (2) shall also apply to this passenger transport. 85d. Travelling on loaded cars shall always be prohibited." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "83. (1) I t shall be prohibited without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines to use haulage installations for the conveyance of persons. (2) Except when necessary for the conveyance of sick or injured persons or for the carrying out of examinations or repairs, the cages, buckets, counterweights or tubs in raises and inclines shall not be used or set in motion for the conveyance of persons without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines." (MR 1939) " Transport of Persons by Trolley Locomotive 2 2. The horizontal transport of persons in passenger trains consisting of mine tubs or special passenger tubs shall only be allowed subject to compliance with the following conditions : (1) Every train shall be under the direction of a person present on the train a t least 21 years of age and familiar with the arrangements and regula1 1 See Chapter VIII, Division 2. Allowed only in mine districts situated in the intake air current. 2 . MECHANICAL PASSENGER HAULAGE 227 tions concerning underground locomotive haulage. He shall be in possession of a shrill-sounding whistle with which he can give signals if necessary. (2) In case of need the train shall be brought to a halt as quickly as possible. (3) The distance between two trains shall always be so great t h a t if one train suddenly stops the following train can be brought to a halt in good time. (4) The greatest speed at which persons may ride shall be specified in the regulations referred to in subsection (7). (5) At places where the rails run alongside gutters, measures shall be taken so that in the event of a derailment there is no danger of falling into the gutters. (6) At bends with a radius less than 25 m the rails shall be provided with guard-rails. (7) The mine manager shall draw up regulations specifying inter alia : (a) the circumstances in which transport may not be carried on ; (b) the speed a t which passenger transport shall be carried on, to be specified separately for every route ; (c) the rules that shall be observed by the personnel with regard to safety and good order during transport ; (d) the rules that shall be observed during the transport of sick or injured persons ; (e) the nature of the task and the duties of each of the officials concerned with transport and the duties of the persons to be transported ; (j) the time during which transport is carried on ; (g) the meanings of the signals ; (h) the names of the persons responsible for supervision of the trains and signalling. These regulations shall require the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines. Each official appointed for transport purposes and the supervisors appointed to transport duties shall be handed a copy of the conditions referred to in the present section and of the above-mentioned regulations, and it shall be possible for every person to acquaint himself with them. (8) Special authorisation shall be required for each route on which passenger transport is to be carried on. (9) For transport in open mine tubs the following provisions shall also apply : (a) the train shall not consist of more tubs than the number specified by the Inspector-General of Mines when approving the route ; (b) the tubs shall be of the same kind and be in a good state of maintenance ; (c) the two foremost tubs shall always be unoccupied ; (d) no more than three persons shall be conveyed together in one tub, and seating accommodation other than the bottom of the tub shall be provided. If tools and materials longer than the ordinary tubs are carried with persons, they shall only be placed in a tub of such construction that no part of the tools or material projects. Lamps shall be kept in the bottom of the tub or hung on the inside edge of the tub. Tools that are carried with persons shall be stowed in a separate tub a t the front or the back of the train. 228 I X . TRAVEL OF WORKERS ON ROADS AND INCLINES (10) The distance between the locomotive or the tubs and the side shall be such that in the event of a derailment danger for the persons travelling is as far as possible excluded. If the distance between the edge of the tub and timbering is less than 20 cm, the side up t o tub height shall be so faced that a smooth surface is obtained. (11) Entraining and detraining places shall be well lighted over their whole length." (IGR 39) Note : Similar provisions to those in IGR 39 are contained in IGR 42, Underground Horizontal Transport by Means of Locomotives, Part F, Special Provisions Concerning the Horizontal Transport of Persons. UNITED KINGDOM (See also Chapter VIII, Division 8.) " 2 3 . Trains run for the conveyance of workmen, whether above or below ground, shall be under the entire control of a person appointed to accompany and have charge of the train, and no person shall attempt to get into or out of the train when in motion nor ride upon the footboard (if any) or upon the buffers or couplings, nor refuse to comply with the direction of the person in charge, nor in any way obstruct or interfere with such person in the discharge of his duties, and any person failing to comply with this regulation shall be reported by the person in charge to the manager or undermanager. 99. When persons are about to be conveyed inbye or outbye, each of the signals required by the foregoing regulations to be given when a set or train of tubs is about to be hauled inbye or outbye, as the case may be, shall be preceded b y a cautionary signal." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal " 8 1 . fa) Where men are hauled on slopes or inclines, safety catches or a special man-car providing equivalent safety shall be installed if practicable, otherwise a safety hitching rope or chain of ample strength shall be employed, extending from the rear car to the main hoisting rope. All safety attachments shall be inspected before the trip is permitted to be operated." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. Transportation 7. Transportation of men. (a) Man-trips operated by means of locomotives shall be pulled and a t safe speeds consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used, and shall be so controlled that they can be stopped within t h e limits of visibility. (b) Each man-trip shall be under the charge of a certified official or other competent person designated b y a certified official, and it shall be operated independently of any loaded trip of coal or other material. (c) Man-trip cars shall be maintained in safe operating condition, and enough of them shall be provided to prevent their being overloaded. (d) Man-trip passengers shall not ride under unguarded trolley wire unless suitable covered man-cars are used. 2. MECHANICAL PASSENGEB HAULAGE 229 (e) Supplies or tools shall not be transported in the same car or cage with men on any man-trip, except in special compartments in such cars, and all persons shall ride inside the cars except the motorman and triprider. (f) Men shall not board or leave moving man-trip cars ; they shall remain seated while in moving cars, and shall proceed in an orderly manner to and from man-trips. (g) A waiting station with sufficient room, ample clearance from moving equipment, and adequate seating facilities shall be provided where men are required to wait for man-trips or man-cages, and the men shall remain in such station until the man-trip or man-cage is ready to load. Men shall be permitted to unload from man-trips only a t man-trip stations, except that persons assigned to special duties along haulageways may unload at any point if clearance from moving equipment is provided. (h) Trolley and power wires shall be guarded effectively at man-trip stations where there is a possibility of any person coming in contact with energised electric wiring while boarding or leaving the man-trip. De-energising switches, used in conjunction with signal lights to indicate when such wires have been de-energised, may be used in lieu of guards at man-trip stations. (i) When belts are used for transporting men, the area of such belts upon which men are riding shall be free of loose coal or rock, and a minimum clearance of 18 in. shall be maintained between the belt and the roof or cross-bars, projecting equipment, cap pieces, overhead cables, wiring, and other objects ; but where the height of the coal bed permits, the clearance shall be not less than 24 in. Control switches shall be provided at all places where men board or leave belts regularly. (j) The belt speed shall not exceed 250 ft./min. while men are loading, unloading, and being transported. (k) The space between men riding on a belt line shall be not less than 5 ft. (I) Adequate clearance and proper illumination shall be provided where men board or leave conveyor belts. (m) An official or other responsible person designated by him shall be in attendance while men are boarding or leaving belts." (FMC 1953) Illinois "23. (a) I t shall be unlawful for any person knowingly or negligently : (7) to run any man-trip in excess of the speed determined by the state mine inspector or to allow more men to ride in any one car t h a n the number ordered by the state mine inspector except in an emergency. (8) to have edged tools in the same cars in which men are being hauled to and from their working places." (A 6.6.1911) CHAPTER X WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 1. GENERAL CANADA Alberta "82 (2) Proper apparatus for raising or lowering persons and for ingress or egress at each shaft or outlet, where necessary, shall be kept at each of the two shafts as are required by the foregoing provisions of this Act : Provided that this subsection shall not apply to any outlet by which persons can walk into or out of the mine, or to any shaft not exceeding 2O0 ft. in depth provided it is equipped with a proper ladderway or stairway. 83. (1) I n the case of a mine operated by power obtained from any source not under the sole control of the owner of such mine and having two shafts more t h a n 200 ft. deep, proper and separate apparatus for raising or lowering persons to or from the surface, actuated by an independent source of power, shall be kept at one of the two shafts or outlets required by the foregoing provisions of this Act, and such apparatus, if not in actual use, shall be constantly available for use. (2) Every working shaft used for the purpose of drawing minerals or for the raising or lowering of persons, if of a greater depth than 50 ft., shall be provided with guides and some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals from— (a) the surface to the bottom of the shaft ; (b) the bottom of the shaft to the surface ; (c) every entrance for the time being in use off the shaft to the surface ; (d) every entrance for the time being in use off the shaft to the bottom of the shaft. (3) Every shaft, if over 50 ft. in depth, in which men are raised or lowered, must be equipped with a cage or cages fitted to guides running from the top to the bottom of the shaft." (A 1945) GERMANY "Haulage in Other Vertical and Inclined 1 Workings 71. (1) Sections 42 to 70 shall apply mutatis mutandis to other vertical and inclined mine workings. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Mining Office. (2) For small inclines (Abhauen) section 72 shall also apply. 1 See subsequent divisions of this chapter. 1. GENERAL 231 72. (1) The haulage ropes used in small dips shall, notwithstanding the provision of section 49 (l) 1 , a t all times have a safety factor of a t least 8 in relation to the maximum static load. At least every three months the rope end over the cage or carriage shall be cut off to a length of a t least 3 m above the capping. Before being installed and after each cutting, the ropes shall be tested as to the strength and flexibility of the wires as provided for in section 17 of the mining regulations for man-winding of 21.7.1927/23.12.1936.a (2) For small inclines with mechanical tub haulage, above the bottom there shall be a safety device that prevents the tub from being lowered too far and stops tubs that have become detached from the rope. Man-winding 75. (1) The haulage and winding equipment in shafts, inclines and roads shall not be used for travel unless the mining regulations expressly allow it. This prohibition shall be posted u p on the landing of the shafts and inclines. (2) The prohibition mentioned in subsection (1) shall not apply to the transport of the injured or to persons engaged in maintenance, or to persons who have to undertake testing, maintenance or measuring work in the shaft or incline when travelling serves such purposes. (3) In the case of an offence against this regulation, drivers, enginedrivers, winding-enginemen, brakesmen and onsetters, shall be jointly responsible if they have allowed the use of such equipment. 83. (1) Winding compartments in shafts and haulage inclines shall only be entered when the operations so require. The persons concerned shall make the necessary arrangements beforehand by telephone or speakingtube, or in default of them by other reliable means. (2) On haulage inclines with a slope not exceeding 20° the haulage compartment may be used for travel subject to the approval of the district inspector. 86. (1) Man-winding in main shafts shall be subject to the mining regulations for man-winding of 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 a , and man-winding in staples3 to the mining regulations for man-winding in staples of 1.10.1949. (2) Man-winding shall also be subject to the provisions of sections 42 to 70 a in so far as the above-mentioned mining regulations do not lay down more extensive requirements." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) " 1 . (1) These regulations shall apply to man-winding in main shafts. (2) For the purpose of these regulations, 'main shafts' mean shafts leading to the surface and staples assimilable to them by reason of their similarity of purpose, provided that they are regularly used for man-winding. (3) 'Man-winding' means any use of the winding plant for the raising or lowering of persons ; 'regular man-winding' means the use of the winding plant for the raising or lowering of workers at the beginning or end of the shift. 2. (1) Man-winding shall only be allowed subject to the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. Authorisation shall be subject t o revocation 1 a See Division 7, Part A of this chapter. See Division 7, Part B of this chapter. ' See Division 4 of this chapter. 232 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN a t any time and shall be confirmed by a certificate of authorisation (Genehmigungsurkunde) . (2) Application for authorisation to wind men shall be made separately for each man-winding plant to the district inspector in the manner prescribed by the Divisional Mining Office. 3. (1) Man-winding shall not begin until the district inspector has tested the winding plant and issued an operating permit (Betriebserlaubnis) in writing. (2) The man-winding plant shall constantly be maintained in the condition in which it was authorised. (3) The district inspector shall be empowered to withdraw the operating permit as soon as the man-winding plant is found not to be in a safe operating condition. 78. The manager shall notify the supervisory officials, all persons responsible for tests and examinations, and also the winding-engineman, banksmen and onsetters of their duties under the present regulations by handing them, against receipt, service instructions approved by the district inspector. These persons are bound to follow the service instructions. 79. The service instructions shall contain a provision requiring the persons mentioned in section 78 to report to the competent supervisory officials any defect or damage that they notice in the man-winding appliances. 80. (1) Alterations in the type of winding ropes, counterweight ropes and tail ropes shall be allowed subject to the authorisation of the district inspector. The authorisation shall include particulars of the alterations. (2) Other alterations in man-winding appliances shall only be allowed subject to the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. Authorisation shall be given by issuing a supplementary certificate. Until authorisation has been received, man-winding shall, if necessary, be stopped and this shall be made known to the workers by notices and recorded in the manwinding register. If such alterations are so urgently necessary that the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office cannot be obtained in time, they may by way of exception be carried out on the provisional authorisation of the district inspector. The authorisation shall include particulars of the alterations ; it shall be valid for not more than four weeks. 82. Responsibility for compliance with all the provisions of the present regulations shall rest on the manager or the deputy manager ; in addition, t h e persons mentioned in section 78 shall be responsible as regards the duties laid upon them. The names shall be entered in the man-winding register. 83. (1) On the reasoned application of the mineowner the Divisional Mining Office may by way of decision (Beschluss) allow exemptions from the present regulations or fix time limits for compliance with them. (2) Exemptions and authorisations shall be in writing. They shall be revocable a t all times even if they specify time limits. (3) Applications under subsections (1) and (2) shall together with any appendices be communicated in duplicate to the district inspector." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 45. (1) I t shall be prohibited to take into use a winding installation for man-winding without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. (2) The application shall be submitted in writing and accompanied by all the documents that he considers necessary for deciding the application. 1. GENBBAL 233 (3) Safety in t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in shafts or s t a p l e p i t s shall b e a d e q u a t e l y ensured. 46. W i t h o u t prejudice t o t h e provisions of section 4 5 , s u b s e c t i o n (3), or t h e conditions a t t a c h i n g in so far a s necessary t o t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n referred t o in section 45, s u b s e c t i o n (1), t h e r e shall a p p l y t o w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n s — (1) a s regards t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in shafts b y m e a n s of a r o p e , t h e following provisions : (a) s u i t a b l e a u t o m a t i c e q u i p m e n t shall b e p r o v i d e d t h a t p r e v e n t s t h e cage from being o v e r w o u n d ; (b) a u t o m a t i c a l l y functioning c a t c h e s shall be p r o v i d e d t h a t a r e able t o h o l d t h e cage in a s u i t a b l e m a n n e r w h e n e v e r t h e r o p e b r e a k s or t h e cage b e c o m e s d e t a c h e d from t h e r o p e i n a n y w a y ; t h e I n s p e c t o r General of Mines shall b e e m p o w e r e d t o g r a n t e x e m p t i o n s f r o m t h i s provision ; (c) suitable e q u i p m e n t shall b e p r o v i d e d t o p r o t e c t t h e p e r s o n s i n t h e cage a g a i n s t c o n t a c t w i t h objects i n t h e shaft, a n d also falling or flying objects ; (d) t h e w i n d i n g engine, r o p e s , cages, signalling a p p l i a n c e s a n d o t h e r i m p o r t a n t p a r t s of t h e w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n shall a t i n t e r v a l s t o b e prescribed b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines b e e x a m i n e d b y p e r s o n s specially a p p o i n t e d for t h i s p u r p o s e ; (e) t h e ropes shall b e e x a m i n e d a s t o t h e i r s o u n d n e s s a t r e g u l a r i n t e r v a l s a n d t o t h e satisfaction of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines ; (f) t h e c o n n e c t i n g pieces w i t h w h i c h t h e cage is f a s t e n e d t o t h e r o p e shall a t i n t e r v a l s t o b e prescribed b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines b e replaced b y n e w u n u s e d pieces unless t h e i r a d e q u a t e s a f e t y c a n b e d e m o n s t r a t e d t o t h e satisfaction of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of M i n e s ; (2) a s r e g a r d s t h e t r a n s p o r t of persons in s t a p l e p i t s b y m e a n s of a ropo, t h e provisions of ( 1) (c) (d) a n d (e) shall a p p l y . 57 (1) A t e v e r y m i n e t h e r e shall b e a s h a f t register a n d a r o p e register, a n d t h e y shall be regularly k e p t u p t o d a t e . (2) I n t h e shaft register shall b e inscribed a n d signed t h e findings of t h e inspections a n d e x a m i n a t i o n s referred t o i n sections 4 1 1 a n d 46 a n d in t h e rules issued b y t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines u n d e r section 4 5 . " (MR 1939) " 1 . (1) T h e entire w i n d i n g installation shall be c o n t i n u o u s l y m a i n t a i n e d in t h e condition in which it w a s w h e n a u t h o r i s a t i o n w a s g r a n t e d for m a n - w i n d i n g . I t shall a l w a y s be k e p t in excellent r e p a i r . (2) A l t e r a t i o n s in t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g w i n d i n g ropes, cages, cage suspension gear, tail r o p e s a n d t h e like a n d also i n t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of t h e shaft a n d t h e h e a d frame, shall b e p r o h i b i t e d w i t h o u t t h e permission of t h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines. 2. T h e I n s p e c t o r - G e n e r a l of Mines shall b e i m m e d i a t e l y notified of all i m p o r t a n t occurrences in m a t e r i a l w i n d i n g or m a n - w i n d i n g a n d also of i m p o r t a n t d a m a g e t o t h e w i n d i n g installation, including s h a f t t i m b e r i n g , guides, ropes, cages a n d t h e like, w h e r e b y t h e n o r m a l u s e of t h e w i n d i n g i n s t a l l a t i o n is p r e v e n t e d . 69. T h e m i n e m a n a g e r shall b e b o u n d t o i n s e r t or a t t a c h t o t h e shaft register t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n a n d t h e conditions a t t a c h i n g t h e r e t o , t o g e t h e r w i t h t h e w o r k i n g rules referred t o in section 68 2 a n d t h e i n s t r u c t i o n s referred '2 See Division 3 of this chapter. See Division 9 of this chapter. 234 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN to in section 67 ' and, in addition, at every shaft level, a notice bearing the words ' Unauthorised persons are prohibited from signalling ' and ' Manwinding not allowed except in the presence of a signaller or a member of the supervisory staff ' shall be posted up and maintained in an easily legible condition." (IGR 24) Note : The Inspector-General has also issued the following regulations : No. 27. Installation and use of winding installations for winding with skips in shafts with two winding compartments whenever, for one of the winding compartments, authorisation for man-winding has been granted and, during man-winding, material winding with skips is carried on. No. 29. Man-winding in raises. UNITED KINGDOM (See also Chapter V I I I , Division 1.) " 5 . ( 1 ) Once a t least in every six months all cage chains and detaching hooks in general use shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment and shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person. Provided that t h e Chief Inspector of Mines may, by certificate in writing, exempt from the foregoing requirement as to heat treatment chains or hooks made of any steel which does not require heat treatment. (2) All detaching hooks in general use shall be dismantled, cleaned and refitted once a t least in every three months. (3) All detaching plates and bells in general use shall be tested monthly by calipers or gauges." . (R 2.3.1937) UNITED STATES Federal " 38. (a) All hoisting equipment used in shafts and slopes shall be of ample capacity and of a standard design commercially recognised as safe and in accordance with state requirements." (R 23.12.1937) 2. EXAMINATION AND T E S T I N G OF W I N D I N G P L A N T BELGIUM "39. The rope attachments, chains, cages and safety gear, as well as the ropes themselves, shall be inspected daily. The ropes shall b e inspected while the engine is running slowly enough to allow of careful examination. In addition, once a week the safety gear shall be tested and a visual examination shall be made of the machinery, winding pulleys, guides over the shaft mouth, overwind-prevention devices, keps and other man-winding gear. These arrangements shall be carried out by competent officials appointed by the mine management." (RO 10.12.1910) 1 See Division 10 of this chapter. 2. EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WINDING PLANT 235 CANADA Alberta "149 Bule 4. (a) A qualified person or persons appointed by the manager for the purpose shall at least once in every 24 hours inspect the external parts of all machinery, headgear, ropes and chains of the mine which are in actual use and shall without delay make true reports of the inspections in a book which shall be kept at the mine for t h a t purpose, a copy or duplicate of which shall be posted at the mine and the reports shall be signed by the person making the inspection. (b) A qualified person appointed by the manager for the purpose shall at least once in every week inspect the shafts and the guides or conductors therein by which persons are lowered or raised, and shall without delay make true reports of the inspections in a book which shall be kept at the mine for that purpose, and of which a copy or duplicate shall be posted at the mine and the reports shall be signed by the person making the inspections." (A 1945) FRANCE "119. (1) The appliances and installations used for winding shifts or for raising mineral and, in particular, the ropes, winding engines, automatic appliances, brakes, cages and their suspension gear, safety gear and guides shall be closely examined daily by employees appointed for this purpose. Tail ropes shall not be subject to this examination, but those parts of tail ropes in Koepe systems that form loops when the cages are at landings shall be inspected at least once a week. (2) In shafts used for winding shifts a test wind under a full load of mineral shall be undertaken every day, before the descent of the main shift, in each direction and between the extreme landings in use ; during these winds the cage-position indicators and the marks referred to in section 103 (a)1 shall be verified. This shall also apply, unless an exemption is granted by the district inspector of mines, after every adjustment of the rope-winding appliances. 120. (1) In all shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel of personnel, the appliances referred to in section 119 (1) shall undergo, at least once a week, a detailed examination including a test of the safety gear, by a competent employee. The results of this examination shall be entered in the register referred to in section 107 2 as regards the ropes, and in another special register as regards the other appliances and installations. In the event of interruption of use for more than one week this examination shall precede resumption of use. (2) The position of the broken wires shall be precisely recorded in the rope register as soon as in any part of the rope exceeding three turns of a strand in length their number reaches one-tenth of the number of visible wires. 121. Ropes used for raising mineral or for winding shifts shall, in addition, be examined monthly by a specialist who, while the rope is a t rest and after it has been cleaned, shall examine in particular the most sensitive points and, after the first year's service, at least one length of 1 m for every 100 m of rope. Exemptions from this last requirement may be granted by tho district inspector of mines. 1 See Division 4 of this chapter. ' See Division 7, Part C of this chapter. 16 236 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 122. I n shafts used for raising mineral or for the ordinary travel of personnel a detailed examination of the headgear equipment shall be made a t least once a month by a competent employee ; the results of the examination shall be entered in the shaft register referred to in section 62 (l). 1 123. The adjustment of the appliances referred to in sections 1022, 2 a 103 and 104 shall be verified by a competent employee whenever a cause of irregularity may be suspected, and a t least every six months by a specialist who shall record his observations in a report. This report shall be entered in the special register referred to in section 120. Instructions approved by the district inspector of mines shall determine the conditions of this examination, and specify in particular the measures to be taken to prevent the adjustment of the automatic appliances from being altered by unqualified persons without the alteration being apparent." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY See Division 3 of this chapter. NETHERLANDS "58. The daily examinations shall be carried out by persons specially appointed for the purpose ; their names shall be entered in the shaft register. 59. All examinations of parts of the winding installation, such as ropes, cages, shaft, etc., with which artificial light must be used, shall be carried out with the help of an electric lamp fitted with an effective reflector and giving a light of a t least 100 lux at a distance of 1 m. 60. At least once in every year the efficiency of the whole winding installation shall b e examined by an expert specially appointed for the purpose by or on behalf of the mine manager. 61. A repair register shall be kept in a good condition, shall be regularly brought u p to date by members of the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose, and shall contain records of all repairs, not being part of normal maintenance, to equipment used in man-winding, such as the winding engine, cages, ropes, suspension gear, shafts, shaft timbering, rigid guides or rope guides, and the like." (IGR 24) SOUTH AFRICA "37. Where the permission of the Inspector of Mines for the use of winding plant has been obtained . . . the following conditions shall apply : (1) The manager shall appoint in writing some competent person or persons whose duty it shall be to examine carefully— (a) at least once each day the winding ropes and the attachments thereof to the drums and to the cages, skips, or other means of conveyance, the brakes a n d depth indicators, the cages, skips, or other means of conveyance, and any safety catches attached thereto, and the pulley wheels and all and every external part of the winding arrangements, upon the proper working of which the safety of persons depends ; (b) at least once in each week the guides or rails and the winding compartments generally and the signalling arrangements. (2) The engineer appointed under legulation No. 165 3 shall examine— (a) at least once in each week the external parts of the winding engine ; 1 1' See Division 3 of this chapter. See Division 4 of this chapter. See Chapter XXII, Division 2. 2. EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WINDING PLANT 237 (b) at least once in each year the winding engine as to the working conditions of the internal parts ; (a) at least once in each calendar month at intervals not exceeding 45 days the structure of the winding rope, with a view to ascertaining the amount of deterioration thereof ; for the purposes of this examination the rope must be thoroughly cleansed at places to be selected by the said engineer, who shall note any reduction in the circumference of the rope, the superficial condition of the wires as to wear, corrosion, fractures and brittleness, and all other data necessary for ascertaining the amount, extent and distribution of the deterioration of the rope ; (d) at least once in each calendar month a t intervals not exceeding 45 days, the engineer or competent person appointed under regulation No. 165 shall examine the connection between the rope and the cage, skip or other means of conveyance. (3) If on any such examination as is hereinbefore required there is discovered any weakness or defect by which the safety of persons may be endangered, such weakness or defect shall be immediately reported to the manager in writing, and until such weakness or defect be remedied the winding plant shall not be used. If the examination discloses features such as undue or rapid wear, or fractures of the wires which, although not constituting sufficient reason for condemning the rope, call for more than the usual attention, the engineer shall make more frequent examinations than are prescribed in section (2). (4) The manager shall keep or cause to be kept at the mine a book to be termed the Machinery Record Book in which shall be recorded— fa) the names of the persons deputed under section (I) of this regulation; (b) a true report of the result of every such examination as is hereinbefore referred to, signed by the person making the examination. (5) The manager shall keep or cause to be kept in the winding-engine room a book to be termed the Drivers' Log-book, in which shall be recorded in duplicate— (a) a true report of the condition of the winding e n g i n e . . . ; (b) a true report of the condition of the signalling arrangements . . . ; (c) any special instructions, involving the safety of persons, given to the engine-driver.... The entries in the log-book shall be inspected and countersigned daily by the person appointed to carry out the duties specified in section (1) of this regulation. The duplicate shall be inspected and signed daily by the engineer appointed under regulation No. 165." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal "47. (a) Competent representatives of the lessee shall make daily a general examination of all hoisting equipment and electrical and mechanical apparatus used for the hoisting or transportation of men in and about the mine, including skips, cages, guides, ropes, sheaves, hoists, motors, engines, and boilers ; and once each week a more detailed examination shall be made. A memorandum of the condition found on examination shall be entered in a record book kept in the mine office, and any defective condition that may endanger the safety of the employees or others shall be remedied without delay. (b) Any boiler used for generating steam shall be equipped with a safety valve, pressure gauge, and level indicator, and shall be inspected semi-annually by a competent boiler inspector. 238 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN (c ) If an inspection discloses a defective condition or arrangement of any apparatus, appliance, or device, which endangers the safety of employees or others, such condition or arrangement shall be remedied without delay." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. (b) Transportation I. Hoisting (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.) Every hoist that is used to transport persons at a mine shall be inspected daily . . . . (h) Hoisting equipment, including the headgear, cages, ropes, connections, links and chains, shaft guides, shaft walls, and other facilities shall be inspected daily by a competent person designated by the management. Such inspector shall report immediately to his superior any defects found, and any such defects shall be corrected promptly. The person making such examination shall make a daily permanent record of each inspection, which shall be open for inspection by interested persons." (FMC 1953) 3. SHAFTS1 BELGIUM " 9 . The openings of all shafts in operation, staples and roads which a t different levels give access t o the shafts shall be provided with barriers or trapdoors capable of preventing the fall of persons and vehicles. The fixed parts of such fencing shall in addition be arranged so as to prevent the fall of any object into t h e shaft. 10. The barriers or trapdoors shall be kept closed except when in use. I I . The surface and underground landings shall be permanently and suitably lighted for the whole duration of the shift even if they are only used intermittently. 16. I n man-winding shafts the following rules shall be observed : (a) Independently of the ordinary signals an emergency signal accessible from inside the cages shall be installed. ( b) A stopping device other than the keps shall be installed to prevent cages and skips carrying persons from being lowered into any water t h a t there might be below the lowest landing in operation. Sumps shall be provided with ladders leading to the nearest landing. (c) The keps of the intermediate landings shall ordinarily be kept in the off position by automatic appliances or a blocking device that can be operated only by the men appointed for this purpose. (d) At a certain height above the mouth of the shaft wooden guides solidly installed shall converge so as to prevent the cages from accidentally reaching the winding pulley unless there are devices for detaching the cage from the rope. I n addition safety gear shall be provided to prevent the cage from falling down the shaft ; this gear shall be placed a t least a t the height of a deck below the point at which the guides begin to converge. (e) Water shall be dammed or led off so that it cannot cause injuries to health by falling. 17. I n addition to the daily inspections carried out by the officials appointed for this purpose and by means of slow winding, the shafts ordinär 1 For shaft maintenance and repairs see Chapter XXVI, Division 5. 3. SHAFTS 239 ily used for man-winding and the shafts in course of sinking shall be thoroughly inspected at least once a week. Independently of the cases provided for in section 8 1 the other shafts shall be fully inspected at least once a month. The inspecting officials shall enter or have entered the results of these inspections in a special register. Once a quarter the manager or his assistant shall acquaint himself with the state of the shaft by a detailed inspection, the results of which he shall enter in a register." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta " 8 1 . (1) The top of every shaft which for the time being is out of use or used only as an air shaft shall be kept securely fenced for the prevention of accidents. (2) The top and all entrances between the top and bottom of every working, ventilating, or pumping shaft shall be properly fenced for the prevention of accidents, but this shall not prevent the temporary removal of the fence to make repairs or for other operations if proper precautions for safety are used in the meantime. (3) Where one portion of a shaft is used for the lowering or raising of persons by ladders or otherwise, and another portion is used for raising the material gotten in the mine, no person shall travel or be permitted to travel in the shaft when the same is in operation, unless the first mentioned portion is either cased or otherwise securely fenced from the last mentioned portion. (4) Where the natural strata are not safe, every working, pumping or escapement shaft shall be securely cased, lined or otherwise made secure. 83 (6) All shafts shall be provided with safety gates at the top and intermediate landings, such gates to be approved by the District Inspector. (7) In all shafts over 300 ft. in depth or where the hoisting speed exceeds 450 ft./min. where persons are being raised or lowered, detaching hooks or overwinding devices shall be provided unless such shafts are exempted from the operation of this subsection by the Director of Mines in writing. 149 Rule 29. No person shall attempt to go on or across the uncovered space of the shaft bottom except for the purpose of working in the shaft bottom and no person shall be allowed to work in the bottom of t h e shaft unless the cages are stopped." (A 1945) FRANCE "62. (1) A detailed inspection of every shaft used for raising mineral, stowage purposes, or the ordinary travel of personnel shall be carried out a t least once a week by a competent employee. The results of the inspection shall be entered in a special register. 1 See Chapter III, Division 1. 240 X. "WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN (2) Shafts used for raising mineral or for the winding of shifts shall, during the daily inspection of the guides provided for in section 119 (1) ', be cleared of all objects the fall of which might cause accidents. Measures shall be taken to avoid or destroy, if necessary, deposits of ice or other adhesive deposits. 68. (1) I n shafts leading to the surface where the ropes are used for the ordinary travel of personnel, the guides above the top landings shall be so arranged t h a t a cage or skip accidentally overrunning this landing is gradually stopped before reaching the pulley. (2) I n these shafts and also in all shafts with rigid guides for raising mineral, measures shall be taken so that in the event of an overwind followed b y the breakage of the rope or of the suspension gear, the cage, skip or bucket cannot fall down t h e shaft. (3) I n shafts used for the ordinary travel of personnel without keps or with keps in the off position, the level of the water shall be kept sufficiently low in the sump to exclude any risk of immersing personnel. (4) I n shafts in which there is a sump and the ropes are used for winding shifts without keps or with keps in the off position, the guides shall be so arranged t h a t a cage, skip or bucket overrunning the bottom landing is gradually stopped before reaching the bottom." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY HATTLAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS "50. (1) All approaches to shafts and haulage inclines shall be so shut off that tubs cannot be pushed on without opening the enclosure. For shafts the enclosures shall consist of mesh screens or doors. (2) On the landings of staple pits and inclines with a gradient of more than 30°, in addition to these enclosures or in conjunction with them, safety devices shall be fitted t h a t either automatically prevent the tubs being pushed on in the absence of the cage or carriage, or only allow the cage or carriage to move away from the landing when the pit or incline is shut off to the tubs. (3) Subsection (2) shall not apply to the bottom landing when there is no sump a t the bottom of the shaft or incline. 51. On the landings of shafts and haulage inclines with a gradient exceeding 30° a toe-board shall be fitted before the winding or haulage compartment if the onsetter or banksman could otherwise slip down. To provide a support for the banksman or onsetter horizontal iron bars shall be fitted. 52. (1) The landings of haulage inclines shall be so arranged that there is no need to step on the onsetting platform and incline during haulage operations. (2) Further, t h e landings shall be so arranged that the tubs can only be pushed on and pulled off from the side. Exceptions may be authorised b y the District Mining Office. (3) Adjacent mine workings shall be protected against runaway tubs and carriages or falling cages and counterweights independently of the enclosures provided for in section 50. 53. If landings are laid out on two sides of the shaft the two sides shall be connected at the shaft itself by means of a run round." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 1 See Division 2 oí this chapter. 3. SHAFTS 241 MAN-wiNDnsra "Installation of the Man-winding Plant Shaft. (a) Guiding Appliances. 4. (1) The guides and buntons shall always possess a safety factor of at least four in relation to the maximum static load in man-winding. (2) The distance of the cages from each other and also from the shaft sides shall be such that the free passage of the cages is ensured in all circumstances. (3) If rope guides are used the cage shall be guided a t all four corners. (4) I n wet shafts rope guides shall not be used. (b) Shaft Sump. 5. (1) Under the lowest stopping place of the cage in man-winding shafts there shall be a space the depth of which shall be a t least equal to the clear height (section 7 (1)), in which the clear width of the guides shall be gradually reduced or the guides shall be laterally reinforced. (2) If the guides converge they shall be braced against the shaft sides. (3) The sump shall be constantly cleared of water to an extent that excludes any danger of drowning for the men being wound if the cage is lowered too far. (c) Keps. 6. (1) I n shaft compartments used for man-winding there shall be no fixed bearers. (2) The use of keps in man-winding shall be prohibited. (3) If keps are used for material winding, when in the off position they shall leave the shaft clear for the passage of the cage, and it shall be possible to block them securely in the off position during the period when there is no onsetter a t a landing (section 43 (2)). Head Frame and Rope Pulleys. 1. (1) The clear height in the case of larger man-winding plants shall be at least 10 m, and in the case of smaller plants a t least 3 m. (2) In the head frame the guides shall be thickened or shall converge, and buffer baulks and stops (Fangstützen) shall be fitted. 8. Rope-detaching devices shall be prohibited. Testing of Man-winding Plant Shaft. 43. (1) The shaft compartment, guiding equipment and keps, and in the case of rope guides the fastening of the guide ropes, shall be tested daily. (2) If keps are used for material winding they shall be secured, before man-winding begins, as provided in section 6 (3). I n this connection special attention shall be paid to levels at which onsetters are not always present. Head Frame, Stops and Rope Pulleys. 44. (1) The head frame shall be maintained in faultless structural condition. (2) Any accumulation of rope grease shall be promptly removed. (3) The stops shall be tested daily as to mobility. 242 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 45. (1) The rope pulleys with their shaft and bearings shall be tested every day. (2) Before laying on a new rope the rope pulleys shall be carefully examined. Both the thickness of the groove lining and the form of the groove cross-section shall be examined on these occasions, and also every quarter, in a reliable manner. Any sharp edges in the groove shall be removed. (3) The results of the tests specified in subsection (2) shall be entered in the man-winding register together with a drawing of the groove crosssection." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) "83. (1) Winding compartments in shafts and haulage inclines shall only be entered when the operations so require. The persons concerned shall make the necessary arrangements beforehand by telephone or speakingtube, or in default of them by other reliable means. (2) On haulage inclines with a slope not exceeding 20° the haulage compartment may be used for travel subject to the approval of the District Mining Office. 84. Sections 78 to 8 3 1 shall also apply to other vertical and inclined mine workings with carriage or tub haulage, except face workings." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "40. (1) Every shaft shall, in so far as the nature of the strata traversed makes it necessary, be protected by adequate lining and adequate precautions in the operation of the mine. (2) Substantial alterations to be made in the lining, division or protection of shafts shall, as soon as the plans thereof have been drawn up and before the actual work is begun, be brought to the notice of the InspectorGeneral of Mines in writing. 41. The inspection of shafts and staple pits shall be carried out regularly and in a suitable manner a t suitable times. 42. (1) For each shaft the longitudinal section on a scale of not less than 1 : 100 shall be prepared showing the nature of the strata traversed, the shaft lining and the fixtures placed in the shaft. Whenever the Inspector-General of Mines considers it necessary, the said longtitudinal section shall be amplified b y cross-sections. (2) Substantial alterations in the shaft lining and in the installations in the shaft shall on every occasion be recorded on these drawings as soon as possible with an indication of the date. (3) Upon request a copy of the said drawings shall be communicated to the Inspector-General of Mines." (MR 1939) Closing Off of Transport Compartments in Shafts, Staple Pits and Baises " I . The openings of compartments of shafts, staple pits and raises that give access to spaces that are only exceptionally entered shall be closed b y means of doors or gates. 2. "unless the cage is a t a landing, all landings in the shaft both a t the surface and underground shall always be closed off by iron doors or 1 See Chapter III, Division 2. 3. SHAFTS 243 gates. For staple pits and raises these doors or gates, both at the top and at intermediate levels, may be replaced by— (a) a self-closing shutter ; (b) an iron bar on which a barrier is hung in the absence of the signaller. At the bottom the said doors or gates may be replaced by iron bars, which shall be closed in the absence of the signaller. 3. At staple pits and raises, in so far as vertical transport with mine tubs is carried on in them, automatic devices shall be provided that prevent the worker and the tubs to be put in the cage from falling down the staple pit or the raise in the absence of the cage." (IGR 22) " 1 . At places in shafts, staple pits and raises where materials such as long timber, rails, pipes, etc., are loaded, a suitable separation shall be provided in so far as necessary between the transport compartments. 2. (1) In staple pits and raises the top of the cage shall be provided with an iron cover that, except when long articles are being transported, shall always be closed. (2) For the protection of workers employed a t the loading places of shafts, staple pits or raises against objects falling into the shafts, staple pits or raises between the top of the loading place and the shaft, staple pit or raise, at the bottom and at the intermediate levels, an adequately tight separation shall be provided which during transport with the use of tubs shall be closed. The top of the loading place of shafts shall be deemed to be the part higher than 3 m and the top of the loading place of staple pits and raises shall be deemed to be the part that is above the cover referred to in the preceding subsection. 3. (1) Before beginning special work such as cleaning the cage floor, cleaning the bottom of the staple pit or raise, loading iron rails which have to be fastened vertically in the cage and similar work, the signaller of a staple pit or raise shall be bound to warn the winding-engineman by means of a speaking-tube or otherwise. (2) During the cleaning of the bottom of a staple pit or raise the cage shall be safely supported. 7. (1) In raises and drop pits, unless an exemption is granted, the necessary precautions shall be taken to support the timber framework a t intervals not exceeding 15 m. (2) At the top and intermediate levels and if appropriate in the pit at the bottom of every raise or drop pit, there shall be installed iron supporting beams or a concrete foundation under the supporting frame." (IGR 23) "Installation Shaft. 3. (1) Below the lowest level reached by the cage in man-winding there shall be laterally thickened guides or other devices that will brake the cage if it descends too far. (2) The water level a t this place shall be kept so low that if the cage goes too deep, the persons in the cage are in no danger of drowning. 4. The guides, with their attachments shall, when vertical, be capable of supporting, with a safety factor of four, a load equal to the maximum load in man-winding. 5. The provisions relating to safety appliances or thickened guides shall not apply to winding installations in which guide ropes are used instead of rigid guides for guiding the cage. 244 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN Head Frame, Rope Pulleys and Keps. 6. Above the shaft there shall be a device that prevents pieces from falling into the shaft in the event of the breakage of a rope pulley or of its shaft. 7. Without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines the clear space in the head frame of winding installations taken into use after 1 June 1929 shall not be less than 10 m in height above the highest position of the cage in man-winding. 8. I n the space referred to in the preceding section shall be fitted laterally thickened guides or other devices that will brake the cage if it rises too high. 9. I n the head frame for each cage there shall be two sets of stout keps to hold a cage that has risen too high if the rope should break. 10. The diameter of the rope pulleys shall not be less than 80 times the diameter of the rope. Control Shaft. 38. (1) The cage guides and their attachments and also the keps, if there are any, shall be examined daily. (2) The shafts shall be carefully examined weekly by the shaft repairers under the direction of the responsible supervisor. (3) At least one of the mine managers or an official appointed by them for this purpose, who shall not be the responsible supervisor referred to in subsection (2), shall make himself acquainted with the condition of the shafts at least once a year by means of a careful examination. Head Frame and Rope Pulleys. 39. (1) Before a new rope is taken into use, the rope pulleys shall be carefully examined. (2) I n the examination referred t o in subsection (1) the rim thickness and the form of the rim groove shall be carefully determined and sharp edges shall be removed. (3) The results of the examinations referred to in subsections (1) and (2) shall be entered in the shaft register and signed. 40. The following shall be examined daily : (a) the rope pulleys with their shafts and bearings and also other component parts ; (b) the various safety devices." (IGR 24) SOUTH AFRICA " 2 1 . Vertical shafts exceeding 100 ft. in depth shall be provided with guides for kibbles, unless exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines. Such guides shall always be kept extended down to the lowest set of timbers ; also the cross-head shall be allowed to travel to the lowest set but one, and in no case shall the lowest set of timbers be more than 50 ft., from the shaft bottom. 23. At every shaft station where it is necessary for workmen to pass from one side of the shaft to the other, provision shall be made for them to do so without entering or crossing a winding compartment ; such passage shall be securely fenced off from moving parts of machinery. 3 . SHAFTS 245 34 (7) (a) The headgear shall, except in such cases as may be exempted in writing by the Government Mining Engineer from the requirements of this section, be carried without obstruction to the cage-way or skip-way t o such a height as to allow a clearance of at least 25 ft. in which the cage, skip or other means of conveyance can travel freely above the highest passenger stopping place in case of an overwind." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Every mine shaft (including unwalkable outlets) and staple pit must be made secure, unless the natural conditions of the strata render this unnecessary, and kept secure (30). Every entrance to every mine shaft and every entrance to every staple pit must be provided with an efficient enclosure or barrier, so designed and constructed as to prevent any person from accidentally falling down the shaft or staple pit, or accidentally coming into contact with a moving part of any winding apparatus with which it is provided. Such enclosure or barrier must be properly maintained and, where any part of it is removable or openable, the enclosure, barrier or part must be kept securely in position or securely closed, save in so far as removal or opening is necessary. Regulations may require prescribed steps to be taken for the purpose of preventing persons from accidentally entering outlets or from accidentally coming into contact with moving parts of any apparatus therein (31). Regulations may require prescribed steps to be taken for the purpose of preventing persons from being injured by the accidental fall of articles down shafts or staple pits (32). (A 1954) "21 (b) Reasonable protection against things falling down the shaft shall be provided for persons engaged in loading or unloading cages." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal " 3 3 . At each shaft landing there shall be a passageway at least 6 ft. high and 4 ft. wide, free of obstruction, that will enable persons to go from one side of the shaft to the other side without passing through any compartment of the shaft : Provided that a shaft compartment may be used for a passageway if properly floored and roofed over by a bulkhead sufficiently strong to withstand the fall of heavy bodies. 40. In shafts and slopes where men are hoisted or lowered there shall be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the surface landings a t which men enter or leave the cages or cars. . . . 41 (c) Cage rests or chairs shall be provided at all shaft landings regularly used in the hoisting or lowering of men unless their omission is authorised in writing by the district mining supervisor. 42. (a) Gates 4 ft. high or covers shall be used a t the top or ground landings of vertical or inclined shafts, and the gates shall be kept closed except when the cage is at the landing and attended. (b) The track a t the surface landing of a shaft or slope shall have a derailing device which shall always be kept open except when a car is being 246 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN taken from or placed on the cage at said landing, or when a car is entering the slope under control. 43. Shafts when not in use for hoisting men, and slopes or sumps that extend below the floor of a mine passage or excavation, shall be adequately guarded to prevent men from falling therein. 45. Where men are employed in a mine or required to enter or depart from a mine between sunset and sunrise, sufficient light shall be maintained at the top landing of each shaft to enable them to see the landing. At each underground landing used for caging men, a light shall be maintained on each side of and within 10 ft. of the shaft or slope whenever men are in the mine. Each underground landing, if not naturally lighted, shall be kept white with paint or whitewash." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. Transportation 2. Cages, shafts, slopes and surface inclines (h) All open entrances to shafts shall be equipped with safety gates a t the top and a t each landing except at bottom landings. Such gates shall be self-closing and shall be kept closed except when the cage is at such landing. Gates shall not be required a t the dumping point of self-dumping cages or skips. (i) Positive stop-blocks or derails shall be placed near the top and at intermediate landings of slopes and surface inclines and a t the approaches to all shaft landings. (j) At the bottom of each hoisting shaft and at intermediate landings,a 'run-around' shall be provided for safe passage from one side of the shaft to the other. This passageway shall be not less than 5 ft. in height and 3 ft. in width. (k) Ice shall n o t be permitted to accumulate excessively in any shaft where men are hoisted or lowered." (FMC 1953) Illinois "10. (a) The upper and lower landing a t the top of each shaft, and the opening of each intermediate seam from or to the shaft, shall be kept clear and free from loose materials, and shall be protected with automatic or other gates, such gates to be of good, serviceable construction for the purpose for which they are designed—namely, to prevent either men or materials from falling into t h e shaft. At the top landing cage supports, where necessary, must be carefully set and adjusted so as to securely hold the cage when at rest. (b) Whenever the hoisting or lowering of men occurs before daylight or after dark, or when the landing at which men take or leave the cage is at all obscured by steam or otherwise, there must always be maintained at such landing a light sufficient to show the landing and surrounding objects distinctly. Likewise, as long as there are men underground in any mine the operator shall maintain a good and sufficient light at the bottom of the shaft thereof, so t h a t persons coming to the bottom may clearly discern the cage and objects in t h e vicinity. (j) At every underground landing where men enter or leave the cage a n d where men must pass from one side of the cage to the other there shall be a safe passageway, free from obstruction and as dry as possible around t h e shaft, not less t h a n 3 ft. wide for the use of men only ; and animals or cars shall not be taken through such passageway while men are passing or desirous of passing through such passageway. 4. WINDING ENGINES 247 fk) A refuge place or places for men coming out a t the close of the day's work shall be provided off the main bottom of cage-room in shaft mines, at a place or places and of such size as shall be approved by the state mine inspector. Such place or places shall be not more than 400 ft. from the shaft, where men are hoisted, and shall be kept free from loose material. When leaving such refuge places to be hoisted out the men shall be governed by the rules of the mine. (I) No accumulations of ice or obstructions of any kind shall be permitted in any shaft in which men are hoisted or lowered ; nor shall any dangerous gases or steam be discharged into said shaft in such quantities or at such times as to interfere with the safe passage of men. All surface or other water which flows therein shall be conducted by rings or otherwise to receptacles provided for the same in such manner as to prevent water from falling upon men while passing into or out of the mine or while in the discharge of their duties about the shaft bottom. (m) All shafts by which men enter or leave the mine, and the passageways leading thereto, or to the work of a contiguous mine used as a n escapement shaft shall be carefully examined throughout a t least once each week that the mine is operating and the date and findings of such an examination entered promptly in the books kept at the time for the purpose. A daily visit to the bottom of all sueh escapement shafts shall be made by the mine examiner and, if obstructions to the free passage of men are found, their location and nature shall be stated in such report. Such obstructions shall be promptly removed." (A 6.6.Í911) New Mexico "1201. In shafts and inclines where men are hoisted or lowered, there shall be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the landings a t which men enter or leave the cages, skips or cars ; and at mines in which over 100 men are employed underground on any shift there shall also be approved overwinding and overspeeding devices connected with the hoist, or equivalent approved devices shall be installed and maintained to prevent the cage from being overwound or from falling if overwound, and from overspeeding, considering the character of the hoisting equipment and depth of hoisting." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "1 All shafts shall be provided with safety gates controlled by the cage at the top and intermediate landings, said gates to be approved by the inspector and suitable track safety blocks shall be provided to secure mine cars while men are entering or leaving the cage." (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) 4. WINDING ENGINES BELGIUM "29. The winding engines and power winches shall be equipped with an efficient brake controlled by a lever within the engineman's reach and easy to work. This brake shall act directly on the drum shaft or barrel shaft. In new installations— (a) the brake shall be arranged to act automatically or by means of a clutch t h a t can be actuated a t all times if the power fails ; (b) the use of cast-iron drum and winch shafts shall be prohibited, even if old machines are used. 30. The winding engine shall be equipped with an appliance showing the position of the cage in the shaft, and easily visible to the engineman. 248 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN Two automatic bell signalling installations shall announce the arrival of the cages at the surface. One of them having a special easily distinguishable note shall be adjusted so as to ring at the moment when the control lever must be operated." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta "85. (1) Hoisting apparatus worked by mechanical power shall be so designed, constructed and maintained that, with the power provided, the raising and lowering of persons can be carried out with ease, regularity and safety, and shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation so as to prevent any material movement as a whole. (2) When hoisting apparatus is worked by other than mechanical power, it shall be efficiently constructed and maintained and provided with a locking device or brake sufficient in itself to hold the load at any point in the shaft. (3) Every hoist used for the raising or lowering of persons shall be completely separated by a substantial partition from every other engine used for any purpose other than raising or lowering persons, unless a written exemption is given b y the District Inspector. 86. (1) Every hoisting engine used for raising or lowering persons, shall be provided with a good and sufficient brake on the drum so adjusted that it may be operated by the engineer without leaving his post at the levers. (2) The drum thereof shall be provided with flanges of such size that, when the whole rope is wound on the drum, there shall be not less than 4 in. between the outer layer of rope and the outer edge of the flange, except in the case of cylindric-conical drums. (3) One end of each hoisting rope shall be well secured on the drum and a t least three laps of the rope shall remain on the drum when the cage is at rest a t the lowest caging place in the shaft, and the lower end of each rope shall be securely fastened to the cage by suitable capping, clamps, chains and any other approved means. (4) An index dial or indicator which plainly shows the engineer at all times the true position of the cages in the shaft, in addition to any mark on the rope, shall be provided." (A 1945) FRANCE "100. Power-driven winches shall be equipped with brakes that enable the ropes to be blocked ; hand-driven winches shall have a device that prevents unexpected reversal of the direction. In addition, if the winding appliance of a rope used for the ordinary travel of personnel can be disconnected, an interlock shall prevent disconnection before the disconnectable part has been blocked by means of a device capable of holding fast in the most unfavourable conditions of unbalance. 101. (1) Winches and winding engines shall not be used for the travel of personnel unless their operating brake can act both while the engine is in motion and while it is stopped. They shall not be used for the travel of a shift unless they are also provided with a counterweighted emergency brake. The two brakes m a y have the same frictional parts and the same transmission, but their controls shall be separate and so arranged that they can be actuated by the winchman or engineman immediately and directly from his operating stand. At least one of the brakes shall be capable of acting even in the event of failure of the power normally used for its operation. 4. WINDING ENGINES 249 If a brake or a machine has a geared transmission, the emergency brake, or, if there is not one, the operating brake, shall act without the intervention of the gears. (2) Each of the brakes shall be capable of keeping the engine blocked in the most unfavourable conditions of unbalance. If there is no emergency brake the operating brake shall be counterweighted and sufficiently powerful, if applied on the arrival of the ascending cage a t the top landing, to enable the cage to be stopped before it reaches the stop in the headgear. In any case the cutting off of the power shall be simultaneous with the fall of the counterweight. (3) When the emergency brake is applied by the overwind preventer referred to in section 102 it shall be capable of preventing the cage from reaching the pulley. The application of the brake shall result in the cutting off of the power. 102. If the engine or the winch is used for the winding of the shift, the emergency brake shall be automatically applied— (a) by an overwind preventer in the headgear as soon as the cage, skip, or bucket reaches an abnormal height beyond the top landing ; ( b) by a speed governor at the end of the wind when the speed at a suitably determined distance from the bottom landing exceeds 1.50 m/sec. during man-winding. 103. Winches and winding engines shall not be used for the ordinary travel of personnel, or be used at a speed that can exceed 2 m /sec. for an exceptional travel of personnel, unless they are provided— (a) with an indicator showing the position of the cage, skip or bucket in the shaft, not comprising any transmission by friction and placed in the winchman's or engineman's field of vision ; and this irrespective of any marks that have to be made on the ropes or on rope-winding appliances other than Koepe pulleys ; (b) with a sound-signalling appliance announcing arrival of the cage, skip or bucket as it approaches the extreme landings in use. 104. Winches and winding engines used for the ordinary travel of personnel a t a speed exceeding 6 m/sec. shall also be provided with the following appliances : (a) a variably acting device controlling the operating brake ; ( b) an automatic speed governor preventing the speed in full momentum, both in mineral winding and in man-winding, from exceeding by more than 20 per cent, the scheduled speed for either case ; (o) an appliance indicating and recording the speed. 105. The movement of the safety devices into the position for winding men shall actuate permanent optical signals t h a t are clearly visible to the engineman and the onsetter at the top landing ; it shall be marked on the speed recording instrument, if there is one. 106. Exemption from the provisions of sections 101 (subsection (1), second paragraph), 102, 103 and 105 may be granted by the local inspection authority in respect of winding engines in sinking pits or for preparatory workings immediately subsequent to sinking." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS "42. (1) Braking appliances (except portable brakes) and winches shall be fixed in position. (2) Portable brakes that are attached to a prop shall be fastened to a second prop by an emergency chain. 250 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 43. Braking appliances and winches, except hand and scraper winches, shall be provided with self-acting brakes. 44. On braking appliances and winches the brake lining and the lining of the rope groove shall not consist of highly inflammable material. 45. (1) Hand winches shall have a reliable brake and a double pawl. (2) Hand winches t h a t are used in different directions for the raising of loads shall have a separate ratchet wheel with a double pawl for each direction of rotation. (3) Cable winches for the raising and lowering of heavy loads shall also engage with the drive at both sides or, in the case of a single engagement, shall have fabricated teeth. 46. I n front of the braking appliances and winch or in front of the rope pulleys there shall be a device that, in the case of overwinding, holds the carriage, cage, counterweight or tub. This shall not apply to portable braking appliances and scraper winches. 47. If hewers or drawers do their own braking they shall be able to operate the braking appliances and winches without entering the winding shaft or haulage plane." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) MAN-WINDING " Installation Winding of Man-winding Plant Engines. (a) Speed Governor. 9. (1) Winding engines of which the man-winding speed is more than 6 m/sec. shall be equipped with an officially authorised speed governor. (2) Speed governors shall be in operation both for material winding and for man-winding. For regular man-winding the speed governor shall be adjusted to man-winding speed. (b) Throttle. 10. Steam winding engines shall be equipped with a throttle (Fahrventil). (c) Depth Indicator. 11. (1) Winding engines shall be equipped with a reliable depth indicator and a bell that will automatically ring as soon as the distance of the ascending cage from the bank is at least double the circumference of the rope drum (traction sheave, reel). (2) The depth indicator shall not be driven by friction coupling. (d) Tachometer. 12. (1) All man-winding plant shall be provided with tachometers ; if the man-winding speed exceeds 4 m/sec. there shall be automatically recording tachometers that clearly indicate speed during the operation. (2) The speed charts shall be submitted daily to the responsible manager and kept by him for three months. (e) Brakes. 13. (1) Every winding engine shall be equipped with a winding brake, (2) On winding engines with a man-winding speed of more than 4 m/sec.— (a) the winding brake shall be an adjustable brake (sliding brake) ; 4. WENDING ENGINES 251 (b) a second brake (emergency brake) independent of the driving power shall be provided and shall be capable oí being combined with the first brake. (3) The brake-pressure regulators of sliding brakes shall be equipped with a pressure gauge, and if the regulator belongs to a steam brake, with a water-draining device. (4) On geared engines (toothed-wheel drives) a t least one brake shall act directly on the driving agent (traction sheave, drum, reel). (5) On drum or reel engines at least one brake *jhall act on both drums. 14. (1) Both the winding brake and the emergency brake shall be able to hold the winding engine with a static safety factor of at least three when the difference between the load on the two winding sides is the maximum ; in addition, the winding brake, in the same conditions of load, shall effect a retardation of at least 2 m/sec. (2) The mechanical strength of the brake rod shall represent a safety factor of at least five in relation to the maximum brake power used in operation. Testing of Men-winding Winding Plant Engine. 46. (1) The rope drums together with their shafts, the attachment of the ropes to the drums, the braking appliances, the anchorage of the drums, traction sheaves and reels on their shafts, the couplings, depth indicators, tachometers, the safety appliances, t h e firm seating and the fastening of the wedges in the safety appliances shall be tested daily, and in addition the depth indicators shall be tested after every adjustment of the cage's travel. (2) The winding engine and the speed governor shall be tested by a specially qualified person before first being taken into use. With steam winding engines proper working shall be verified by means of indicator diagrams. The diagrams shall be repeated after every readjustment of the controls and after all repairs. (3) Winding engines shall be inspected yearly and the speed governors of electric winding engines half-yearly by a qualified person ; the speed governors of steam winding engines shall be tested half-yearly by a specially qualified person. The result of the tests shall be entered in the man-winding register. Trial Winds. 47. (1) Before the beginning of every period of regular man-winding, and for every change in level when, the cage is changed over, trial winds both upwards and downwards shall be carried out between the points in the shaft between which regular man-winding is to be undertaken, and in each shaft compartment, with a full load of material and at least a t the usual speed for man-winding. (2) If the winding equipment is used only for man-winding, the cage shall be wound u p and down under a load corresponding to the maximum authorised load in man-winding. (3) Trial winds m a y be dispensed with when regular man-winding follows immediately upon the material winding. (4) During the raising and lowering, the devices for indicating the position of the cage in the shaft shall be tested." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) 17 252 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN MAN-WINDING I N STAPLES Man-winding in staples in the Dortmund Division is governed by regulations of 1 October 1949 modelled on those of 21 July 1927/23 December 1936 relating to man-winding in main shafts. The two sets of regulations are similar but those for staples are much simpler and provisions concerning the winch replace those concerning the winding engine. The provisions concerning the winch are as follows : "Depth Indicator, Warning Signal, Speed Indicator, Safety Device and Disengaging Device. 9. (1) The winch shall be equipped with a reliable depth indicator and a loud acoustic warning signal appliance. The warning signal shall be clearly audible at the winch-driver's stand and actuated either by the depth indicator or by the ascending cage or counterweight when the ascending cage or counterweight is 5 m from the top landing. (2) I n the case of winches in large staples the depth indicator shall be driven directly from the winch shaft by bevel wheels or chains. I n other staples cord depth indicators shall be permitted provided that the warning signal appliance is directly actuated by the ascending cage or by the counterweight. (3) I n the case of a drum or spool machine, when there are frequent or regular changes of winding levels, a depth indicator spindle shall be driven from every hub. (4) Winches in large staples shall be equipped with a reliable speed indicator. (5) Compressed-air-driven staple winches shall be equipped with selfclosing valves. (6) Electrically driven winches without a speed governor shall be provided with the following safety devices : (a) a safety device (centrifugal governor) which applies the safety brake when a specified maximum speed is exceeded ; (b) a limit switch in the staple which, when actuated, applies the safety brake ; and (c) a device which applies the safety brake when the power fails. Application of the brake shall cut off power from the motor on all poles. Restoration of the supply of current to the motor shall only be possible when the controller is a t zero. 10. (1) Pinions which engage in the teeth of the appliance on which the rope is wound shall be made of steel. (2) Disengaging devices between the rope drum or the traction sheave and the drive shall be capable of being reliably blocked. (3) Winches with remote control shall be prohibited. Brakes. 11. (1) Winches shall be provided with a reliable brake (operating brake) that is automatically applied. If this acts on a brake disc of the transmission shaft, a second brake (safety brake) shall be provided on the rope drum or traction sheave. (2) The brakes shall be shoe-brakes. (3) For brake linings only fireproof material shall be used. (4) Electrically driven winches shall be equipped with two brakes, which may have common driving shafts and shoes. 12. (1) Each of the brakes shall be capable of holding the greatest difference of weight in man-winding between one winding side and the other with a static safety factor of a t least two, and in large staples a static 4. WINDINa ENGINES 253 safety factor of at least three. Further, the greatest difference in weight in material winding shall in any case be held with a safety factor of oneand-a-half. (2) I n the case of winches in large staples the operating brake, if actuated by compressed air, shall be provided with a brake-pressure regulator. I n this case the brake pressure shall be constantly indicated on a pressure gauge. (3) I n the case of compressed-air-driven brakes, one brake shall be applied automatically when the pressure of compressed air falls below the permissible minimum. Pressure Gauge and Ammeter. 13. (1) On compressed-air-driven winches there shall be a reliable pressure gauge easily visible from the winch-driver's stand. On the pressure gauge the minimum pressure of compressed air at which winding may be carried on shall be indicated by a red mark. (2) On electrically driven winches there shall be a reliable ammeter easily visible from the winch-driver's stand. On it the rated current of the motor shall be indicated by a red mark." NETHERLANDS " 1 1 . (] ) The winding engine shall be provided with an operating brake and an emergency brake. Each of these brakes shall be capable, at all times, of holding the heaviest effective load occurring in man-winding with a static safety factor of a t least three ; the brake mechanism shall be so loaded t h a t the power safety factor is at least five. (2) For speeds above 5 m/sec. in man-winding—• (a) the operating brake shall be capable of regulation by the brake handle ; electric winding engines with Leonard couplings shall be exempted from this provision ; (b) the emergency brake, failing exemption granted by the InspectorGeneral of Mines, shall be so constructed that when the brake-blocks are applied, the momentum of the brake weight is, as far as possible, absorbed ; (c) the winding engine, failing exemption granted by the InspectorGeneral of Mines, shall be provided with a reliable device which automatically regulates the speed during the whole wind, both in material winding and man-winding. (3) The winding-engineman shall always be able to apply and release the brakes easily without leaving his stand. (4) On the winding engine there shall be a bell t h a t rings when the engine has only two revolutions to make before the cage reaches the bank. (5) In the engine-room there shall be a device that a t all times indicates the exact position of the cages in the shaft. (6) The winding engine shall he equipped with an efficient tachograph. (7) The winding engine shall be provided with a reliable device t h a t applies the emergency brake when the cage rises too high. 12. The diameter of Koepe pulleys and rope drums shall not be less than 80 times the diameter of the rope. 41. The following shall be examined daily : the hubs of the rope drums and Koepe pulleys and the means of fastening them to the shafts ; ( b) the brake mechanism ; (c) the various safety devices. (a) 254 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 42. Before the winding of a shift begins, the engineman shall test the brake of t h e winding engine. 43. Before the winding of a shift begins, the cage, loaded with a weight at least equal to the total weight of the persons to be wound, shall be wound u p and down between the places in the shaft between which persons are to be wound ; in this connection the accuracy of the readings of the depth indicators on the winding engine shall be verified and if necessary these appliances shall be put into good order." (IGR 24) " Transport of Persons in Staple Pits 7. Disconnecting devices between the drum or Koepe pulley and the driving mechanism shall be capable of being locked safely. 8. (1) The hoisting machine shall be provided with— a self-acting operating brake in the form of a weighted brake ; whenever this acts on the shaft or on a shaft of the transmission mechanism, then on the rope drum or on the Koepe pulley there shall be a second brake t h a t acts as an emergency brake ; (b) a reliable depth indicator acting on the shaft of the drum or of the Koepe pulley and a loud bell which shall be in the immediate vicinity of the machine operator and shall ring whenever the distance from the cage or the counterweight to the top landing is 5 m. The bell shall be actuated by the depth indicator, the cage or the counterweight. (2) Every brake shall be capable of holding the heaviest effective load occurring in man-winding, with a static safety factor of at least two. (3) I t shall always be possible for the machine operator, without leaving his stand, t o apply and release the brakes easily and, if appropriate, to put them into the operating position and verify their condition. (4) The brakes shall be constructed as block brakes. I n special cases exemption m a y be granted from this provision and the brakes or one of the brakes constructed as a band brake. (5) A tachometer may be required in special cases. (6) If there is no tachometer, in special cases an acoustic signal may be required t h a t enables the machine operator to verify the speed of the machine. (a) 9. If compressed-air winches are used there shall also be provided— a self-closing valve for the compressed-air piping ; a device on the winch whereby the person inspecting the winch can shut off the compressed air ; (c) when the winch is remote-controlled, an air shut-off in the compressed-air piping in the vicinity of the machine operator's stand. 10. (1) With compressed-air winches, in the vicinity of the machine operator a reliable pressure gauge shall be installed at a conspicuous place. (2) On the pressure gauge the permissible minimum pressure of the compressed air shall be indicated by a red strip. 11. In certain cases it may be required that special measures shall be taken against overwinding the cage." (a) (b) (IGR 28) SOUTH AFRICA "14. Windlasses, whims, whips and the like in use in or about a mine shall be provided with a stopper, pawl, or some other reliable holder, and care must b e taken t h a t the hooking on and off of buckets, kibbles, or other receptacles is done without danger to the workmen. 4. WINDING ENGINES 255 15. Where winding is effected by means of an engine, an adequate brake shall be provided for every drum and kept in proper working order and— (1) The drum and levers shall be such that— (a) the drum at the driver's right hand shall have overlay rope ; (b) the reversing lever shall follow overlay rope in direction of movement ; (c) the brake lever shall be pulled towards driver in order to apply the brake ; (d) the relief-valve and throttle-valve levers shall be in a central position. This subsection shall apply to all new engines erected after 1 October 1930, and to such existing engines as the Inspector of Mines may direct. (2) The operating gear of the clutch of the drum shall be provided with locking gear, which shall be used to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the clutch. (3) Such bolts and other fittings of drums, brakes and clutches as might be a source of danger in the event of their becoming loosened, shall be rendered secure by means of suitable locking devices. (4) The driver of a winding engine shall not unclutch a drum of his engine until he has assured himself immediately beforehand by testing the brake of the drum against the full power of the engine that the brake is in proper condition to hold the load suspended from the said drum. (5) (a) When the drum is unclutched the brake shall only be used for the purpose of maintaining such drum stationary. Lowering from an unclutched drum is not allowed. (b) Every winding plant used for the lowering or raising of persons shall have a suitable interlocking device fitted, so t h a t it is impossible to unclutch any drum unless the brakes of such drum are on, and t h a t it is impossible to release the brakes until the clutch is fully engaged and securely locked. (6) When a winding engine is fitted with a friction clutch the enginedriver shall, when clutching in, test the holding power of the clutch before releasing the brake of the corresponding drum, the brake of the other drum being kept off. I n the case of a steam or air hoist the test shall be made against the full power of the engine and in the case of an electric hoist against the normal starting current. (7) The Inspector of Mines shall, after consultation with the manager, have the power to order specific or periodic tests or inspections by the Inspector of Machinery of all hoists permitted regularly to convey persons. 34. (1) The winding engine shall be such that— When running at various speeds with light and heavy loads it can be readily slowed and stopped, and after stopping can be immediately started again in either direction by the engine-driver. ( b) I t can lift from bottom to top of shaft or winze the maximum unbalanced load on one drum. This provision shall not apply in cases where other means exist enabling persons employed below to reach the top of such shaft or winze. (c) Each winding drum when unclutched from the engine can be maintained in a position of rest by means of its own brake or brakes, with no more slipping than 1 ft., when the conveyance is loaded to the maximum permitted weight of mineral, or to double the permitted weight of persons, whichever is the greater. In estimating the total weight of persons for the purposes of this regulation and of regulations Nos. 34 (8) * and 37 ( 1 1 ) \ 150 lb. shall be allotted for each person. (a) 1 See Division 7, Part A ol this chapter. 258 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN (d) Where no p a r t of the rope is rigidly fixed to the drum there shall be no dangerous slipping of the rope on the drum under any possible working conditions. (2) There shall be on the drum of the winding engine such flanges or horns and also, if the drum is conical or spiral, such other appliances as may be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping off or coiling unevenly. (3) I n the case of winding engines other than those of the sheave type there shall be n o t less than three rounds of rope upon the drum when the cage, skip or other means of conveyance is a t the lowest point of the shaft or winze from which hoisting is effected. The end of t h e rope shall, where applicable, be properly fastened round an arm or the shaft of the drum. (4) Every winding engine shall, in addition to any marks on the rope, be provided with reliable depth indicators conveniently situated, which will clearly and accurately show to the engine-driver at his driving seat at all times— (a) the position of the cage, skip, or other means of conveyance ; and ( b) a t what places in the shaft changes of gradient necessitate reduction in speed. On any new engine, erected after 1 October 1930, the pointer of the dial indicator on t h e driver's right hand shall move in a clockwise direction when lowering and in the case of a post and spiral indicator the pointer shall move u p or down as the conveyance moves up or down. In the case of Whiting hoists, single-drum hoists and hoists having two drums permanently fixed on one shaft, only one indicator need be provided. (5) I n every shaft exceeding 300 ft. in depth adequate provision shall be made whereby the engine-driver is warned of the arrival of the cage, skip or other means of conveyance a t a point in the shaft, the distance of which from the top landing place is not less than the equivalent of three revolutions of t h e drum or sheave of the winding engine. (6) (a) The overwinding prevention devices shall be examined daily and, where practicable, tested periodically and a record shall be kept of these examinations and tests in the machinery record book by the person deputed under regulation No. 37 (l). 1 In all vertical shafts there shall be fitted detaching hooks and spring keps or jack catches or other effective contrivance to support a detached conveyance. (b) To all winding engines with a permitted speed of over 1,000 ft./min., there shall be fitted and used a recording tachograph and a speed indicator, which shall be maintained in good working order." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "79. I n every mine which is not a small mine a the apparatus for raising and lowering persons to or from the surface, hereinafter called the winding apparatus, in a n y shaft which is more than 150 ft. in depth, shall be worked b y mechanical power. 80. Winding apparatus worked by mechanical power— (a) shall be so designed, constructed and maintained that, with the power provided, the raising and lowering of persons can be carried out with ease, regularity and safety ; (b) if installed after the date on which these regulations come into force, shall have the drum shafts, if 10 in. or more in diameter, bored longitudinally at the centre ; 1 See Division 2 of this chapter. : "Small mine" means a mine in which the total number of persons employed below ground does not exceed 30. Coal Mines Act, 1911, section 122. 4. WINDING ENGINES 257 (c) shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation so as to prevent any material movement of the apparatus as a whole. 81. Where winding apparatus is worked by other than mechanical power it shall be efficiently constructed and maintained and provided with a locking device or brake sufficient in itself to hold the load in the shaft a t any point." (R 10.7.1913) " 1 . Where the apparatus ordinarily used for raising or lowering persons to or from the surface is worked by mechanical power it shall, if the shaft is vertical, be provided with detaching gear for each cage ; and if the maximum speed of winding can exceed 12 ft./sec. shall also be provided with an effective automatic contrivance to prevent overwinding, hereinafter called the automatic contrivance. The automatic contrivance shall a t all times when persons are being raised or lowered prevent the descending cage from being landed a t the pit bottom or other permanent landing at a speed exceeding 5 ft./sec. and shall also control the movement of the ascending cage in such manner as to prevent danger to persons riding therein. The requirements of this subsection shall not apply to any mine which is exempted by the Minister on the ground of special circumstances. 1 2. Unless the automatic contrivance is in full and fixed engagement with the winding-engine it shall be fully engaged either automatically or by the winding-engineman whenever persons are to be raised or lowered, and a proper automatic indicator to show that this has been done shall be provided in such a position as to be easily seen by the banksman ; and no person shall be allowed to enter either cage until the indioator shows that the automatic contrivance has been fully engaged. 3. Where the apparatus used for raising or lowering persons is worked by mechanical power, there shall be provided— (a) one or more brakes on the drum shaft which, if there are two cages, will hold the cages when the maximum torque is applied in either direction when the loads are balanced or, if there is only one cage, will hold the loaded cage in mid shaft when the maximum torque is applied downwards ; and (bJ a proper indicator (in addition to a mark on the rope or drum) showing to the winding-engineman on a dial or in some sufficient manner the position of the cage in the shaft, and placed in such a position as to be easily seen by him at the same time as the mark on the rope or drum. 1 4. Tests of the automatic contrivance and the brakes shall be made, by a competent person appointed in writing by the manager, in the following manner : (a) once a t least in every week by raising the cage or the cages i n turn to pass the last control point above the surface landing ; (b) once at least in every three months by attempting to land the descending cage at excessive speed. For the purpose of this test t h e setting of the automatic contrivance may be altered so that a predetermined point in the shaft is regarded as the landing. 15. There shall be recorded in a book kept a t the mine dated reports and other information relating to the measures taken to comply with— (a) numbers 4 and 5 2 of these Regulations, and every such record shall be preserved for a period of 12 months after the report or other information was recorded ; »» (R 2.3.1937) 1 This section is a provision oi the Coal Mines A.ct, 1911, as amended by the regulations of 2 March 1937. • See Division 1 of this chapter. 258 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN UNITED STATES federal "38 (b) The drums or cable reels of hoists shall be provided with flanges t h a t extend a t least 2 in. radially beyond the last layer of rope or cable when fully coiled on the drum or reel. (a) All hoists shall have sufficient power to hoist the loaded unbalanced cage or skip and shall be equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold the fully loaded unbalanced cage or skip at any point in the shaft or slope. 40. In shafts and slopes where men are hoisted or lowered, there shall be at least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the surface landings at which men enter or leave the cages or cars ; and a t mines in which more than 50 men are employed underground on any shift, overwinding and overspeeding preventers or equivalent devices, approved by the district mining supervisor, shall be connected with the hoists and so maintained as to prevent the cages from being overwound or from falling if overwound a n d to prevent overspeeding, considering the character of the hoisting equipment and t h e depth of hoisting. 46. (a) The hoist shall be operated only when properly provided with brakes and indicators . . . . " (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. Transportation 1. Hoisting (b) (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.) Every hoist used to transport persons at a mine, other than hoists used in excavating shafts or slopes, shall be equipped with overspeed, overwind, and automatic stop controls unless a second engineer is on duty. Every hoist used to transport such persons shall be equipped with brakes capable of stopping the platform, cage, or other device for transporting persons when fully loaded ; and with hoisting cable adequately strong to sustain the fully loaded platform, cage, or other device for transporting persons, and have a proper margin of safety. (d) An accurate and reliable indicator, showing the position of the cage or trip, shall be placed so as to be in clear view of the engineer, unless the position of the cage or trip is clearly visible to the engineer a t all times. (e) The rope shall have a t least three full turns on the drum when extended to its maximum working length and shall make a t least one full turn on the drum shaft or around the spoke of the drum, in case of a free drum, and be fastened securely by means of clamps. (f) The hoisting rope shall be fastened to its load by a spelter-filled socket or by a thimble and adequate number of clamps properly spaced and installed." (FMC 1953) Illinois "10 (d) I n connection with every hoisting engine used for hoisting or lowering of men there shall be provided as follows : (1) A good and sufficient brake on the drum, so adjusted t h a t it may be operated by the engineer without leaving his post at the levers. 5 . CAGES 259 (2) Flanges attached to the sides of the drum, with a distance when the whole rope is wound on the drum of not less than 4 in. between the outer layer of rope and the greatest diameter of the flange. (3) One end of each hoisting rope shall be well secured on the drum, and at least three laps of the same shall remain on the drum when the cage is at rest at the lowest caging place in the shaft. The lower end of each rope shall be securely fastened to the cage, by suitable sockets and chains. (4) An index dial or indicator that plainly shows the engineer at all times the true position of the cages in the shaft." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "1201. In shafts and inclines where men are hoisted or lowered, there shall be a t least 20 ft. of hoistway clearance above the landings at which men enter or leave the cages, skips or ears ; and at mines in which over 100 men are employed underground on any shift there shall also be approved overwinding and overspeeding devices connected with the hoist, or equivalent approved devices shall be installed and maintained to prevent the cage from being overwound or from falling if overwound, and from overspeeding considering the character of the hoisting equipment and depth of hoisting. 1203. All hoists shall be equipped with brakes able to stop and to hold the fully loaded unbalanced cage or skip at any point in the shaft or incline. Each hoist shall have ample power to hoist a fully loaded unbalanced cage or skip. 1207. The hoisting rope shall be firmly clamped to the drum or reel, and at least two turns of the rope shall remain on the drum or reel, when the cage or skip attached to the rope rests at the bottom of the shaft or incline." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "1 • . The ropes shall be securely attached to the sides of the drum of every machine that is used for lowering and hoisting persons or material into and out of the mine, and the flanges shall have a clearance of not less than 4 in. when the whole of the rope is wound on the drum, and adequate brakes shall be attached to the drum so t h a t the speed thereof can be controlled when men are being lowered or hoisted. An efficient indicator t h a t shall show the position of the cages in the shaft shall be attached to the hoisting apparatus, and an efficient safety device t h a t will prevent overwinding shall be attached to every engine used for lowering and hoisting persons." (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) 5. CAGES BELGIUM " 2 1 . The cages used for the ordinary travel of workers shall be so arranged as to prevent the fall of persons and to safeguard them from being struck by outside objects, whether fixed or moving, or stones or other objects t h a t might become detached from the walls of the shafts or fall from the surface. The devices adopted to satisfy these requirements shall be notified to the Mines Administration, which if necessary shall order additional measures. 260 X . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN In addition, t h e cages shall be so arranged as to facilitate the enforcement of section 38. 1 If the workers ride in trucks, the cage shall be equipped with a tip-up bar or any other enclosure offering the same security which the worker can safely operate from inside the truck. To allow section 38 to be applied in this case, the workers shall only ride on every second deck of the cage and the empty deck shall either have no floor or have a mobile floor. This, however, shall not be required when the height of the decks is sufficient to allow the workers to get out. If buckets are used for conveying workers, the workers shall be fastened by safety belts and protected by a cover. This last requirement shall also be complied with when the workers are conveyed in tubs, whether guided or not." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta "83 (4) Every cage shall be provided with catches or other suitable device to prevent the cars falling out and, if used for raising or lowering persons, shall be covered in completely at the top and closed a t the sides in a sufficient manner to prevent persons or things from projecting beyond the sides and shall be provided with suitable gates, bars or chains and with suitable handhold rods or rails so they can be easily reached by all persons in the cage. (5) Every cage shall be equipped with safety catches or safety dogs to prevent the cage from falling down the shaft in the event of the rope breaking, provided, however, that this shall not apply to any shaft in which steel-wire-rope guides are used." (A 1945) FRANCE "67. (1) The cages and platforms of skips used for the ordinary travel of personnel shall be so constructed as to prevent personnel from falling into the shaft and to protect them against the fall of outside objects. They shall be equipped with supporting or suspension bars. They shall be so arranged t h a t if they are accidentally blocked a t any point in their travel the workers can be withdrawn. (2) Skips and cages with rigid guides used for the ordinary travel of personnel shall be equipped with safety catches ; this gear may be blocked during the raising of mineral or the winding of stowage material or of equipment." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS "48. (1) Cages and carriages shall have a floor that feet cannot slip through. (2) Tubs shall be blocked in the cage or carriage. If special devices are installed it shall be possible to operate them safely. (3) Cages shall have a strong protective roof. (4) I n staples and carriage inclines there shall be devices with which the cage or carriage can be blocked at the landings." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 1 See Division 9 of this chapter. 261 5. CAGES MAN-WINDING "Installation of Man-winding Plant Cages. 32. The various parts of the cage shall possess a safety factor of a t least seven in relation to the maximum static load in material winding. 33. (1) The cage shall be provided with a strong protective roof; on each deck, if the height of the deck exceeds 1.60 m, bars or chains shall be provided for the passengers to hold on to. (2) The cage shall be provided with gates and on the other sides be enclosed by means of strong sheet iron. (3) The gates shall not open outwards and they shall be so built into the cage that they are not thrown open by heavy jolting of the cage. Bolts shall be suitably secured. (4) Gate locks shall be so arranged t h a t they are secure against inadvertent opening. 34. For a clear deck height of 1.75 m and more the standing room for each person shall be 0.18 m a ; for lower deck heights standing room shall be increased. 35. (1) For every man-winding plant there shall be two reserve cages for Koepe winding and one for drum winding. (2) For shafts containing two or more man-winding plants with cages of the same type, two reserve cages shall suffice for Koepe winding and one for drum winding ; this shall also apply to shafts in the same vicinity t h a t are connected together underground. Safety Gear. 36. (1) On every cage used for man-winding safety gear shall be installed ; the gear shall be in the on position during man-winding. (2) If the gear is in the off position during material winding this shall be clearly indicated on the cage. Testing of Man-winding Plant Cages. 52. (1) The cages shall be tested daily. (2) Every six weeks they shall be tested by a supervisory official with engineering qualifications. The test shall be carried out in a good light and shall include wear and tear, and in particular the loosening of rivets and the condition of welds, locks, doors, etc., and also any fissures in the bracing of the head frame and the supporting floor. The result of the test shall be entered in the man-winding register. Safety Gear. 53. (1) The safety gear shall be tested daily. (2) The mobility of the safety gear shall be tested weekly by bringing it into action with the cage at rest. (3) Every six weeks the safety gear shall be tested in a good light by a supervisory official with engineering qualifications. The result of the test shall be entered in the man-winding register. (4) The springs of the safety gear shall be taken out annually and tested." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) 262 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AN» MEN NETHERLANDS "28. (1) All parts of the cage shall have a breaking strength of at least seven times the maximum static load. (2) Cages shall be provided with a strong roof, and the sides that are not open shall consist of strong solid or perforated sheet iron. (3) The cage roof shall be horizontal and provided with a raised rim not less than 6 cm high. (4) On every cage deck that exceeds 1.60 m in height and 1 m in width there shall be a bar providing a handhold for the persons travelling. (5) The cage shall be closed by means of doors or gates that do not open outwards, and shall be so installed t h a t in case of need the closed decks can be emptied "without help from outside. (6) There shall be an adequate number of reserve cages. 29. Every cage shall be provided with a safety catch that has a braking action. 53. The cages shall be examined daily. 54. (1) At least once in every four weeks the cages shall undergo a special examination during which special care shall be taken to see whether the rivets are loose, the butt straps are in a proper condition, the gates or doors are free from risk and there are signs of wear in the various parts. (2) The examination referred to in the preceding subsection shall be carried out by the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose. 55. (1) The safety catches shall be examined daily. (2) At least once in every four weeks the safety catches shall undergo a special examination. With the cage at rest, and the rope slack, the whole mechanism of t h e safety catches shall be brought into the gripping position. The examination shall be carried out by the supervisory staff specially appointed for the purpose. (3) At least once in every year the springs of the safety catches shall be removed and undergo a careful examination and be tested ; only when their efficiency is demonstrated shall they be taken into use again. The results of the tests shall be entered in the shaft register and signed." (IGR 24) SOUTH AFRICA "34 (10) (a) No cage, skip of other means of conveyance shall be used for the raising or lowering of persons in vertical or steeply inclined shafts except for the persons engaged in sinking operations, repairs, or examination of shaft, unless it is provided with a proper roof or cover on the end nearest the surface and where applicable with safety catches approved by the Government Mining Engineer. (b) No cage shall be used for the raising or lowering of persons unless it is so constructed as to prevent any portion of the body of any person riding therein from accidentally coming into contact with the timbering or sides of the shaft. Doors shall be so fitted that they cannot be accidentally opened." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal " 4 1 . (a) Cages for hoisting men shall have bonnets extending over the space on which the men stand, metal sides extending not less than 5 ft. 5. CAGES 263 above the floor of the cage or of each deck of a multiple-deck cage, and gates or doors at least 4 ft. high closing the entrances to the cage on each deck. Bach deck of a cage used for hoisting men shall have overhead or side bars so arranged that every man on the cage may have an easy and secure handhold. Self-dumping cages shall be so designed that the platform cannot overturn in the shaft. (b) Cages used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with safety catches capable of bringing the fully loaded cage to a stop within a distance of 10 ft. in any part of the shaft or headframe should the cable or cable connection break." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VII. Transportation 1. Hoisting (b) (Section 209 (h) (7)—Title II.) Cages or platforms which are used to transport persons in vertical shafts, except cages or platforms which are also used to transport coal, shall be equipped with safety catches that act quickly and effectively in an emergency, and the safety catches shall be tested at least once every two months. 2. Gages, shafts, slopes, and surface inclines. (a) Cages used for hoisting men shall be of substantial construction ; with adequate steel bonnets ; with enclosed sides ; with gates, safety chains, or bars across the ends of the cage when men are being hoisted or lowered ; and with sufficient handholds or chains for all men on the cage to maintain their balance. A locking device to prevent tilting of the cage shall be used on all self-dumping cages when men are transported thereon. (b) The floor of the cage shall be constructed so that it will be adequate to carry the load and so that it will be impossible for a workman's foot or body to enter any opening in the bottom of the cage. (c) The speed of the cage, car, or trip in shafts, slopes, or on surface inclines shall not exceed 1,000 ft./min. when men are being hoisted or lowered." (FMC 1953) Illinois "10 (c) Every shaft in which men are hoisted and lowered must be equipped with a cage, or cages, fitted to guide-rails running from the top to the bottom. Said cages must be safely constructed ; they must be furnished with sheet-metal covers adequate to protect persons riding thereon from falling objects ; they must be equipped with safety catches. Every cage on which persons are carried must be fitted with iron bars or rings in proper place and sufficient number to furnish a secure handhold for every person permitted to ride thereon." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "1202. Cages when used for hoisting men shall have strongly constructed bonnets extending over the space on which the men stand and shall have approved steel or sheet-iron or wire-mesh sides extending not less than 5 ft. above the floor of the cage or floor of each deck of a multiple-deck cage. When men are being hoisted or lowered at the end or beginning of shifts, cages shall have gates or doors closing the entrance to each deck. Each deck of each cage used for hoisting men shall have an easy and secure overhead handhold for every man on the cage. 264 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 1204. Cages used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with approved safety catches, capable of bringing to a stop the fully loaded cage or skip in any part of the shaft or headframe in case the rope or rope connection should break." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "1 The operator or the superintendent shall provide every cage used for lowering or hoisting persons with handrails at sides or overhead, or additional suitable devices, and with bar or gate a t ends, and with a sufficient covering overhead to protect persons thereon, and shall also provide for each said cage efficient safety catches, which shall be tested once every two months, and a record of each test shall be sent to the inspector and t o the superintendent, and also recorded with ink in a book kept at the mine office for that purpose." (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) 6. SUSPENSION G E A R BELGIUM " 2 3 . Chains and other parts of the cage suspension gear shall be in high-grade metal and be strong enough to bear at least ten times the maximum winding load." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta " 8 7 . No single link chain shall be used for raising or lowering persons in any working shaft or place save and except the short coupling chain attached to t h e cage or load and then safety chains or ropes shall be used Of sufficient strength to take the load in case of failure of the coupling chain, and all cage chains shall be annealed once at least in every six months. The dates of annealings of the chains shall be recorded in a book to be kept for the purpose." (A 1945) FRANCE "118. (1) The suspension gear of the cages shall comply with the following requirements : (a) the type of the attachment shall be such t h a t its assemblage with the rope withstands a stress as nearly equal as possible to the breaking stress of the new rope and at least equal t o 75 per cent, of this stress ; (b) the operations of fitting the attachment shall be specified in instructions and carried out by an employee appointed for this purpose ; (c) attachments that include bolts or articulated pieces shall be thoroughly cleaned and inspected on the occasion of every renewal of the gear or a t intervals not exceeding six months ; (d) the carrying out of the requirements in ( b) and (c) above shall be recorded in the rope register ; (e) the operator shall always keep in reserve one attachment, and two for Koepe ropes. (2) All t h e parts of the suspension gear shall be so made t h a t the whole withstands a load a t least equal to eight times the maximum static load to which it will be subjected in use. 6. SUSPENSION GEAR 265 The gear shall be tested before being taken into use, and after every heat treatment, under a load equal to at least three times the maximum static load ; a record of the test shall be kept at the disposal of the district inspector of mines. The gear shall not be taken or retaken into service if the test results in any permanent deformation or any defect. (3) No attachment or piece of suspension gear shall be used more than ten years unless an exemption is granted by the local inspection authority." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "37. (1) The connecting pieces shall possess a safety factor of at least ten in relation to the maximum static load in material winding, t h a t is, unless larger safety factors are fixed for various parts of the suspension gear at the time of authorisation. (2) The material used in the connecting pieces shall form the subject of a works certificate, and a certificate shall also be furnished as to the test load of the whole suspension gear. 38. (1) For every man-winding plant there shall be two reserve sets of suspension gear for Koepe winding and one for drum winding. (2) For shafts in which there are two or more man-winding plants with suspension gear of the same type, two reserve sets of suspension gear shall suffice for Koepe winding and one for drum winding ; this shall also apply to shafts in the same vicinity that are connected together underground. 39. (1) If king bolts are used, and the load is under 10 tons, emergency suspension pieces (Notgehänge) shall be available. (2) The emergency suspension pieces shall possess a safety factor of at least 15. 40. For the safety of the connecting pieces between the tail rope and the cage section 37 (1) shall apply mutatis mutandis. 54. (1) The suspension gear between the winding rope and the cage, including the attachment of the winding rope, shall be tested daily. (2) The suspension devices for the tail rope (section 40) shall be included in the weekly and six-weekly tests of the tail rope. (3) The suspension gear between the winding rope and the cage shall be completely taken to pieces once a year ; the separate parts shall be tested as to wear and tear, rust, cracks and deformation. Defective parts shall be changed. Bolts, link pieces, king bolts, cross-heads, chains, etc., shall be carefully annealed every two years. All parts of suspension gear shall be replaced after ten years' service. (4) The results of the annual tests specified in subsection (3) shall be entered in the man-winding register and notified in writing to the district inspector." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "30. (1) The connecting pieces between the winding rope and the cage shall have a breaking strength of a t least ten times the maximum load. (2) Whenever the cage is suspended from a king bolt, emergency chains or links with a safety factor of a t least ten shall be fitted. (3) The length of the emergency chains shall be such that if the king bolt breaks the shock when the cage is held is as slight as possible. (4) I n calculating the strength of welded chain lengths the breaking strength shall be taken as two-thirds of the breaking strength of the material. 266 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 31. (1) The gripping length of the clamps of the rope capéis on round ropes shall be a t least 1.7 times the diameter of the rope. (2) The edges shall be rounded off to a radius of a t least 5 mm. 32. (1) Before new suspension gear may be taken into use it shall be tested under three times the maximum load. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be furnished with a certificate in respect of t h e test referred to in subsection (1) and also in respect of the material used. 33. The maximum permissible working load shall be taken as the basis of all calculations relating to the winding installation. 56. (1) The connecting pieces between the rope and the cage and their attachment to the rope shall be examined daily. (2) The connecting pieces and other pieces with which the cage is attached to the rope, such as king bolts, rings, bolts and the like, shall at least once in every two years be replaced by new unused pieces unless their adequate safety can be demonstrated." (IGR 24) SOUTH AFRICA "16. The connection between the winding rope and the bucket, kibble or other means of conveyance shall be of such a nature that no accidental disconnection can take place. I n the case of cages and skips, the winding rope shall be connected thereto in such a manner as is approved of by the Inspector of Mines. In every case in which the Inspector of Mines so requires, safety chains or other similar appliances to be approved by him shall, in addition to any other mode of connection, be so provided as to come into operation in the event of the failure of the main connection. 17. (1) No rope, bar, link, chain, or other connection shall be used for winding purposes unless it is of good quality and manufacture and free from any patent defect and of adequate calculated strength. 37. (6) (d) A proper record shall be kept of the annealing of all chains, links, bars and bolts used in connecting the rope to the cage, skip or other means of conveyance. This record shall contain a personal report by the person appointed in terms of regulation No, 165 1 on t h e procedure and his comments on the results." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM " 5 . (1) Once a t least in every six months all cage chains and detaching hooks in general use shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment and shall be thoroughly examined by a competent person. Provided t h a t the Chief Inspector of Mines may, by certificate in writing, exempt from the foregoing requirement as to heat treatment chains or hooks made of any steel which does not require heat treatment. (2) All detaching hooks in general use shall be dismantled, cleaned and refitted once a t least in every three months. (3) All detaching plates and bells in general use shall be tested monthly by calipers or gauges." (R 2.3.1937) 1 See Chapter XXII, Division 2. 7. SOPES A. GEKEBAL 267 UNITED STATES Federal "Article VII. Transportation 1. Hoisting (g) Any rope attached to a cage, man-car, or trip used for hoisting or lowering men shall be provided with two bridle chains or cables connected securely to the rope at least 3 ft. above the socket or thimble and to the cross-piece of the cage or to the man-car or trip." (FMC 1953) Pennsylvania " 2 . The main coupling chain attached to the socket of the wire rope of every shaft shall be made of the best quality of iron and shall be tested, by weights or otherwise, to the satisfaction of the inspector ; the manner of testing and the result obtained to be entered in a book, with ink, with the day and the date of the inspection ; and bridle chains of the same quality of iron shall be attached to the main hoisting rope, 3 ft. above the socket, from the top cross-piece of the cage, so that no single chain shall be used for lowering or hoisting persons into or out of the mine." (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) 7. R O P E S A. GENERAL BELGIUM "22 The stress on the rope under the maximum winding load shall not exceed one-sixth of the breaking load in the case of textile ropes, and one-eighth in the case of wire ropes. By maximum winding load is meant the heaviest load contemplated by the mine management when ordering the rope. This load shall be notified to the Mines Administration and shall not be exceeded whatever the nature of the load in the cage. 24. The ratio between the minimum winding diameter of wire ropes and the diameter of the wires shall not be less than 750 in the case of fiat ropes and 1,000 in the case of round winding ropes. This ratio shall in no case be less than 500 for emergency engines, or for capstans used for conveying workers or for shaft sinking or shaft repairs. 45. Every breakage of a rope shall be immediately reported to the Mines Administration, and the Administration shall be furnished with any information that it considers desirable." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta "88. A competent person shall superintend the capping and recapping of hoisting ropes used for lowering or raiamg persons and see t h a t it is properly carried out, and such person shall be appointed b y the manager in writing, and the manager shall satisfy himself of the competency of the person so appointed. 18 268 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 89. (1) Regardless of how the lower rope end is fastened, the manager shall cause an examination to be made by the persons appointed under section 88 once in every succeeding three months of such hoisting rope or cable in use for hoisting men and materials, by cutting a section off the lower end of the rope, not less than 5 ft. in length, and having such section examined carefully both externally and internally for crystallisation, corrosion and breaks. (2) I n the case of cylindric-conical drums where other than white-metal caps are used, subsection (1) shall apply with the words 'three months' changed to 'six months', but the safety factor of the rope when new shall not be less than eight. 90. Where white metal is used in the capping of ropes, the untwisted wires shall be thoroughly cleaned and before the white metal is poured into the socket, the latter shall be heated or warmed. 91. I n case a n y rope used as a hoisting rope in any shaft or slope shows signs of excessive wear or weakness, it shall be immediately replaced by another rope and the hoisting or lowering of men by such rope shall forthwith be prohibited until this is done." (A 1945) "14. No hoisting rope which has been spliced shall be used for raising or lowering persons, and no riveted capping shall be so used." (R1945) FRANCE "110. (1) A wire rope used for winding shifts shall at no time work under a static load exceeding one-sixth of the breaking strength given by the tensile test on the whole rope or in default calculated from the tests on the wires. (2) A textile rope used for winding shifts shall at no time work under a static load exceeding one-fourth of the breaking strength given by the tensile tests. 113. The main ropes of Koepe systems shall not be subject to the provisions of sections 109 (2) S 110 and 112.1 They shall a t n o time work under a static load exceeding one-seventh of their strength when new. Failing an exemption granted by the district inspector of mines they shall not be used for winding shifts unless they have been not more than two years in use. 114. (1) Tail ropes shall be long enough not to prevent the ascending cage from rising t o the stop in the head gear. Measures shall b e taken to prevent the two legs from becoming entangled, and the loop from dipping into the water of the sump. (2) They shall be subject to the same requirements as main ropes of the Koepe system ; nevertheless, if they are used for winding shifts, the period of two years mentioned in section 113 shall be raised to four years including, if appropriate, their previous period of use as main ropes. 116. A rope shall be scrapped— (a) in the case of a wire rope, if the observations made on the wires in conformity with the requirements of sections 109, 111 and 112 indicate a rapid deterioration of their quality 2 ; (b) in the case of a textile rope, if its strength falls below 400 kg /cm2 of cross-section ; 1 See Part B of this division. •For section 111 see Chapter XVIII, Division 2. 7. KOPBS A. GENERAL 269 (c) if it is rendered suspect by its visible condition, and more especially in the case of a wire rope, by the number of wires broken or rusted or by the rapid increase in the number of broken wires. 117. A reserve rope satisfying the conditions required for man-winding shall always be kept ready for use." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY HAULAGE I N INCLINES AND SHAFTS "49. (1) Before being installed, haulage and counterweight ropes shall have a safety factor of at least six in relation to the maximum static load. (2) The connection between the haulage rope and the cage, etc., shall be so made that it cannot come undone by itself. (3) Ropes and rope connections shall be examined once a week." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) MAN-WINDING "Winding Ropes (Main Ropes) Nature of the Rope. 15. (1) The average tensile strength of all wires of the same nominal diameter shall in the case of bare wires not exceed2 180 kg/mm 2 and, in the case of galvanised wires, not exceed 170 kg/mm . I t shall in no case exceed 190 kg/mm 2 in the case of bare wires and 180 kg/mm 2 in the case of galvanised wires. (2) The tensile strength of the individual wires in the rope shall not exceed 200 kg/mm 2 in the case of bare wires or 190 kg/mm 2 in the case of galvanised wires. (3) The breaking strength of the individual wires shall not differ from the average for all wires of the same nominal diameter by more than ± 1 0 per cent. (4) In the to-and-fro bending test, round wires shall have withstood an adequate number of bends. (5) A works certificate shall be furnished for every winding rope ; it shall be inserted in the rope-test register. Rope Safety. 16. (1) Every winding rope shall at all times possess a safety factor of at least six in relation to the maximum static load in material winding, and a safety factor of a t least eight in relation to the maximum static load in man-winding. (2) In Koepe winding every winding rope shall, when installed, possess a safety factor of at least seven in relation to the maximum static load in material winding and a safety factor of at least nine-and-a-half in relation to the maximum static load in man-winding. (3) The load on the rope in man-winding shall not exceed 90 per cent. of the maximum load in material winding. Length of Working Life of Ropes. 22. (1) The working life of flat ropes shall be one year and of round Koepe ropes two years ; extension of these periods may be authorised by the Divisional Mining Office after testing in each ease. 270 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN (2) Applications for extension of working life shall be accompanied by the diagrams mentioned in section 49 (2).1 Turned and Spliced Hopes. 23. (1) The use of turned ropes shall only be allowed subject to the special authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. (2) The use of spliced ropes shall be prohibited. Reserve Ropes. 24. (1) For every man-winding plant a reserve rope utilisable for man-winding shall be kept available and protected against atmospheric and other damage. (2) For shafts with several man-winding plants using similar ropes, it shall be sufficient to have one reserve rope for the lowest man-winding level ; this shall also apply to shafts in the same vicinity, if they are connected underground. Tail Ropes 25. When tail ropes are used the free hang at the bottom of the shaft shall be such t h a t the upper cage can travel to the stops without being hindered by the tail rope. 26. (1) Along the course of the tail rope devices shall be fitted to prevent loops forming. (2) To avoid any pull on the tail rope, the wooden guides on the rope shall be easily displaceable. (3) The shaft sump shall be kept clear of water to an extent that will prevent the tail rope from running in water. 27. (1) When installed, the tail rope shall possess a safety factor of at least six in relation to its own weight. (2) The safety of new tail ropes shall be guaranteed by a works certificate ; the certificate shall be attached to the rope-test register. (3) For testing after installation section 2 1 J shall apply mutatis mutandis. 28. (1) Withdrawn winding ropes shall not be used as tail ropes except with the authorisation of the district inspector. (2) The safety of the rope shall be determined either from its breaking strength in a tensile test on the whole rope or from its carrying capacity. The result of the test shall be entered in the rope-test register and notified to the district inspector in writing within a week. (3) For testing after installation section 21 1 shall apply mutatis mutandis. 29. The working life of tail ropes shall be three years ; an extension of working life m a y be authorised subject to the approval of the district inspector. 30. Spliced a n d joined tail ropes (flat ropes) may continue in use if the splicing is properly done and if the district inspector gives his authorisation. 31. (1) For every man-winding plant with tail ropes, one reserve tail rope shall be kept available. (2) Section 24 (2) shall apply mutatis mutandis." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) 1 See Part B of this division. 7. ROPES A. GENERAL 271 NETHERLANDS "15. (1) Before any new winding rope is installed, a test-piece 3 m long shall be cut off, clearly marked and kept in a dry room protected against rust and damage so long as the rope is in use. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately notified of the date of installation of a new rope. 16. In the case of galvanised wires the average breaking strength of the wires of a winding rope shall not exceed 170 kg/mm 2 . 17. Every winding rope shall always have a breaking strength equivalent to at least six times the maximum static load ; if Koepe pulleys are used the breaking strength on installation shall be at least seven times the maximum static load. 18. The use of old or turned winding ropes shall be prohibited without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. The use of spliced winding ropes shall be prohibited. 19. A Koepe rope shall not remain in use for more than two years without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. 20. (1) For every winding installation there shall be a reserve rope which shall comply with the provisions of the present rules relating to ropes and shall be protected against wind and weather and every other harmful influence. (2) For shafts t h a t have more than one winding installation with ropes of the same kind, one reserve rope suitable for winding to the lowest level shall suffice ; the same shall apply to shafts which are close together and are connected together underground. 21. (1) A used rope shall only serve as a reserve rope if, before being withdrawn from service, it was inspected on behalf of the State Mines Inspectorate and found to be in good order. (2) The mine manager shall notify the Inspector-General of Mines in such good time of the withdrawal of a rope from service that it is possible to make the inspection referred to in subsection (1). 22. (1) Where ropes are much exposed to rust, the use of ropes that are not galvanised or made of other effectively rust-proof material shall be prohibited. (2) Steel ropes shall be protected against rust ; without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines, it shall be prohibited to continue the use for man-winding of a steel rope in which there is a defective place or which shows serious rusting. 23. The connection between the tail rope and the cage shall be so made that, in the case of unexpectedly heavy loading of the tail rope, neither the cage nor the winding rope can be damaged ; for this purpose a part of the connection may be made so much weaker that a breaking strength at least ten times the maximum static load is provided. 24. (1) The bend in the tail rope shall be at such depth t h a t the top cage can be wound to its highest possible position in the headframe without being held fast by the tail rope. (2) The tail rope shall not come into contact with the water a t the bottom of the shaft. 25. (1) Every tail rope shall always have a breaking strength of at least six times the maximum static load. (2) The breaking strength of each wire in the tail rope shall not vary by more than 20 per cent, from the average breaking strength of all wires of the same kind. 272 X. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN (3) The requirements laid down in section 17 shall apply to tail ropes. The results of the tests necessary to determine the data in question shall be communicated in writing to the Inspector-General of Mines and recorded in the rope register and signed. 26. The tail rope shall not remain in use for more than two years without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines. 27. (1) For every winding installation with a tail rope there shall be a reserve tail rope which complies with the provisions of the present rules relating to tail ropes and shall be protected against wind and weather and every other harmful influence. (2) For shafts t h a t have more than one winding installation with tail ropes of the same kind, one reserve tail rope suitable for winding to the lowest level shall suffice ; the same shall apply to shafts which are close together and are connected together underground." (IGR 24) SOUTH AFRICA "17. (1) N o rope, bar, link, chain, or other connection shall be used for winding purposes unless it is of good quality and manufacture and free from any p a t e n t defect and of adequate calculated strength. (2) Every rope used for winding purposes in shafts or winzes over 100 ft. in depth, measured on an incline or vertical as the case may be, shall be made of steel wire, and the gauge of the wires used in the construction of such rope shall be suited to the diameter of the sheaves and drums fitted. (3) At the request of the Inspector of Mines an adequate sample from the end of any 'winding rope shall be supplied to him. 34 (8) I n case a winding rope is used for the conveyance of persons or material and for the conveyance of mineral, the Inspector of Mines shall fix the maximum weight to be attached to the rope in any circumstances. In no ease shall such weight be exceeded. The total weight attached to the rope when persons or material are conveyed shall not exceed 0.85 of the weight attached to the rope when mineral is conveyed. 37 (7) (a) I n no case shall a spliced winding rope be used without t h e written permission of the Inspector of Mines. (b) I n no case shall a winding rope be used from which a weak or defective portion has been cut and the cut ends spliced. (8) No winding rope which has previously been in use in any place beyond the control of the manager shall be put on anew except with the permission of t h e Government Mining Engineer, obtained on application made in writing to the Inspector of Mines. (9) At least one spare winding rope suitable for each winding engine in use shall be kept in reserve on every mine, and shall be at all times ready for use, except when there are two engines for the same shaft or when an Inspector of Mines has in writing granted exemption from the requirements of this section. (11) Unless exemption has been obtained from the Government Mining Engineer, in consideration of the great depth of the shaft or the low winding speed, no winding rope shall be used for the raising and lowering of persons or material when the breaking load at any one point therein has become reduced to less than six times the combined weight of the rope (when the conveyance is a t its lowest working point), the conveyance and its attachments, and the total permitted weight of persons or material. 7. ROPES A. GENERAL 273 (12) When a new winding rope is put on the particulars thereof specified in regulation No. 34 (9) (a) and (9) (c) (i) 1 shall be forwarded in writing to the Inspector of Mines." SOUTH AFRICA "12. Where a place contains or is likely to contain a dangerous accumulation of water or noxious gases, any working approaching that place shall have boreholes kept in advance, and such additional precautionary measures shall be taken as may be deemed necessary to obviate the danger of a sudden breaking through of such water or gases, and such working place must not exceed 8 ft. in width. A certificated surveyor shall exercise supervision at every such working place and shall be responsible for the correct direction of such working, and for the breaking through of such water or gases without accident. I n the case of a mine for which there is no certificated mine surveyor, the manager shall have the powers and responsibilities and perform all the duties conferred or imposed on a certificated surveyor in this regulation." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM I t is the duty both of the owner and of the manager of every mine— (a) to take such steps as may be necessary for securing that he is at all material times in possession of all information which indicates the presence or absence in the vicinity of any workings carried on or proposed to be carried on, of— (i) any disused workings ; (ii) any rock or stratum containing, or likely to contain, water ; (iii) any peat, moss, sand, gravel, silt or other material t h a t is likely to flow when w e t ; and (b) to take such steps as may be necessary for the purpose of substantiating any such information (75). I t is the duty both of the owner and of the manager of every mine to take, with respect to any workings carried on or proposed to be carried on in the vicinity of the sea, a lake, river or any other body of surface PRECAUTIONS AGAESTST nSTETJSHES OF WATEB 407 water, such steps as may be necessary for ascertaining the total thickness of the strata lying between the workings and the surface water (76). I t is the duty of the mine manager to take, with respect to every working in the mine, such steps as may be necessary to prevent any inrush into the working of gas from disused workings or of water or material that flows when wet (77). Where an inspector is of opinion, with respect to a working in a mine, that there is a danger of the occurrence of an inrush of gas, water or material that flows when wet into the working, and that the danger is capable of being averted, he may— (a) require the manager to execute within a specified time limit specified works for the purpose of averting the danger ; (b) require that until such works have been executed only specified persons shall be permitted by the manager to be in the mine or in any specified part of the mine ; (c) require that operations for getting minerals in the working shall to such extent as may be specified be discontinued until such works have been executed, or shall not be continued otherwise than in accordance with such system of working as may be specified. Where an inspector is of opinion with respect to a working that there is a danger of the occurrence of an inrush of gas, water or material that flows when wet into the working, and t h a t the danger is not capable of being averted, he may— (a) require that the manager shall, within a specified time limit, execute specified works for the purpose of protecting the rest of the mine ; (b) require that until such -works have been executed only specified persons shall be permitted by the manager to be in the mine or in a specified part of the mine (78). (A 1954) " 1 . The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall from time to time cause all reasonable steps to be taken to ascertain from all available information and evidence whether there is any material below the surface which may so affect any workings being, or about to be, carried on a t t h a t mine as to cause danger to persons working therein and shall ensure that the facts so ascertained are in the possession of the manager. 2. (1) No working which is approaching and within 150 ft. of the surface shall be carried on in any mine unless the manager has sufficient information about the nature of the material between the working and the surface to determine whether it may cause danger to persons working in the mine : Provided that this paragraph shall not apply where there is another working or a disused working vertically above the working at a distance not less than 30 ft. or five times the thickness of the seam to be worked, whichever is the greater. (2) No working shall be carried on at any place in any mine if there is evidence that within 150 ft. thereof there may be any material which when wet is likely to flow, including peat, moss, sand, gravel and silt, unless the manager has sufficient information to determine the nature, position, thickness and extent thereof. (3) No working shall be carried on at any place in any mine if there is evidence that within 150 ft. thereof there may be any rock or stratum likely to contain water (whether dispersed or in natural cavities) unless the manager has sufficient information about the nature or position thereof to determine that it is not dangerous to persons working in the mine, or sufficient information about the nature, position, thickness and extent thereof to determine whether it may cause danger to such persons. 3. (1) No working which— (a) is approaching and within 150 ft. of the surface, or (b) is within 150 ft. of any material described in paragraph (2) of the last preceding regulation, or 408 XV. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INRUSHES OF WATER (o) is within 150 ft. of any material described in paragraph (3) thereof (other than material which by reason of its nature or position is not dangerous), shall exceed 10 ft. in width unless the conditions specified in the following paragraph are satisfied. (2) The aforesaid conditions are that— (a) notice of the proposed working has been sent by the owner, agent or manager to the inspector of the division ; and (b) either— (i) the inspector of the division has within one month notified the manager t h a t he has no objection to the proposed working or the proposed working subject to compliance with conditions for ensuring the safety of persons working in the mine, or (ii) it has been determined in manner provided by the Act for settling disputes t h a t the proposed working, or the proposed working subject to compliance with conditions for ensuring the safety of persons working in the mine, would not be dangerous to such persons ; and (e) where any such conditions for ensuring safety are imposed, they are complied with. 4. No work other than work necessary for the preservation of the mine or for the sinking of shafts or the driving of drifts from the surface shall be carried out in any mine within 60 ft., or (if greater) ten times the maximum height of the working or proposed working, of— (a) any material described in paragraph (2) of regulation 2, or (b) any material described in paragraph (3) thereof (other than material which by reason of its nature or position is not dangerous), except in accordance with special regulations for the mine." (R 20.10.1952) UTOTED STATES Federal " 20. When mining operations approach wells or boreholes that may liberate oil, gas, water, or other fluid substances, the lessee shall present his plans for mining the coal in proximity to such holes to the mining supervisor and obtain his approval before proceeding with the work planned. The plana shall provide that the coal be extracted as completely as practicable with safety and in such manner t h a t the well will not be damaged, and that precautions be taken against the sudden liberation of a body of oil, gas, water, or other fluid. The mine ventilation shall be so arranged that any gaseous substance liberated shall enter the return air current and not be circulated through the active workings of the mine. In approaching such holes the instructions in section 66 shall be followed. 66. I n any working place within 100 ft. of supposedly dangerous proximity to an abandoned mine or an abandoned section of a mine not known t o be free of dangerous quantities of flammable or noxious gases or water, a t least two drill holes shall be maintained not less than 20 ft. in advance of the face. Such working place shall not be more than 10 ft. wide. On each side thereof drill holes not more than 8 ft. apart shall be drilled to a depth of 20 ft. a t an angle of 45° with the line of the place. In addition t o said drill holes, brattice shall be carried within 12 ft. of the face at all times. Gas from a n abandoned mine or any abandoned part of a mine may be tapped only when all employees not engaged at such work are out of the mine, and such tapping shall be done under the immediate instructions and directions of the mine foreman by workmen equipped with permissible safety lamps." (R 23.12.1937) PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INRUSHES OF WATER "Article XI. 409 Miscellaneous 3. Approaching abandoned workings, (a) (Section 209 (h) (2)—Title I I . ) Whenever any working place in an underground mine approaches within 50 ft. of abandoned workings in such mine as shown by surveys made and certified by a competent engineer or surveyor, or within 200 ft. of any other abandoned workings of such mine, which cannot be inspected and which may contain dangerous accumulations of water or gas, or within 200 ft. of any workings of an adjacent mine, a borehole or boreholes shall be drilled to a distance of at least 20 ft. in advance of the face of such working place. Such boreholes shall be drilled sufficiently close to each other to ensure that the advancing face will not accidentally hole through into such workings. Boreholes shall also be drilled not more than 8 ft. apart in the rib of such working place to a distance of at least 20 ft. and at an angle of 45°. Such rib holes shall be drilled in one or both ribs of such working place as may be necessary for adequate protection of persons working in such place." (FMC 1953) Illinois "24 (b) W h e n e v e r a n y w o r k i n g p l a c e a p p r o a c h e s w i t h i n 50 ft. of a b a n d o n e d w o r k i n g s of w h i c h t h e r e is a m a p p r e p a r e d a s r e q u i r e d b y l a w a n d w h i c h m a y c o n t a i n d a n g e r o u s a c c u m u l a t i o n s of w a t e r or of g a s , t h e o p e r a t o r of said m i n e shall a d v a n c e b y w o r k i n g s n o t m o r e t h a n 20 ft. wide a n d m a i n t a i n in a d v a n c e of t h e face a borehole n o t less t h a n 10 ft. in d e p t h , l o c a t e d in t h e centre of t h e coal s e a m a n d w o r k i n g face, a n d one hole in each r i b of t h e w o r k i n g place 10 ft. in d e p t h , w h i c h side holes shall b e drilled so a s t o m a k e a n angle of n o t less t h a n 45° w i t h t h e direction of t h e r i b . I f t h e r e is n o t a m a p of t h e a b a n d o n e d workings, t h e holes heretofore p r o v i d e d for shall be drilled w h e n t h e n e w w o r k i n g s a r e w i t h i n 100 ft. of w h e r e t h e old w o r k i n g s a r e supposed t o b e . I n m i n e s w h e r e electric safety l a m p s a r e u s e d w o r k i n g places being d r i v e n w i t h i n a d i s t a n c e of 73 ft. from t h e old a n d a b a n d o n e d workings shall b e e x a m i n e d b y a c o m p e t e n t p e r s o n after t h e m a c h i n e h a s c u t t h e place a n d before t h e m i n e r s a r e allowed t o e n t e r t h e p l a c e . " (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico " 1 4 1 9 . W h e n a n y w o r k i n g h a s a p p r o a c h e d w i t h i n 100 ft. of a n y p o r t i o n of a n a b a n d o n e d m i n e n o t k n o w n t o b e free from gas or d a n g e r o u s a c c u m u l a t i o n of w a t e r o r explosive g a s , t h e a d v a n c e w o r k i n g s or h e a d i n g s s h a l l n o t exceed 9 ft. in w i d t h a n d t h e r e shall b e c o n s t a n t l y a t least one b o r e h o l e , 18 ft. in a d v a n c e , drilled c e n t r a l l y in t h e face of e a c h h e a d i n g ; a n d w h e n w i t h i n 50 ft. of conjectured location of t h e workings, in a d d i t i o n t o t h e c e n t r e hole, t h e r e shall also b e drilled in a d v a n c e a t least t w o h o l e s , for each 9 ft. a d v a n c e of t h e face, one on e a c h side of t h e h e a d i n g a t a n angle of 30° t o 45° w i t h t h e axis of t h e e n t r y or workings, which holes shall b e drilled a t least 18 ft. d e e p . " (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 5. T h e s u p e r i n t e n d e n t shall n o t p e r m i t t h e m i n i n g of coal w i t h i n 50 ft. of a n y a b a n d o n e d m i n e or a n a b a n d o n e d p o r t i o n of a n y m i n e cont a i n i n g a d a n g e r o u s a c c u m u l a t i o n of w a t e r , u n t i l said d a n g e r h a s b e e n r e m o v e d b y d r i v i n g a p a s s a g e w a y t o t a p a n d d r a i n off said w a t e r , a s p r o v i d e d for in t h i s A c t . " (A 9.6.1911, art. Ill) " 1 7 . I n a n y w o r k i n g place t h a t is b e i n g d r i v e n w i t h i n s u p p o s e d l y d a n g e r o u s p r o x i m i t y t o a n y p o r t i o n of a n a b a n d o n e d m i n e , or a n y idle p o r t i o n of a n a c t i v e m i n e , suspected of c o n t a i n i n g explosive g a s , or t h a t 410 XV. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST INRUSHES OP WATER may contain a dangerous accumulation of water, the mine foreman shall see t h a t at least two boreholes shall be maintained not less than 20 ft. in advance of the face, and, on each side of such working place, boreholes of the same depth shall be drilled diagonally, not more than 8 ft. apart, and any place driven to t a p water or gas shall not be more than 10 ft. wide. No water or gas from any portion of an abandoned mine, or from any idle portion of an active mine, and no borehole from the surface, shall be tapped until the employees, except those engaged at such work, are out of the mine, and such work shall be done under the immediate instruction and direction of the mine foreman, with the use of approved lamps. Provided that it shall be unlawful to work or employ men to work in any portion of a bituminous coal mine in which a body of water is dammed or held back at a higher elevation in the same mine by natural or artificial means, unless permission so to do is given in writing by three mine inspectors, or the majority thereof, appointed by the Secretary of Mines, and it shall be the duty of the owner, operator or superintendent of any mine having water so dammed or held back to notify the inspector of the district in which the mine is situated." (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) " 3 . I n any mine or mines, or portions thereof, wherein water may have been allowed t o accumulate in large and dangerous quantities, putting in danger the adjoining or adjacent mines and the lives of the miners working therein, and when such can be tapped and set free and flow by its own gravity to any point of drainage, it shall be lawful for any operator or person having mines so endangered, with the approval of the inspector of the district, to proceed to remove the said danger by driving a drift, or drifts, protected by boreholes, as provided for by this Act and in removing said danger it shall be lawful to drive across property lines if needful." (A 9.6.1911, art. XII) CHAPTER XVI PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES 1 1. GENBEAI CANADA Alberta " 9 . No fires shall be used below ground for any purpose in any mine Provided, however, that in the cases of emergency welding and cutting, either by electricity or flame, the District Inspector may grant permission) which shall be in writing, to perform such work, under the conditions he may prescribe, and all such work shall be executed in fresh intake air, and at a location free from inflammable material." (R 1945 FRANCE "57. Constructions covering the entrances to shafts shall only consist of incombustible materials except during the preparatory period. No stock of easily ignitable materials shall be accumulated there. Arrangements shall be made such that in the case of a fire breaking out on the surface prompt measures can be taken to prevent the penetration of smoke into the workings. 256. The return airways of stables, fodder depots, filling stations for liquid-fuel locomotives and explosives magazines shall be so arranged that in case of fire the harmful gases can be evacuated without passing by any active workplace or frequented road. If this condition cannot be satisfied in respect of stables, fodder depots and filling stations for liquid-fuel locomotives, it shall be possible to close these rooms hermetically by means of incombustible doors. 264. (1) Mines liable to spontaneous combustion and those in which there are old fires may be classified as mines liable to fires. The classification shall be decided by the local inspection authority after consulting the operator and the underground workmen's examiner. I t shall be made by pit or by independent district. (2) In mines classified as being liable to fires— (a) the 2ventilation shall satisfy the conditions laid down by sections 168 a , 169 , 171 2, 172 2, and 173 2, even if they are not subject to the regulations for fiery mines; (b) water mains under pressure shall be laid along the main roads ; (c) brattice cloths and the necessary materials for enabling stoppings to be built quickly shall be stocked at the mine ; (d) the supervisory staff of the districts affected by spontaneous combustion shall be provided with flame lamps ; 1 In addition to the regulations included in this chapter, some countries have regulations respecting the fireproof construction, arrangement, ventilation, etc., of underground stables. a See Chapter XII, Division 1. 27 412 (ej (f) XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES inspections shall be made by employees equipped with flame lamps on the day following idle days and before work is resumed with a view to discovering any incipient outbreak of underground fires ; the local inspection authority may require the operation of the mine to be carried on in accordance with instructions submitted to the district inspector of mines for his prior approval." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "239. I n the installation and operation of all plant on the surface and underground t h e necessary precautions shall be taken for the prevention of fires. 241. Cutting burners, welding appliances and blowlamps, and also forge fires and fires of any other kind, shall be used underground, in shaft buildings, in the head frame, and in surface premises in which there is a fire risk, only with the approval of the district inspector. 244 (3) Within a radius of 20 m around downcast shafts, buildings with a fire risk shall not be erected and highly inflammable materials shall not be stored. 245. The head frame, pit-head buildings, and underground brake rooms, shall be regularly cleared of highly inflammable materials (e.g., rope grease, coal-dust). 246. At the top of downcast shafts, devices shall be installed and kept in readiness with which the mouth of the shaft can be quickly covered in the event of a fire breaking out on the surface. 247. (1) Near the landings of the downcast shafts, incombustible firedoors shall be installed t h a t can b e shut tight and opened from either side. (2) Even when the fire-doors are closed, there shall be a travellable means of communication between all mine workings shut off from the downcast shaft on the one hand, and the surface on the other. 248. The closing devices, fire trap-doors (section 246) and fire-doors shall be tested half-yearly. 250. Concerning the appliances and measures for fire protection— (a) a plan for fire protection on the surface, and (b) a plan for fire protection underground shall be drawn up as a part of the plan of operations. 251. (1) For fire protection underground, a t every self-contained mine a supervisory official who has been trained in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office, shall be appointed as fire overman (Brandsteiger). The manager shall hand him, against a written receipt, service instructions approved by the District Mining Office." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued principles for the use of cutting burners, welding appliances and soldering lamps in hard-coal mines (dated 17 March 1951). It has also issued detailed guiding principles for the prevention and fighting of mine fires (dated 23 March 1951). Under the head of fire prevention the principles deal with fires due to spontaneous ignition of the coal, friction or heating of transport equipment, electricity, work with flame-cutters, welding equipment and blowlamps, flammable liquids and lubricants. 1. GENERAL él3 Measures against spread of fire include protection of staple pits, roads, machine rooms, workshops and similar rooms. The matters dealt with under fire-fighting comprise extinguishing equipment (water mains, stone-dust, extinguishers) and stoppings. Other matters dealt with include surveillance of return air a t the main fan, surveillance of face workings, training of fire overmen, instruction of fire brigades and the preparation of a general scheme of fire protection underground by each mine. NETHERLANDS "28. (1) Careless and unsafe handling of fire and explosive or highly flammable substances shall be prohibited. (4) At any place where owing to the performance of the work or the presence of materials a danger of explosion can arise, and in premises t h a t are or can be brought into direct connection with these places, there shall at no time be any fire or other than adequately safe artificial lighting. Outside such a place there shall be no fire or other than adequately safe artificial lighting except a t such distance therefrom that no danger of explosion exists. 33. (1) I t shall be possible to close all shafts at or near the mouth directly and in a suitable fireproof and airtight manner. (2) Whenever, in the event of a fire, gases or smoke can reach a shaft, the closing devices referred to in subsection ( 1 ) shall be closed and the personnel shall be immediately evacuated from the underground workings. (3) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant an exemption from the provisions of subsection (1) in the case of sinking pits. 65. (1) I t shall be prohibited to use in the underground workings packing material with which a risk of fire from spontaneous heating or spontaneous combustion is to be feared. (2) I n seams liable to spontaneous heating, the risk of fire shall, as far as possible, be avoided by suitable arrangement of the mining operations. (3) The provisions of subsections (1), (2) 1 , (3) 2 and (4) of section 28 shall also apply to underground workings." (MR 1939) " 1 . (1) The safety platforms shall be made of incombustible material. (2) No faggots shall be laid on the safety platforms. 2. The use of combustible material in shafts, apart from the guides and the retaining beams for tail-ropes, shall be prohibited in the case of new installations and renewals. 3. Before flame-cutting or welding is begun in a shaft or the extension thereof, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be notified in good time, and satisfactory protection shall be installed to prevent sparks or incandescent fragments falling into the shaft, and material lying on the safety platforms shall be well wetted. 4. (1) During work in which use is made of an open flame (welding, flame-cutting, etc.) watch shall be kept under the place where the work is done by a person especially appointed for the purpose and provided with the necessary extinguishing material. 1 See Division 2 of this chapter. * See Division 4 of this chapter. 414 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FERES (2) As soon as the work referred to in subsection (1) is finished, the parts of the shaft under t h e place where such work has been done shall be inspected and a record of the inspection shall be kept. 5. The loading places, stone drifts, roads and other places to a distance of 100 m from the shaft reckoned from the shaft and measured along the axis of the stone drifts, roads and other spaces concerned, shall be faced with incombustible material except in the case of an exemption granted in special cases." (IGR 19a) UNITED KINGDOM Subject to specified exceptions it is unlawful for more than 100 persons to be employed below ground in a coal mine in circumstances in which, if there were a fire in any length of intake airway through which the air supply to all of those persons passes, none of them would be able to withdraw from the mine without either passing through the fire or following a way out to the surface in any part of which the air would or might become so contaminated by t h e products of combustion generated by the fire as to prejudice seriously the possibility of the withdrawal of persons through it in safety. The above requirements will not apply for a period of five years from the commencement of the Act to so much of any airway as existed at the commencement of the Act (70). Regulations m a y require the making of such provisions as may be prescribed for all or any of the following purposes : the prevention, detection and combating of outbreaks of fire at, and spontaneous heating occurring in, mines, and the securing of the efficient conduct of such operations for the rescue of persons as it may be necessary to conduct at mines in consequence of the occurrence of outbreaks of fire, explosions, or other accidents of whatever kind. I n particular, regulations may make provision— (a) for the establishment and maintenance at mines of such organisations of persons as m a y be necessary for any of the above-mentioned purposes and the provision and maintenance at mines of suitable and efficient apparatus for any of these purposes, and in particular the provision at mines of adequate supplies of water for use in case of fire ; (b) for requiring owners of mines to provide and maintain stations (central rescue stations) for the purpose of providing facilities common to a number of mines for the conduct of the above-mentioned operations, and for the establishment and maintenance at such stations of such organisations of persons a s may be necessary for the purpose of conducting such operations, and t h e provision and maintenance thereat of suitable and sufficient apparatus for the purpose ; and (c) for securing the efficient training of the members of any organisations of persons maintained in pursuance of the regulations (72). A person may n o t be employed at a mine in a room, chamber, or similar confined space in which, owing to the nature of any machinery or apparatus installed therein or of any materials stored therein, there is a risk of the outbreak of a dangerous fire or the escape of steam in substantial quantity or of noxious gas in a dangerous concentration, unless either such steps are taken as are necessary for the purpose of minimising t h e risk of his being trapped therein in a n y such event or the circumstances in which he is employed are themselves such as to minimise the risk of his being so trapped (73). (A 1954) The manager of every mine at which 100 or more persons are employed underground must adopt and enforce rules for the organisation and conduct of fire-fighting work and of fire drills (4). (R 8.8.1938) 415 1. GENERAL UNITED STATES Federal "95. (a) The lessee shall not light, keep, maintain, or permit any open fire or unattended open light or stove fire in any strip pit or along the outcrop of any coal bed or in any mine or near mine openings. (b ) Failure to take prompt and vigorous steps for the removal of a fire hazard or the extinguishment of any fire in the coal bed or outcrop shall be sufficient ground for the entry of the lessor to remedy said condition at the lessee's expense." (R 23.12.1937) "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire protection (b) (Section 209 (g) (2)—Title II.) After every blasting operation performed on shift, an examination shall be made to determine whether fires have been started. (h) (Section 209 (g) (6)—Title II.) Welding, cutting, or soldering with arc or flame in underground face regions in other than a fireproof enclosure shall be done under the direct supervision of a certified person who shall test for methane before and during such operations in gassy mines and shall make a diligent search for fire after such operations in all mines. Rock-dust or suitable fire extinguishers shall be immediately available during such welding, cutting, or soldering." (FMC 1953) Illinois "5 (c) Certain employees whose regular work is in or near the fire-protected areas shall have graded authority and designated duties in case of fire ; and rules and instructions therefor shall be included in the regular rules of the mine, and such employees shall be instructed therein by the mine manager. (d) There shall be a fire-drill of such employees not less often than once in two weeks, and pipes, connections and hose shall be tested at such drills." (A 8.3.1910) " 2 3 . (a) (2) I t shall be unlawful to use an arc welder or blow-torch in mines being operated by closed light or safety lamps exclusively except that t h e state mine inspector shall have authority to grant permission to use blow-torches and welders in machine-shops or on the bottoms and shall have authority to grant permission to use an arc welder on haulage entries after t h e management has determined that the entry is free from explosive gases. On entries where there are fire-walls or gas seals they shall be examined at frequent intervals, by a competent man with a gas-testing lamp, while welders are being used." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "906. All mines shall have a fire-fighting organisation of employees, for fire prevention, fire control and the rescue of men. The superintendent of each such mine shall make plans in writing for the fighting of surface and underground fires. 907. All mines shall establish underground telephones at suitable points or other warning system approved by the state mine inspector to 416 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES facilitate quick warning of underground employees in event of fire or other danger. 909. All timbered shaft stations shall be inspected for fire at close of each shift by a m a n designated by the operator. 915. Incandescent lamps in and about mines shall be so placed that they cannot come into contact with combustible material. 1808. Canvas or brattice cloth used in mines shall be of substantial fire-resistant material. 1810. Coal shall not be forked or screened underground and shall not be stored underground in piles or in chutes to an extent involving danger of spontaneous fires." (A 16.3.1933) 2. F I R E P R O O F CONSTRUCTION BELGIUM " 3 . I n new installations the buildings covering the exits from the mine or erected in the immediate vicinity of these exits, and also the head frame, shall be built of incombustible material. This requirement shall not necessarily apply to temporary installations. In old or temporary installations where this requirement is not satisfied measures shall be taken, in the event of the building catching fire, to prevent the fire spreading and smoke being drawn into the underground workings. 4 In the heating and lighting of the buildings all the precautions suggested b y the circumstances shall be taken to obviate the risk of fire. This shall also apply to the greasing of tubs." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta "133. (1) The owner or agent of any mine shall provide and maintain a t each mine in good condition efficient means of protection against fire at the main entrance to any hoisting shaft, slope, permanent escapeways, hoist rooms, ventilating fans (unless the fan housing and drift are of fireproof construction), and a t the bottom of all hoisting shafts ; such means of fire protection shall consist of sufficient chemical extinguishers of a type approved by the Director of Mines or of suitable fire hose of at least ly2 -in. internal diameter, with suitable hose connections and nozzles, and pipe lines of not less than 2-in. internal diameter to convey water at a pressure of not less than 25 lb./ii. a from an adequate supply for each of the places in the mine hereinbefore mentioned. (6) Adequate means of extinguishing fire shall be provided a t every part of a mine a t which timber, grease or other inflammable material is stored and at all insets where timber is used for the construction of staging ; and a t every pit-head, engine-room, boiler-house, motor room, in the construction of which timber is used." (A 1945) 2 . FIREPROOF CONSTRUCTION 417 FRANCE "254. Underground rooms housing thermal engines or used as store rooms, even temporarily, for highly combustible substances shall be lined only with incombustible materials." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "243. (1) I n winch and rope-pulley rooms, the sides, supports and fixtures shall be incombustible. (2) The sides and supports of machine-rooms and workshops underground shall be incombustible. No wood shall be used in their installation. I n so far as yielding combustible parts must be used in their supports, the District Mining Office may authorise exceptions. 244. (1) For the lining of main shafts incombustible material shall be used. (2) Head frames and shaft buildings shall not be made of wood. Wooden shaft-sinking frames shall be allowed, but shall be impregnated or coated with fire-resisting material." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "28 (2) The premises used for the storage of cleaning rags soaked in oil or grease or other objects or substances particularly liable to spontaneous combustion shall be made fireproof or protected in a suitable manner. 32. (1) Without prejudice to the other provisions of this chapter, buildings that are immediately adjacent to a shaft or are so situated that in the event of a fire smoke or harmful gases could penetrate into t h e underground workings shall, as far as possible, be fireproof. Without the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines they shall not be heated by means of open fires. (2) They shall not be used either in whole or in part as dwellings. I t shall be prohibited to keep highly flammable substances in them." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA "63. In every coal mine— (6) Places containing stationary electric motors, switchgear, or other electrical apparatus, excluding telephones, bells and incandescent lamps, shall as far as possible be built and fitted with non-inflammable materials." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal " 2 1 . A lessee employing more than ten men underground shall not construct or maintain on the surface any structure of combustible material within 75 ft. of any opening, nor permit such a structure to be connected to any non-combustible building within that distance except as follows : (a) An open timber framework or head frame of timber m a y be constructed over a shaft, slope, drift, or tunnel. The posts and rafters of 418 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OE MINE FIRES any such structure may be of wood if the covering or lining is made of fireproof material, but under no circumstances shall wood flooring be used except in tipples, trestles, and storage bins. Fire-doors shall be erected at effective points where smoke or fire from outside sources may endanger men working underground. (c) At mines in which more than 50 men are employed underground on any shift the building or buildings containing the hoisting engine and power plant shall not have floors, ceilings, and sidewalls or roofs constructed of combustible material, but wood may be used for roof trusses, purlins, and rafters, and for sidewall studs or frames if covered on both sides with non-combustible material. 33. The shafts of all mines designed for the employment of more than 50 men, if the lining or facing thereof is combustible, shall be fireproofed within six months after completion by lining, guniting, or coating with cement or other non-combustible material. Such fireproofing shall be maintained over all combustible material, except guides, ladderways, and stairways, as long as said shafts form the principal means of egress. 36. I n every mine designed for the employment of more than 50 men underground on any shift, the roofs and walls of entries and passageways within 300 ft. of the bottom of each shaft, if in coal or timbered, shall be fireproofed with a cement coating or the equivalent within one year after said entries and passageways have been driven, and such fireproofing shall be maintained in good condition so long as the shaft is used." (R 23.12.1937) "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire protection (e) (Section 209 (g) (3)—Title II.) Underground storage places for lubricating oil and grease in excess of two days' supply shall be of fireproof construction. (g) (Section 209 (g) (5)—Title II.) Underground structures (transformer stations, battery-charging stations, substations, permanent pump rooms, etc.) installed in a mine after the effective date of this section shall be of fireproof construction." (FMC 1953) Illinois "11. (a) All buildings and structures erected over a shaft, slope or drift mouth, and within 100 ft. of the same, shall be of metal, rock, clay, cement, clay or cement products, or a combination of the same. All fan houses, tops of air a n d escape shafts and fan drifts shall also be constructed of the above-mentioned materials or a combination thereof. I n connection with above construction, wood may be used only for floors, windows, doors or the frames for the same. (c) Any building erected after the passage of this Act, for the purpose of housing the hoisting engine or boilers at any mine, shall be substantially fireproof, and no boiler-house shall be nearer than 60 ft. to the main shaft or other opening, or to any building or inflammable structure connecting therewith." (A 6.6.1911) "6. The following requirements also shall apply to all coal mines developed within the State of Illinois after the passage of this Act : Provided, t h a t paragraphs (a) and (b) shall not apply to mines where three men or less are employed. 3. EIRE-EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT 419 (a) The hoisting shaft and the air and escapement shaft designated as such under the law in shaft mines and the air and escapement shaft nearest the main opening in slope or drift mines, shall be of fireproof construction not less than 6 in. in thickness, except t h a t cage guides may be wood. All drifts and slopes that are opened after the passage of this Act must be of fireproof construction for a distance of 300 ft from the entrance . . . . (b) The roof and walls of the passageway leading from the bottom of the hoisting shaft and the air and escapement shaft designated as such under the law, within a distance of 300 ft. from the bottom of either of said shafts, shall be of fireproof construction, except t h a t the coal rib or pillar may be used as a wall in such passageways. (c) All underground stables and the openings therein shall be of fireproof construction. Stables in mines opened after the passage of this Act shall not be located between the main and escapement shafts, or in direct line on the ventilating current or on passageways leading to the escapement shaft or shafts." (A 8.3.1910) New Mexico "903. In shaft mines the escape shaft shall, if practicable, be fireproofed from the surface to the lowest level. 908. After the adoption of this Act no mine operator shall erect any non-fireproof structures within 50 ft. of any mine opening ; provided, however, that open wooden head frames shall be excepted from this provision." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania All buildings inside any coal mine in Pennsylvania, including enginehouses, pump houses, stables, etc., must be constructed with incombustible material approved in writing by the Secretary of Mines (1). (A 15.6.1911) 3 . FlEE-EXTINGUISHING EQUIPMENT FRANCE "254 Bags or pails filled with clean and dry sand shall be kept available in rooms containing flammable liquids. 257. Every mine shall have fire-extinguishers constantly kept in good order and enabling an incipient outbreak of fire underground to be fought immediately. Such appliances shall in particular be placed underground near stables, fodder depots and filling stations for liquid-fuel locomotives, less than 150 m from any point on a belt conveyor and also at suitably selected spots on main roads that are not equipped with water mains. The positions of these appliances shall be shown on the ventilation plan." (R 4.5.1951) GERMAN? "249. On the surface and underground, a sufficient number of suitable fire-extinguishing appliances shall be kept in readiness. Underground only mining fire-extinguishing appliances shall be used. A sufficient number of persons (fire brigades) shall be trained in the use of the appliances. 420 XVI. PBEVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE F I E E S 251. At suitable intervals, and at least once every six months, the fire-extinguishing appliances shall be tested and the fire brigades instructed in their use." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "66. For every stable for haulage animals there shall be provided a suitably equipped and placed fire-extinguisher ready for immediate use." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA "64 (4) Appliances, such as portable fire-extinguishers, for dealing with fires underground shall be kept and maintained to the satisfaction of the Inspector of Mines. Such appliances shall be kept in good order, and a t places approved by the inspector." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "1. (a) I n every mine, other than small mines which are naturally wet throughout and mines of stratified ironstone, there shall be kept, ready for immediate use, a t appropriate places in relation to each working face and along the main roads, a sufficient supply of suitable dust or sand and of portable fire-extinguishers, except in so far as water is provided at these places with equipment to serve the same purpose. (b) At each place where dust, sand, or water is so kept, means shall be provided for readily conveying the material by hand and for using it for fire-fighting. (c) At all times when a coal-cutting machine is in operation a t any working face in which an ignition of inflammable gas has been, or, having regard to the nature of the strata, is liable to be, produced in the cut by its operation, effective means to prevent such ignition shall be provided on the machine ; or a supply of suitable dust or sand in a proper container, or a portable fire-extinguisher shall either be carried on the machine, or, if that is impracticable owing to the thinness of the seam, shall be kept at suitable intervals along the working face and at the roadhead at the intake end of the working face. (d) Fire-extinguishers shall be examined and discharged and refilled as often as may be necessary to ensure that they are kept in good working order. (e) Fire-extinguishers which are liable, when operated, to give off poisonous or noxious fumes shall not be provided or used underground. 2. At every mine at which 100 or more persons are employed underground there shall also be provided and kept ready for immediate use— (a) a supply of water sufficient for the purpose of fighting fires underground and (b) efficient means for conveying the water and delivering it promptly a t adequate pressure and in adequate volume to all parts of the mine in ordinary use for working or travelling where fire is liable to occur. Except in so far as provision is made so to deliver the water through pipelines and hose extensions, it shall be so delivered from water tanks or barrels by portable manual force pumps and all equipment necessary for this purpose shall be provided and kept constantly ready for use. Provided t h a t t h e Inspector of the Division may exempt from any requirement of paragraph (b) of this regulation any mine, or part of a 3. ÍTRE-EXTINGITISHING EQUIPMENT 421 mine, in respect of which he is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable for the owner to comply with the requirement. 3. Once every month all the equipment and material provided for fire-fighting shall be examined by a competent person appointed for that purpose who shall report in writing to the manager of the mine and shall specify in the report anything that he considers to be defective or lacking." (R 8.8.1938) UNITED STATES Federal "98. Where more than five men are employed underground on any shift, a supply of water shall be available on the surface for fighting fires in and about the mine. If this supply of water is not furnished through pipes, hydrants and hose, it shall be kept in barrels of about 50-gallon capacity, painted red, with covers, and a 2-gallon bucket or can, painted red and marked 'Do not use except for fighting fire,' shall be hung or placed immediately adjacent to each barrel. These barrels shall be maintained full of water. If pipelines and hose have not been installed in a mine, barrels shall be placed near the bottom of each shaft or slope and at principal junction points not exceeding 1,000 ft. apart on a main haulage road. Provision shall be made to keep the water in barrels or pipelines from freezing. Chemical fire-extinguishers having a capacity of not less than 2 gallons may be substituted for water in barrels. 99. (a) Where more than 60 men are employed underground on any shift and a sufficient water supply is obtainable within one mile of a mine shaft or slope, the district mining supervisor may require, if the conditions at the mine in his judgment make it advisable, the installation of a pumping system, tank or reservoir, pipelines, fire hydrants and hose, and a pipeline into the mine, not less than 2 in. in diameter and extending at least 500 ft. on each side of the main hoisting shaft or slope to the first working levels, with suitable attachments for hose not more than 100 ft. apart and with at least three 50-ft. lengths of lVá-in. hose with standard pipe-thread connections and nozzles at appropriate points for immediate use. Such pipelines shall be so located and installed t h a t the water will not freeze. Pressure-reducing valves or their equivalent shall be so placed that the pressure will not exceed 50 lb./in.» at the hydrant or point of attachment of the hose. (b) In any mine where such water lines and hose are installed and maintained, barrels filled with water as specified under section 98 will not be required within the areas reached by such pipelines, provided an adequate supply of water to which the water pipes are connected exists for emergency fire-fighting. Pipelines of a water-sprinkling or drainage system connected with a sump containing more than 5,000 gallons of water will fulfil the requirements of water supply and pipelines underground if provided with taps, valves, and hose. A flow of 250 gallons a minute should be provided." (R 23.12.1937) " Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire protection, (a) (Section 209 (g) (1)—Title II.) Each mine shall be provided with suitable fire-fighting equipment, adequate for the size of the mine." (FMC 1953) minois The fire-fighting equipment required in coal mines and rescue stations is specified in detail in an Act of 8 March 1910. 422 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES A supply of water for fighting fire underground must be provided at mines. The water must be led into the mine through iron or steel pipes with two hose connections at the bottom of the hoisting shaft and two hose connections a t the bottom of the air and escapement shaft, also two hose connections in each stable less than 500 ft. from the bottom of either of these shafts. There must be iron or steel pipes in the entries and passageways leading from the bottom of each of the shafts such that with one 50-ft. length of hose the water can be carried into all such entries and passageways within 300 ft. from the bottom of each of the shafts. In slope and drift mines the pipes must serve a corresponding area. At the bottom of each shaft where hose connections are required there must be constantly kept in readiness lengths of hose as specified in the regulations. Where any p a r t or any passage or other excavation within 150 ft. of the bottom of a shaft (or slope) is timbered, automatic sprinklers must be installed as specified in the regulations. In every underground stable within .1,000 ft. of a shaft there must be automatic sprinklers as specified in the regulations. In other underground stables there must be barrels of water and metal pails. There must also be chemical fire-extinguishers, or approved equivalents, and hand-pump buckets in each stable and in each entry or passageway into which a stable opens, and they must be kept ready for use. The minimum amount of the above fire-extinguishing equipment to be kept in every mine is specified in the regulations (2). The water pressure to be maintained in the pipes and the precautions to be taken in cold weather are also prescribed (3). Certain exemptions are allowed for new mines in which certain parts are of fireproof construction (6). New Mexico "904. I n every underground mine in which more than ten men are employed on any one shift, there shall be an adequate supply of water and/or chemical fire-extinguishers available on the surface and underground for fighting fires in and about the mine. If this supply of water is not furnished through pipes, hydrants, and hose it shall be kept in covered barrels of about 50 gallons capacity, distributed at suitable locations on the surface and underground and buckets or cans hung or placed adjacent to each barrel. 905. A non-electrically conducting type of fire-extinguisher shall be placed in or near surface and underground electrical stations where there is fire hazard." (A 16.3.1933) 4. STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS BELGIUM "4. With the exception of the quantities required for current use, stocks of combustible or inflammable materials shall not be kept in the immediate vicinity of the shaft." (RO 10.12.1910) CANADA Alberta "133 (2) No oil, grease, canvas or other inflammable material shall be stored below ground in any mine except in a fireproof receptacle or chamber. 4 . STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS 423 (3) N o inflammable m a t e r i a l likely t o c a u s e d a n g e r from fire, t o t h e persons e m p l o y e d below g r o u n d , shall b e u s e d in t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of a n y engine-room, m o t o r r o o m or r o o m i n w h i c h m a c h i n e r y is u s e d below g r o u n d . (4) N o p a p e r or m a t e r i a l of a n y k i n d likely t o cause a fire shall b e p e r m i t t e d t o a c c u m u l a t e below g r o u n d . (5) (a) T h e u s e of t a r r e d b u i l d i n g p a p e r or p a p e r of a n y k i n d for b r a t t i c e or p u r p o s e s of v e n t i l a t i o n is p r o h i b i t e d , a n d b r a t t i c e c l o t h m u s t b e fire-resistant in places w h e r e s h o t s a r e fired. (b) T h e u s e of t a r r e d b u i l d i n g p a p e r , h o w e v e r , m a y b e u s e d for t h e p u r p o s e of interlining doors a n d s t o p p i n g s . " (A 1945) FRANCE " 2 5 4 . U n d e r g r o u n d r o o m s h o u s i n g t h e r m a l engines or u s e d as s t o r e r o o m s , e v e n t e m p o r a r i l y , for highly c o m b u s t i b l e s u b s t a n c e s shall be lined only with incombustible materials. I n t h e s e r o o m s t h e s u b s t a n c e s u s e d for greasing a n d cleaning shall b e k e p t only in closed m e t a l c o n t a i n e r s or in m a s o n r y recesses h a v i n g m e t a l doors. Greasy w a s t e shall b e p u t i n t o m e t a l b o x e s a n d regularly r e m o v e d . " (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 2 4 2 . (1) I n f l a m m a b l e liquids w i t h a flash-point u p t o 55° C (e.g., benzine, benzol, p e t r o l e u m ) , in t h e a b s e n c e of r e g u l a t i o n s t o t h e c o n t r a r y , shall b e s t o r e d a n d u s e d u n d e r g r o u n d only w i t h t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n of t h e district inspector a n d only in fireproof p r e m i s e s . (2) U n d e r g r o u n d , greasing a n d cleaning m a t e r i a l s shall b e k e p t o n l y in closed m e t a l c o n t a i n e r s or locked recesses. U s e d greasing a n d cleaning m a t e r i a l s shall b e collected in closable m e t a l c o n t a i n e r s a n d r e g u l a r l y r e m o v e d from t h e m i n e . 245. T h e h e a d frame, p i t - h e a d b u i l d i n g s a n d u n d e r g r o u n d b r a k e r o o m s shall b e regularly cleared of highly inflammable m a t e r i a l s (e.g., r o p e grease, c o a l - d u s t ) . " (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) T h e u s e of liquefied a n d compressed gases, inflammable liquids, a c e t y l e n e a n d c a r b i d e is s u b j e c t t o t h e g e n e r a l r e g u l a t i o n s g o v e r n i n g t h e i r u s e i n i n d u s t r y e x c e p t t h a t t h e district i n s p e c t o r t a k e s t h e place of t h e local police a u t h o r i t y a n d t h e Divisional Mining Office t a k e s t h e p l a c e of t h e c e n t r a l police a u t h o r i t y . F u r t h e r , t h e s t o r a g e of such s u b s t a n c e s u n d e r g r o u n d is p r o h i b i t e d (277). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "28 (3) A t a n y p l a c e w h e r e p e t r o l , benzine or o t h e r volatile s u b s t a n c e s a r e used a n d t h e v a p o u r s c a n form explosive m i x t u r e s w i t h air, t h e s e liquids shall b e safely k e p t a n d h a n d l e d ; t h e y shall n o t be k e p t a v a i l a b l e for u s e in larger q u a n t i t i e s t h a n is r e q u i r e d for t h e s m o o t h p r o g r e s s of t h e w o r k a n d in a n y case n o t in q u a n t i t i e s g r e a t e r t h a n a r e r e q u i r e d for one d a y ' s u s e . " (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM Candles a n d paraffin w a x m a y n o t b e s t o r e d u n d e r g r o u n d e x c e p t w i t h t h e a u t h o r i s a t i o n of t h e Divisional I n s p e c t o r . 424 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES The regulations specify the maximum quantities to be taken into the mine, and the precautions to be taken in storage and use (113 to 116). (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "21 (b) Flammable material shall not be stored or placed within 75 ft. of any mine opening except while such material is being sent into or removed from the mine and except for a day's supply of oil for lubricating machinery in the surface structure. 96. (a) Hay, straw, or similar highly inflammable material shall be taken into a mine only in compressed bales in a closed car or covered with tarpaulin and shall not be handled in the presence of open lights. (b) H a y sent into a mine shall be promptly delivered to the stable and stored in a locked compartment with fireproof lining and door. The amount of hay stored underground at any time shall not exceed the amount normally consumed in 48 hours, except that a sufficient supply may be stored to last over public holidays t h a t occur successively. 97. (a) Oil stored underground shall be kept in a recess or chamber which contains no exposed flammable material, such as timber or coal, and which has a cement floor ; such chamber shall be provided with a selfclosing iron or steel door set in an iron, concrete, or masonry wall, and shall not be situated within 100 ft. of any shaft. (b) Buckets or drip pans shall be used for catching the drip or leakage from oil barrels or tanks. A supply of sand for use if a fire should occur shall be kept in a suitable container placed outside of but near the chamber in which the oil is stored." (R 23.12.1937) "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire protection (f) (Section 209 (g) (4)—Title II.) Lubricating oil and grease kept in face regions or other underground working places in a mine shall be in portable, closed, metal containers. (i) Hay or straw shall be transported from the surface to underground stables in enclosed, incombustible cars. I t shall be stored in a fireproof . structure apart from the stable or in a fireproof compartment within the stable. (j) Provisions shall be made to prevent accumulation of spilled oil or grease at the storage places or at the locations where such materials are used. (k) Oily rags, oily waste, and waste paper shall be kept in closed metal containers until removed for disposal." (FMC 1953) Illinois "11 (b) No oils or similar inflammable materials shall be stored within 100 ft. of any hoisting or escapement shaft, or in any mine. All lubricating oil used in coal mines shall be contained in closed receptacles. In the mine, oil shall not be heated over a fire or lamp." (A 6.6.1911) 5 . PROCEDURE I N CASE OF F I R E 425 New Mexico L u b r i c a t i n g oils a n d o t h e r similar i n f l a m m a b l e s u b s t a n c e s m a y n o t b e stored, or allowed t o leak o r flow t o , w i t h i n 100 ft. of a n y m i n e o p e n i n g or 300 ft. of a n y explosives m a g a z i n e (910). T h e s t o r a g e of c a l c i u m c a r b i d e , h a y , a n d s t r a w is also r e g u l a t e d (911 a n d 912). N o t m o r e t h a n one b a r r e l or t a n k of l u b r i c a t i n g oil (52 gallons) m a y b e s t o r e d o n a n y one level u n d e r g r o u n d ; t h e oil m u s t b e k e p t in fireproof surroundings. Gasoline m a y n o t b e s t o r e d in u n d e r g r o u n d m i n e s (913). T h e d u m p i n g of oily w a s t e , p a p e r s , h a y , w a s t e c a r b i d e , explosives cont a i n e r s , a n d similar inflammable d e b r i s i n t o u n d e r g r o u n d a b a n d o n e d workings is p r o h i b i t e d (914). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania T h e oiling or greasing of c a r s inside a n y m i n e is s t r i c t l y p r o h i b i t e d unless t h e place w h e r e t h e oil or grease is u s e d is t h o r o u g h l y c l e a n e d a t least once e v e r y d a y . N o t m o r e t h a n o n e b a r r e l of l u b r i c a t i n g oil m a y b e p e r m i t t e d in a n y m i n e a t a n y o n e t i m e , a n d i t m u s t be k e p t in a fireproof building c u t o u t of solid r o c k or m a d e of m a s o n r y or c o n c r e t e of sufficient t h i c k n e s s t o e n s u r e safety i n ease of fire (1). Oil for safety l a m p s m u s t n o t b e s t o r e d in a n y m i n e in q u a n t i t i e s exceeding 5 gallons. I t m u s t b e k e p t in a fireproof v a u l t m a d e of m a s o n r y or concrete (2). Oils or m a t e r i a l s u s e d in o p e n l a m p s m u s t b e non-explosive a n d noninjurious t o h e a l t h (3). Paraffin w a x u s e d in m i n e s m u s t n o t c o n t a i n m o r e t h a n 3 p e r c e n t . of oil (4). I n s p e c t o r s m a y t a k e s a m p l e s of i l l u m i n a t i n g oils a n d h a v e t h e m t e s t e d u n d e r t h e direction of t h e D e p a r t m e n t of Mines (7). (A 9.6.1911, art. XVII) 5. PROCÉDURE XN CASE OF FIRE FRANCE " 258. W h e n a fire b r e a k s o u t u n d e r g r o u n d a n y w o r k m a n w h o n o t i c e s it shall t r y t o e x t i n g u i s h i t a n d if h e does n o t quickly succeed shall w a r n , or h a v e w a r n e d , t h e n e a r e s t supervisor a s soon as possible. 259. I n t h e v i c i n i t y of a fire, u s e shall b e m a d e exclusively of safety l a m p s i n t h e s a m e conditions a s in fiery m i n e s . I n districts o t h e r t h a n t h o s e referred t o in section 194 ( 1 ) 1 t h e m i n e engineer shall specify t h e p o i n t s t h a t persons c a n n o t p a s s w i t h o u t b e i n g p r o v i d e d w i t h s u c h l a m p s ; t h e s e p o i n t s shall b e i n d i c a t e d b y conspicuous m a r k s . 260. T h e c o n s t r u c t i o n of s t o p p i n g s a n d t h e o p e n i n g of a d i s t r i c t p r e viously sealed b y s t o p p i n g s shall o n l y b e u n d e r t a k e n in t h e p r e s e n c e of a supervisor. F o r t h e c a r r y i n g o u t of t h e s e o p e r a t i o n s w o r k e r s shall b e p r o v i d e d w i t h safety l a m p s , a n d m e a s u r e s shall b e t a k e n t o e n s u r e t h a t a n y gases which m a y be l i b e r a t e d c a n n o t ignite along t h e r o u t e of t h e a i r current. I n m i n e s t h a t h a v e b r e a t h i n g a p p a r a t u s a rescue b r i g a d e shall h o l d itself r e a d y for a c t i o n . 261. I n m i n e s w h e r e firedamp is l i b e r a t e d , t h e n e c e s s a r y m e a s u r e s shall b e t a k e n t o ensure t h a t in n o case does a n air c u r r e n t d a n g e r o u s l y l a d e n w i t h firedamp c o m e i n t o c o n t a c t w i t h t h e front of t h e s t o p p i n g s . 1 See Chapter XIV, Division 1. 426 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIEES 262. The condition of the stoppings shall be examined at least once every day, including idle days, by employees provided with flame safety lamps. They shall satisfy themselves that no new fires have broken out. 263. (1) When signs of heating have been noticed the presence of carbon monoxide shall be searched for, all useful precautions being taken against the danger of poisoning ; the search shall be renewed as often as necessary and at least once every day before work is resumed. During the fighting of fires or spontaneous combustion the carbon monoxide content shall be constantly investigated. (2) If there are no protective appliances, personnel shall be evacuated as soon as a dangerous content has been found." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 2 5 2 . ( 1 ) The workers shall be withdrawn without delay from workings endangered by fire or smoke. The approaches shall be fenced off. (2) The workings shall only be reoccupied as the manager directs. 253. The building of stoppings shall only be undertaken under the permanent supervision of the manager or a supervisory official appointed b y him for the purpose. 254. (1) So long as fire may be suspected behind them, fire stoppings shall be regularly inspected as to airtightness and heat. (2) The report, the time of the inspection and the name of the person making it shall be posted up a t the fire stopping and entered in the ventilation register. Any unusual circumstance shall be immediately reported to the shift overman and the manager. (3) I n fire districts in which fire may still be suspected, at least every quarter air samples shall be taken and chemically examined. The results shall be entered in the ventilation register and notified to the district inspector. 255. I t shall be prohibited to force water into fire stoppings and into the surrounding ground. 256. (1) Fire stoppings shall only be opened subject to the authorisation of the district inspector. (2) The opening shall be carried out under the permanent supervision of the manager or of a supervisory official appointed by him for the purpose. (3) Before the opening, sufficient constructional material shall be brought up to the stopping for reclosing it. 257. Reopened workings and workings swept by vitiated air shall only be reoccupied as t h e manager directs. 258. I n the construction, inspection and opening of fire stoppings and in travelling through ventilated workings, electric lamps shall be used. I n addition a gas detector shall be carried." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) SOUTH AFRICA " 164. (1) I n case of a fire occurring in any fiery mine or in case of a fire due to or resulting in the ignition of firedamp occurring in any mine, all persons except those dealing with the fire and in services in connection therewith shall be withdrawn from the whole of the underground portion of the mine and only be allowed to return when safe conditions are restored. (2) Whenever in any non-fiery mine an underground fire occurs, which cannot b e immediately got under control, the mine overseer and shift bosses 5. PROCEDURE IN CASE OF STRE 427 shall withdraw all persons from the ventilating district or districts affected by the fire unless the manager directs to the contrary. (3) The manager shall not in any non-fiery mine permit or direct any person to remain in or proceed to a ventilating district where there is a fire which cannot be got under control unless and until he has satisfied himself that such person's safety will not be endangered thereby ; provided that this prohibition shall not apply to such persons as are required to get the fire under control, and to conduct investigations or to do other necessary work." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM On the appearance in any part of a mine of smoke or other sign of underground fire, every workman other than those necessarily engaged in dealing with the emergency must be withdrawn from the ventilating district or districts affected and, before any workman is readmitted, the manager or under-manager, accompanied by the deputy or deputies concerned and by two persons selected by the workmen, must examine the district or districts and report on the conditions in them and declare the mine safe. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached the matter must be settled by the divisional inspector or the senior Inspector of Mines.1 When the existence of fire has been definitely ascertained, every workman except those engaged in fighting it must be withdrawn from the seam in which the fire exists and from every other seam communicating with the shaft on the same level and may not be readmitted until the seam or seams concerned have been examined and reported safe in the manner indicated above. These requirements are subject to certain provisos relating to— (a) the withdrawal of men on the intake side of the fire in wet seams or districts ; ( b ) the withdrawal of men when each ventilating district is adequately protected against the spread of an explosion of coal-dust ; and (c) the withdrawal of men from seams communicating with the shaft on the same level when such seams are wet or adequately protected against the spread of any explosion of coal-dust. While a fire is being dammed off, every workman in the mine except the men engaged in this work must be withdrawn from the mine and may not be readmitted until the mine has been examined and reported safe in the manner indicated above. There must be available during the whole time at or near the place two suits of breathing apparatus or two smoke helmets and the persons competent to use them. Such means as may be approved by the Minister must be taken to render harmless the coal-dust in all accessible parts of the mine immediately contiguous to the seat of the fire (9). Where in any mine or part of a mine to which the foregoing provisions do not apply the existence of fire has been definitely ascertained, the place must be examined in the manner indicated above and, if any part is found dangerous, the workmen, except those engaged in fighting the fire, must be withdrawn from that part. If the manager or under-manager and the workmen's representatives do not agree on this point, it must be settled by the divisional inspector or the senior Inspector of Mines. When workmen have been withdrawn from any part of the mine in accordance with these requirements, they may not be readmitted until a further examination has been made and such part reported safe in the manner indicated above (10). (R 30.7.1920) 1 28 Now the district inspector. 428 XVI. PREVENTION, EXTINCTION, ETC., OF MINE FIRES UNITED STATES Federal "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 1. Fire protection (c) Should a fire occur, the person discovering it and any persons in the vicinity of the fire shall make a prompt effort to extinguish it. (d) When a fire t h a t may endanger the men underground cannot be extinguished immediately, the men shall be withdrawn promptly from the mine, except those men engaged in controlling the fire." (FMC 1953) Illinois "5 (b) On becoming aware of any serious danger requiring the inside employees to come out of the mine, it shall be the duty of the person having charge of the outside or inside telephone immediately to give notice of the danger to the other telephone stations ; and it shall be the duty of all persons who receive information thereof to co-operate in giving notice thereof to all other persons in the mine. I t shall be the special duty of all drivers, motormen and trip-riders to notify all other drivers, motormen, trip-riders or miners from whom they, haul coal of any danger requiring them to leave the mine." (A 8.3.1910) CHAPTER XVII PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS * BELGIUM " 1. In all active workplaces and workshops in the underground workings of mines the dust content of the air shall be kept below limits fixed by the Minister. 2. The Divisional Director of the Coalfield may also require the wearing of respirators of a type approved, by the Director-General of Mines— (a) in workplaces or workshops where because of their nature and their fineness dusts constitute a source of danger for the health of the workers employed there ; (b) in all parts of workplaces or workshops where the emanation of dust frequently exceeds the limits referred to in section I, and in particular either because of a momentary acceleration of the speed of the air current or because of the handling of mineral at loading or unloading points. The respirators shall be provided and maintained at the cost of the mine operator. 3. The Minister shall determine the ways and means of applying sections 1 and 2. I n particular, he shall determine the method of evaluating the dust content of the air, the conditions and the places in which control samples shall be taken both by the Mines Administration and by the mine operators." (RO 23.7.1954) "Chapter I. Productive Workings in the Seam 1. I n the underground productive workings in the seam in coal mines the dust content of the air shall be determined by the percentage transmission of light. Dust samples shall be taken by means of a hand pump and collected on filter paper. The content shall be measured photo-electrically by means of a densitometer. The type of apparatus and the filter paper to be used shall be selected by the Director-General of Mines. Instructions shall specify the method of using them. 2. The average percentage transmission of light of ten samples shall be at least— (a) 65 per cent, in the return airway ; ( b) 55 per cent, at the face ; nevertheless in seams with a slope exceeding 60 per cent., the percentage shall be reduced to 50 ; (c) 75 per cent, in the intake airway. 1 For medical examinations see Chapter XXII, Division 1 ; for stone-dusting see Chapter XIII, Division 2 ; and for other measures against coal-dust see Chapter XIII, Division 1. 430 XVII. PBECATTTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS The ten samples shall be taken at least two hours after the beginning of the coal-getting shift during the normal activity of the workplace. In the return airway of the workplace the samples shall be taken 10 m below the face. At the face they shall be taken at the mid-height of the middle face of the workplace at a point swept by the normal air current. In the intake airway of the workplace they shall be taken 10 m above the face. The directions 'above' and 'below' shall be determined with reference to the direction of the air current. In the first and third cases the interval of time between two successive samplings shall be at least two minutes ; in the second case this interval shall be a t least five minutes. Chapter II. Preparatory Workings in the Seam or in Rock 3. In preparatory workings in the seam or in rock the dust content of the air shall be determined by counting the particles of dust. The dust shall b e sampled by means of the konimeter. The number of particles shall be counted by means of a microscope magnifying 200 times. The types of these appliances shall be selected by the Director-General of Mines. Instructions shall specify the method of using them. 4. The content of particles between 0.5 and 5 microns in diameter in the air shall be less than 650/cm 3 . This content shall be the average of the measurements of eight samples taken at intervals of three minutes near the face during drilling or loading while these operations are proceeding normally. Chapter III. General Provisions 5. In all productive workplaces and preparatory workings in which the dust contents are found to come within one-fifth of the maximum contents referred t o in sections 2 and 4, the Divisional Director of the Coalfield m a y require the mine operator to carry out dust measurements every three months in the same conditions as those laid down in the present order. The results of these measurements shall be entered in a special register of a form selected by the Director-General of Mines. This register shall be kept available to the mines inspectors and workmen's inspectors. The length of time for which these measurements shall be made shall be determined by the Divisional Director of the Coalfield with due regard t o the particular conditions of each workplace. An appeal against the decision of the Divisional Director may be lodged with the Minister in charge of mines. The appeal shall be decided after consultation with the InspectorGeneral of Mines." (MO 6.8.1954) CANADA Alberta "138. (1) No drill operated by mechanical power shall be used for drilling in rock or stone unless— (a) water is fed into the bottom of the hole ; or (b) a jet or spray of water is directed and kept directed into or about the hole ; or (c) other steps approved by the Director of Mines are taken in such manner and to such extent as is necessary to prevent the issuance of dust from the hole during drilling. 431 PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS Provided that, where the drilling in stone or rock is done intermittently in a working place and in conjunction with coal-getting operations, the Director of Mines, upon application, may by writing under his hand grant an exemption in respect of the whole or any part of the provisions of this section." (A 1945) FRANCE "314. Measures shall be taken to protect the workers against dusts the inhalation of which is dangerous." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "I. Measures against Dust and Pneumoconiosis 1. (1) In all undertakings the liberation of dust that is dangerous to health as well as the accumulation and propagation of airborne dust that is injurious to health shall be prevented as far as possible by suitable methods of working and by suitable ventilation, main or auxiliary. (2) I n undertakings in which dust that is injurious to health arises, suitable measures (see section 2) in accordance with the contemporary state of technology and science shall be taken for protection against this dust and for the prevention of pneumoconiosis. (3) The measures to be taken shall be notified to the District Mining Office in accordance with section 67 of the General Mines Act of 24 June 1865 and in connection with the plan of operations. (4) In cases of doubt the District Mining Office shall decide. II—A. Authorisation and Employment of Measures for Combating Dust 2. ( 1 ) For combating dust that is dangerous to health and for preventing pneumoconiosis, as suitable measures only those devices and procedures shall be employed that are authorised by the Divisional Mining Office ; the same shall apply to any alterations. (2) The devices and procedures for combating dust t h a t is dangerous to health shall be applied and employed in accordance with the conditions of authorisation ; they shall neither be rendered ineffective nor removed. 3. By way of exception from section 2 (1) the District Mining Office may temporarily authorise other measures for combating dust on request for experimental purposes and in connection with the plan of operations. II—B. Authorisation of Measuring and Testing Instruments 4. In undertakings only such measuring and testing instruments shall be used as are authorised by the Divisional Mining Office. III. Examination and Employment of Persons 5. (1) Every person who is regularly employed or is to be employed in undertakings in which dust t h a t is dangerous to health arises, shall, for this purpose, be examined for his fitness by a doctor authorised by the Divisional Mining Office. This shall not apply to persons— fa) who, in all, are not employed for more than six weeks in such undertakings ; and 432 XVn. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS (b) who are newly engaged, provided that they have already been employed in an undertaking subject to supervision by the mining authorities, and can prove that not more than six months have expired since their last examination for pneumoconiosis (see section 6). (2) All persons examined shall be re-examined at intervals to be specified b y the doctor (see section 5 (1)), but in any case within three years. I f the conditions of work change the District Mining Office may specify shorter intervals. 6. The medical certificate shall include information on the respiratory and circulatory organs. I n every examination a radiograph of the lungs shall be made in natural size. The relevant report shall include in particular a n exact statement of any changes in the lung resulting from dust that is dangerous to health, and an opinion on the person's fitness and the time for re-examination. 7. All persons examined shall be employed only in accordance with the doctor's opinion and with their degree of fitness. IV. Supervision and Certificates 8. (1) For all mine workings and surface workplaces in which dust that is dangerous to health arises, the manager shall keep a record showing the nature of the workplace and the measures taken to combat dust. (2) The manager shall keep a further record of every person examined (see section 5) which shall show his name, date of birth, length of experience in the occupation, date of medical examination and proposed re-examination, and also the degree of fitness and the exact designation of the occupational group. (3) The records shall be kept up to date and submitted to the mining authorities on request. 9. At the request of the District Mining Office a supervisor shall be appointed to supervise health protection in the undertaking in accordance with the requirements of the present regulations. The manager shall provide this person with service instructions approved by the District Mining Office. V. Miscellaneous General. 10. The provisions of the regulations concerning medical examination of mining undertakings of 23 May 1940 * shall not be affected by the present regulations, but the examination of the undertaking may be combined with the examination required by section 5 of the present regulations. A. B. Testing by Experts. 11. (1) The mining authorities may require tests to be made by experts recognised b y them. (2) The mineowner shall be bound to make available the equipment required for the tests and to bear the costs of the tests. C. Notification to the Personnel. 12. (1) A copy of the present regulations in pamphlet form shall be handed to the supervisory staff and to the workers' representatives against a written receipt. (2) A copy of t h e present regulations shall be permanently posted u p a t a suitable place so as to be easily legible." (R 19.4.1950 (Bonn)) 1 Not reproduced. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS 433 "308 (3) Only those persons shall be employed underground who are shown by medical examination to be entirely fit for work in dusty atmospheres. Fitness shall be verified by re-examinations. The necessary measures shall be taken by the Divisional Mining Office. 313. On the surface, dust shall be regularly removed in all dusty operations. At places where much dust arises, dust exhaust equipment shall be installed. 314. (1) Underground, suitable devices and measures corresponding to the contemporary state of technology and science shall be employed to prevent the generation of dust, more especially during drilling and shotfiring in stone, and during loading, packing, and crushing of dead rock. These devices and measures shall be notified to the District Mining Office in connection with the plan of operations. (2) New devices designed to prevent the mine atmosphere from becoming dust-laden or to prevent harmful dust from reaching the respiratory organs shall require the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. For the rest the devices and measures referred to in subsection (1) shall be submitted to the District Mining Office in connection with the plan of operations. (3) All workplaces a t which dust that is dangerous to health arises by reason of work (e.g., crushing, loading, tipping or dumping of dead rock or shotfiring in stone) shall be connected to water piping. (4) Solid twist drills shall only be used for drilling in stone with the approval of the District Mining Office." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "64. Whenever the health or the safety of the workers may be prejudiced by the liberation of stone-dust or coal-dust adequate measures shall be taken to protect the workers." (MR 1939) " 1 . The production of dust shall be combated as efficiently as possible by means adapted to the present state of the relevant technique. The dust concentration shall be controlled regularly, by means of measurements, and the results recorded in a register to be introduced for this purpose. 2. Measures shall be taken to avoid increasing the concentration and also the dispersal of dust. 3. Measures serving to combat the production, increased concentration and dispersal of dust shall not be discontinued either completely or partly except by order of the management or the official(s) referred to in section 5. 4. The workers shall treat with care the personal protective equipment placed at their disposal by the management, and also all other dust-prevention equipment. They shall use such equipment in the manner indicated. 5. At each mine at least one official shall be charged with the promotion and supervision of the measures prescribed in sections 1 to 4. 6. Annually before 1 April a summary statement from each mine shall be sent to the Inspector-General of Mines, showing— (a) how production, increase in concentration and dispersal of dust are being prevented ; (b) the number and the kind of working places where dust prevention cannot be practised ; (c) which official(s) is (are) charged with promotion and supervision under section 5 ; 434 XVII. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS (d) the instructions under which this (these) official(s) has (have) to carry out his (their) task." (IGR 32) SOOTH AFRICA "60. I n any scheduled mine— (1) Blasting shall only take place once in every 24 hours, except as permitted under regulation No. 106 (34) 1 , or for vertical shafts being sunk from the surface, or after written permission has been obtained from the Inspector of Mines. (2) Every tunnel and development end, such as a drive, cross-cut, raise, incline shaft, or winze shall be furnished with a water-blast approved by the Inspector of Mines. Such water-blast shall discharge within a distance of not more than 50 ft. of the face being advanced and shall be applied so as effectively to wet t h e face and broken rock for at least 15 minutes immediately after blasting and again for the further period of 15 minutes immediately prior to entry by any person ; provided that the Inspector of Mines may give written permission to the manager to vary these conditions on any mine or part thereof. (3) No person shall blast or be permitted or caused to blast the cut and round separately on the same shift in the same development end. 61. No person shall work or remain or be permitted or ordered to work or remain in any place in a mine if the air contains dust, smoke or fumes, perceptible by sight, smell or other senses. 101. I n any scheduled mine— (1) I n drilling a hole no person shall use or cause or permit to be used any percussion machine drill unless— (a) the drill steel with which the machine is equipped is provided with an axial hole not less than % in. in diameter throughout its whole length when the diameter of the drill steel is l 1 /, m - in diameter or over, and not less t h a n 8 /M m - m diameter throughout its whole length when the diameter of the drill steel is less than l x / g in. ; and ( b) an adequate supply of water flows through such drill steel ; and (c) the working water pressure at the machine drill is maintained at 15 lb./in. 2 or over. (2) No branch hose or branch pipe shall be fitted to any hose supplying water to any percussion machine drill. (3) No person shall send or cause or permit to be sent underground any percussion machine drill which is designed to supply water to the drill steel through an internal water tube unless— (a) such machine is provided with front-head air release ports of a design approved by t h e Government Mining Engineer ; and (b) the diameter of the axial hole in the piston, when new, does not exceed 0.262 in. and is not less than 0.260 in. for a length of at least 2% in. ; and (c) the external diameter of the water tube, when new, is not less than 0.255 in., and the internal diameter of the water tube is not less than 0.156 in. ; and (d) the machine drill is fitted with a water tube of such length that, when drill steel of t h e type supplied for use with the said drill underground is inserted into the chuck to its fullest extent, when the machine is not operating, the water tube either enters the axial hole in the shank 1 Not reproduced •, deals -with the times at which shots may be fired. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS 435 of the drill steel for a distance of at least 1 in. or, alternatively, the end of the water tube is not less than % in. and not more than 1 in. short of the shank end of the drill steel. (4) (a) No person shall block or otherwise obstruct any of t h e fronthead release ports provided in terms of paragraph (a) of sub-regulation (3) of this regulation, and no person shall operate or cause or permit the operation of any machine drill if the front-head release ports so provided are partially or totally blocked or otherwise obstructed. (b) No person shall supply for use in, or fit into, any rock drill a water tube which does not comply with the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) of sub-regulation (3) of this regulation. (c) No person shall wilfully damage or alter a water tube supplied for use in a machine drill. (d) Any ganger in charge of drilling operations, who knows or has reason to suspect that the water tube in any machine drill under his control has become damaged or is defective, shall immediately examine such water tube and if it is found to be damaged or defective he shall replace it with an undamaged water tube before drilling operations are resumed with any such machine drill. I t shall be the duty of any person, who knows or has reason to suspect that the water tube in a machine drill is damaged or defective, to report the matter immediately to the ganger responsible for the operation of the machine drill. (5) (a) No new type or make of machine drill may be used without the prior approval of the Government Mining Engineer, or may be continued in use unless that approval is ratified by him within one year, or such longer period as he may determine, and after at least 20 of the machine drills so provisionally approved have been in regular use on scheduled mines, or mines to which this sub-regulation has been applied in terms of sub-regulation (2) of regulation 1661, to his knowledge for a period of six months. (b) The Government Mining Engineer may prohibit the use of any type or make of machine drill in use on any scheduled mine. Such prohibition shall take effect after a date to be specified by the Government Mining Engineer, such date to be not less than six months after the date of notice of prohibition. (c) The Government Mining Engineer shall not prohibit the use of any drill under paragraph ( b) of this sub-regulation unless there is evidence that the drill to be prohibited seriously and materially endangers the health of workmen and until he has consulted the employers and the workmen concerned. (d) The Government Mining Engineer may carry out any inspection or test of any machine drill, device, or attachment at a cost to the owner, manufacturer, or agent of a sum not exceeding £30 for each complete test. (e) Any employer and any owner or manufacturer of a machine drill or his agent may appeal to the Minister against any refusal by the Government Mining Engineer to approve or to ratify the approval of a new type or make of machine drill, or against any prohibition by him of any existing type or make of machine drill, and the decision of the Minister shall be final and conclusive. (6) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used any hand-drill, moil or similar tool, except in sampling, unless water is applied or a wet swab is used around the drill at the collar of the hole so as to allay the dust. (7) (a) No person shall commence or continue to drill any hole, or cause or permit such commencement or continuation of drilling unless the floor, roof, sides, packs, other surfaces, and broken rock of the working place, to a distance of at least 25 ft. from such hole, have been thoroughly wetted and kept wot. 1 Not reproduced. 436 XVII. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS (b) No person shall blow out or be caused or permitted to blow out any hole with compressed air unless he has applied sufficient water, in case there is not already a sufficiency, to prevent the formation of dust during the process of blowing out. (8) No person shall move any broken rock or ground or cause or allow the same to be moved, if such rock or ground is in a dusty condition, unless and until it and the floor, roof and sides, packs and other surfaces of the working place to a distance of at least 25 ft. have been effectively wetted and kept wet so as to prevent the escape of dust into the air during removal. (9) No person shall perform or cause or permit to be performed work of any kind liable t o create dust unless and until the floor, roof and sides, packs and other surfaces of the working place to a distance of at least 25 ft. have been effectively wetted and kept wet, unless such working place is naturally sufficiently wet to render the formation of dust impossible. (10) No person shall negligently cause or permit water supplied from any service pipe for dust-laying or drinking purposes to run to waste. (11) No person shall use or cause or permit to be used compressed air for cleaning— (a) any skip or truck underground ; ( b) any skip at a downcast shaft a t any point lower than the tip in the headgear ; (c) the footwall of any stope in the course of sweeping operations. 158. I n addition to his other duties and responsibilities under these regulations the manager shall— (4) Cause the times of the working shifts and of blasting operations in every section of the mine to be so arranged that workmen shall not be exposed to fumes a n d dust from blasting, unless this is unavoidable. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (10) At any scheduled mine— Provide or cause to be provided an adequate and constant supply of water which is clear and odourless a t every working place which is not sufficiently wet to make the formation of dust impossible. Such supply shall b e sufficient for effectively wetting the broken ground and for preventing the formation of dust caused by drilling operations. Such water shall be supplied in metal pipes not less than 1 in. in diameter a t a pressure of not less than 30 lb./in. 2 at each working place when all sprays and jets supplied from the same pipe are working. Such pipes shall reach to within 50 ft. from the face and from there a sufficient length of hose shall be provided and used to bring the water up to every point of the working face. Cause the surfaces in all working places, travelling ways and shafts which are not naturally wet to be kept wet or regularly washed down. Cause a ventilating current to be circulated along the working face. Provide in shafts which are not wet ring sprays at suitable points to prevent dust being carried with the air current. Provide or cause to be provided a water-blast as near as practicable to all development faces. 161 (3) Each shift boss shall take all reasonable measures to ensure the proper observance of the requirements of these regulations by the gangers or miners working under him and shall as soon as practicable report to the manager or mine overseer any contraventions thereof ; he shall further specially report whether water is being used in accordance with the requirements of these regulations for the allaying of dust and fumes. PBECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS 437 (10) At any scheduled mine the manager shall, when the total number of persons employed underground on any one shift exceeds 1,000, appoint one or more competent persons whose principal duty it shall be to examine and report to the manager on— (ce) all matters relating to the mine's water supply, its quality, distribution, and use ; (b) the condition of the necessary appliances for using water a t each working place and elsewhere ; (c) the dust sampling of the mine, more particularly as regards development ends ; (d) the conditions of the mine relating to ventilation and health, more particularly as regards the amount of air supplied during the interval after blasting and before entry and during the working shift, in all development ends and working places in which there is no through ventilating current. The manager shall, by letter, notify the Inspector of Mines of the person or persons so appointed from time to time, and the conditions of the mine as found by such person shall, at the completion of his shift, be entered by him in a book to be provided by the manager for the purpose and kept in the mine survey office or other place determined by the manager. Such book shall be examined and countersigned by the manager or underground manager at least once a week, and by the mine overseer concerned after each inspection, and shall be open to inspection a t all reasonable hours by any official of the Mines Department and by any official employed underground in the said mine. The Government Mining Engineer may require the appointment of such competent person when the number of persons employed underground on any one shift is less than 1,000 if he considers that the conditions prevailing underground render such appointment necessary." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM (See also Chapter X I I I , Division 1.) " 1 . Every person carrying on a coal-mining undertaking in South Wales shall, if so directed on behalf of the Minister by the Chief Inspector of Mines or by the Inspector of the Division in which the mine, or that part thereof, to which the direction applies is situate, take such one or more of the following measures for the reduction of the amount of airborne dust below ground as may be specified in the direction, that is to say— (i) the injection of water into the working face so as to damp the slips and cleavages of the seam ; (ii) the use, in association with mechanical coal cutters in operation, below ground, of sprays or jets of water so as to damp the cuttings as these are formed ; (iii) the use, in association with conveyors and loaders in operation below ground, of sprays or jets of water so as to damp the dust ; (iv) the use of exhaust appliances at the delivery ends of conveyors and loaders in operation below ground. 2. Any direction under the preceding article of this order may be given so as to apply to any mine, or any part thereof, or to any mechanical coal cutter, conveyor or loader when in operation and may specify the date or dates by which such measures as are specified therein are to be taken. 3. Every undertaker shall provide and shall maintain in good and proper working order and condition all necessary equipment required for the due carrying out of the measures specified in a direction given to him under article 1 of this order. 438 XVn. PBECATTTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS 4. The manager and every agent of any mine in which any equipment for the reduction of airborne dust is installed (whether or not in pursuance of the provisions of this order) and every person responsible for the use, care and maintenance of such equipment shall take all such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that full and proper use is made thereof and t h a t it is maintained in good and proper working order and condition. 5. No person, except with permission granted by the manager of the mine in which any such equipment as is mentioned in the last preceding article of this order is installed or by a person authorised in that behalf by such manager, shall remove, alter, interfere or tamper with, or damage any such equipment or shall obstruct its operation." (0 8.12.1943) UNITED STATES Federal "Article VI. Coal and Rock Dust 1. Control of coal-dust (b) (Section 209 (e) (2)—Title II.) Where underground mining operations raise an excessive amount of dust into the air, water, or water with a wetting agent added to it, or other effective method shall be used to allay such dust at its source. Article IX. Safeguards for Mechanical Equipment 1. Face equipment (b) The dust resulting from drilling in rock shall be controlled by the use of permissible dust collectors or by water or water with a wetting agent ; except as provided in article X I , section 8 (g).1 " (FMC 1953) 1 See Chapter XXVI, Division 3. CHAPTER XVIII SHAFT-SINKING 1. GENERAL CANADA Alberta "162. When shaft-sinking is being carried on, the following rules shall be observed : (e) The shift boss shall be the holder of a first, second or third class certificate and shall be under the control of the manager or overman and he shall have full charge of the sinking operations ; he shall a t least once in every shift or more frequently if necessary inspect the shaft and remove any loose stones and if anything is found to be unsafe he shall stop sinking until everything is made secure ; and he shall immediately after such inspection make and sign a true report of the condition of the shaft in a book provided for that purpose. (i) After every cessation of work, whether caused by the withdrawal of the workmen for shotfiring or other purposes, the shift boss, accompanied by at least one other person, shall descend and inspect the shaft and he shall satisfy himself that it is safe before allowing any other person to descend ; after firing any shot, when inflammable gas is likely to be present, such inspection shall be made with a locked safety lamp, and after an intermission of four hours in working, the shaft shall not be entered until a safety lamp has been lowered and it has been found that no gas is present. (j) The shift boss shall descend in the first tub and shall ascend in the last tub in each shift. (h) When walling or bricking is being done, the shift boss shall see that the shaft under the bricking scaffold is properly ventilated, and t h a t the scaffold is not overweighed with material. (1) Explosives shall not be taken into or kept in a shaft until immediately before they are required to be used. (m) When directed by the manager or overman, no lamp but a locked safety lamp shall be used in the shaft. " (A 1945) GERMANY "18. In the sinking of main shafts particulars shall be kept of the nature, thickness and dip of the strata sunk through, dislocations, bodies of water and the nature of the shaft construction. A copy of these particulars shall be communicated to the district inspector. 19. Sinking pits shall be covered over with solid platforms provided with trapdoors. The trapdoors shall be opened only to allow the passage of the bucket." (R 1.5.1835 (Dortmund)) Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued instructions (dated 12 January 1940) concerning the use of suspended platforms in shafts. 440 XVIII. SHAFT-SINKING NETHERLANDS Note : The Inspector-General has issued the following regulations : No. 20 : Suspended and fixed platforms used in shaft-sinking. No. 25 : Suspended ladders for evacuation of shaft-sinking personnel in case of danger. No. 34 : Protective platforms used in sinking or deepening shafts. SOUTH AFRICA "158. I n addition to his other duties and responsibilities under these regulations, the manager shall— (15) I n the case of a shaft in the course of sinking, provide for the presence at the bottom of the said shaft of a competent person in charge at all times when workmen are there p r e s e n t . . . . " (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "172. I n addition to the daily examination required by section 66 of the Act 1 , the master sinker, or a competent person appointed for the purpose by the manager, shall once at least in every 24 hours examine thoroughly the state of the shaft and the state of all gear by which cradles, platforms, or pumps are slung in the shaft or by which persons or materials are raised or lowered. 175. Every cradle or platform used in the shaft shall be constructed with a grid or other suitable contrivance when necessary to secure the efficient ventilation of the whole of the shaft. 176. Every cradle or platform on which men work in the shaft shall be so protected as to prevent anyone falling off. 177. While men are at work on any cradle or platform in the shaft the following precautions shall be strictly observed : (a) The cradle or platform shall be secured to the sides of the shaft in order to prevent its swinging. (b) The flap over the kibble hole shall be securely fastened. (c) If the cradle or platform is constructed of two or more pieces hinged, the pieces shall be securely bolted together. (d) The cradle or platform shall not be moved except by the express direction of t h e manager, master sinker or chargeman. 178. If work is carried on during the night the surface at the shaft top shall be efficiently lighted. 179. The competent person appointed under section 14 of the Act shall during his shift have entire charge of the operations in the shaft bottom, subject, however, t o the directions of the master sinker or of the manager of the mine, and is hereinafter referred to as the chargeman. 180. The examination required to be made by the chargeman before the commencement of work shall be made immediately before the descent of the shift. 181. The chargeman shall as part of his examination before the commencement of work, or if work is carried on without any interval by a 1 The Coal Mines Act, 1911. 1. GENEBAL 441 succession of shifts, then as part of his examinations during his shift, examine carefully the sides of the shaft, take off any loose stones, and otherwise satisfy himself that the shaft is in a safe condition for men to work at the bottom. When men are engaged in walling or tubbing the shaft a similar examination shall be made by a competent person appointed by the manager. 182. The chargeman shall be the last man to ride at the end of the shift, and, if his shift is succeeded immediately by another shift, he shall not leave the bottom of the shaft until after the descent of the chargeman of the next shift. 184. No person shall be allowed to descend after any cessation of work in the shaft caused by the withdrawal of the workmen for shotfiring or other purposes until the chargeman, accompanied if necessary by not more than two other persons, has descended and examined the shaft and found it to be safe in all respects. If inflammable gas has been found or is likely to be found in the shaft the examination shall be made with a locked safety lamp of a type which will indicate the presence of such gas. 188. The banksman shall at all times keep the shaft top and landing edge free from loose material." (R 10.7.1913) "32. When a shaft is being sunk through water-bearing strata, a t least four ladders shall be provided from the bottom of the shaft as a means of escape in case of emergency to the surface or some other place of safety. Provided that, where not more than ten persons are employed below ground at any one time, it shall not be necessary to provide more than two ladders." (R 20.7.1920) UNITED STATES Illinois " 8 . (a) Any shaft or other opening in process of sinking, or driving, for the purpose of mining coal, shall be subject to the inspection of the state inspector of mines for the district in which said shaft or opening is located. (b) Over every shaft that is being sunk or shall hereafter be sunk there shall be a safe and substantial structure to support sheaves or pulley ropes at a height not less than 15 ft. above the tipping place. The landing platform of such shaft shall be so arranged that material cannot fall into the shaft while the bucket is being emptied or taken from the hoisting rope. If provisions are made to land a bucket on a truck, said truck and platform shall be so arranged that material cannot fall into the shaft. (g) Provisions shall be also made for the proper ventilation of shafts while being sunk." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico "1005 (b) When shafts dipping more than 35° from the horizontal are being sunk they shall be provided with ladders to within such distance from the bottom as will secure them from blasting. From the lower end of each such ladder a chain, wire rope or extension ladder shall be provided to reach the bottom of the shaft." (A 16.3.1933) 442 X V m . SHAFT-SINKING Pennsylvania " 1 . The operator, superintendent, or contractor shall erect over every shaft t h a t ia being sunk, or shall hereafter be sunk, a safe and substantial structure to sustain sheaves or pulleys, ropes and loads, at a height of not less than 20 ft. above the tipping place, and the top of such shaft and landing platform shall be arranged in such a manner that no material can fall into the shaft while the bucket is being emptied. The said structure shall be erected as soon as substantial foundation is obtained ; and in no case shall a shaft be sunk to a depth of more than 50 ft. without such structure. 2. If provisions are made to land the bucket on a truck, the said truck and platform shall be so constructed that material cannot fall into the shaft. 4. I t shall be the duty of the person in charge of shaft-sinking for the contractor or company to see that the sides of all shafts are properly secured for safety, and t h a t no loose rock or material is allowed to remain on any timber on top, or on any timber in the shaft after each blast. Where explosive gas is encountered, the person in charge shall see that the shaft is examined before each shift, and before the men descend after each blast, and also that the place is safe. I n sinking shafts all blasts must be exploded b y electric battery. Provisions must also be made for the proper ventilation of shafts while being sunk, and in all sinking shafts and in all shafts that are being repaired, safety belts shall be provided by the operator or contractor and used by all persons working above the floor of the shaft, unless a substantial scaffold is erected that effectively closes the shaft opening immediately below the point where work is being done." (A 9.6.1911, art. VII) 2. W I N D I N G OF MATERIALS AND M E N CANADA Alberta "162. When shaft-sinking is being carried on, the following rules shall be observed : (a) The banksman shall in all cases steady the tub, or anything about to be lowered, before it leaves the top of the shaft and shall see t h a t all bricks and other small materials are kept below the level of the top of the t u b ; he shall see that nothing is sticking to the bottom of the tub, and t h a t all tools, gear or timber are properly placed and secured, and in no case shall he permit any material to be filled into a tub hanging over an uncovered shaft. (b) The banksman shall in every case see that the tub is lifted by the engine off the landing wagon or other cover and that it is steadied over and into the shaft. (c) When a landing wagon is used the banksman shall secure it by a catch when 'off' and 'on' ; when landing he shall not signal to lower the tub on to the wagon until the latter is in position over the shaft and properly secured, and -when work has ceased the landing wagon shall be left so that it will not impede the ventilation nor leave the shaft unfenced. (d) The banksman shall not leave the top of the shaft while men are ascending or descending it. (f) When lowering the bucket, kettle or tub in a sinking shaft the hoistman shall stop it when it has reached a point which is not more than 20 ft. and not less t h a n 18 ft. above the bottom of the shaft, or above any 2 . WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 443 sinking cradle or p l a t f o r m u p o n w h i c h t h e b u c k e t , k e t t l e or t u b is t o alight a n d shall a w a i t t h e signal of t h e shift boss t o l e t it d o w n . W h e n raising, t h e h o i s t m a n shall s t o p t h e h o i s t a s soon as t h e b u c k e t , k e t t l e or t u b h a s b e e n r a i s e d t o a p o i n t n o t m o r e t h a n 5 ft. from t h e b o t t o m in order t h a t t h e shift boss m a y see t h a t t h e r o p e is steadied a n d t h e h o i s t m a n shall n o t a g a i n m o v e h i s engine u n t i l h e h a s received t h e signal from t h e b a n k s m a n or shift boss. (g) T h e shift b o s s shall see t h a t t h e t u b a t t h e b o t t o m of t h e s h a f t is so filled t h a t t h e c o n t e n t s , if consisting of b r i c k or o t h e r small m a t e r i a l s , shall b e below t h e level of t h e t o p of t h e t u b ; h e shall see t h a t stones a r e p r o p e r l y p a c k e d t h e r e i n a n d t h a t n o t h i n g is sticking t o t h e b o t t o m t h e r e o f ; h e shall also see t h a t all tools, g e a r a n d t i m b e r a r e p r o p e r l y p l a c e d a n d secured a n d t h a t t h e t u b s a r e in a line w i t h t h e r o p e a n d p r o p e r l y s t e a d i e d before b e i n g s e n t a w a y . (n) W h e n a s c e n d i n g or descending b y a t u b e v e r y p e r s o n shall k e e p w i t h i n t h e t u b a n d n o p e r s o n shall a s c e n d or descend o n a loaded t u b . " (A 1945) FRANCE " 6 4 . I n sinking p i t s all s u i t a b l e s t e p s shall b e t a k e n t o p r e v e n t a n y fall of stones ; in p a r t i c u l a r , b u c k e t s shall b e filled o n l y t o w i t h i n 20 c m from t h e r i m ; t h e sides a n d t h e b o t t o m shall b e cleared of a n y a d h e s i v e matter. Objects p r o t r u d i n g o v e r t h e r i m of t h e b u c k e t shall b e fastened t o t h e chains or t o t h e r o p e . 111. R o p e s in u s e i n sinking p i t s shall be s u b j e c t t o t h e s a m e r e q u i r e m e n t s a s r o p e s u s e d for w i n d i n g shifts." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 7 3 . (1) I n shaft-sinking, t h e following provisions shall a p p l y , e v e n if n o m a n - w i n d i n g t a k e s place : For main shafts, t h e following p r o v i s i o n s 1 of t h e Mining Police R e g u l a t i o n s for m a n - w i n d i n g of 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 : section 17 (2), 22 t o 2 4 , 37, 38, 43 (1), 45, 46, 48, 49, 50 w i t h t h e t i m e l i m i t in subsection (1) a l t e r e d t o t h r e e m o n t h s , 54 (1), (3) a n d (4), 71 e x c e p t (2) (c), 81 (2) (a), (b) a n d (c). For staples, t h e following p r o v i s i o n s 2 of t h e Mining Police R e g u l a t i o n s for m a n - w i n d i n g in staples of 1 O c t o b e r 1949 : sections 17 (1), (2) a n d (3), 19, 20, 27, 32, 34 t o 36, 38 t o 40, 44, 46, 7 3 , 83 a n d 85. (2) I n a d d i t i o n t h e following provisions shall a p p l y : (a) t h e winding-engine b r a k e s shall b e c a p a b l e of holding t h e engine u n d e r t h e g r e a t e s t difference i n l o a d w i t h a s t a t i c safety factor of a t least t w o ; (b) if k e p s a r e u s e d devices shall b e a v a i l a b l e t h a t a u t o m a t i c a l l y p r e v e n t w i n d i n g while t h e k e p s a r e o n ; (c) t h e skips shall b e filled only t o w i t h i n a h a n d s h r e a d t h of t h e r i m . L o n g objects shall b e so fastened t h a t t h e y c a n n e i t h e r fall o u t n o r c a t c h in a n y t h i n g . " (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 1 These provisions will be found in Chapter X, with the exception of section 81, which is reproduced below. • See the remark concerning the regulations oí 1949 in Chapter X, Division 4. 444 XVIH. SHAFT-SINKING Man-winding in Main Shafts " 81. (1) For t h e use of the winding rope for man-winding in shaftsinking the following provisions l shall apply : Sections 2, 3, 7 (1) subject to the condition t h a t for large man-winding plants the free height shall be at least 6 m, 8 to 11, 13 to 15, 17, 19 to 24, 32 and 33 in so far as cages are used, 35, 37 to 39, 41 (1), (2) and (4), 42 (1) and (2), 43 (1), 44 (1) and (2), 45 to 49, 50 (1), (2) and (3), subject to the condition that the safety factor of eight prescribed in section 81 (2) (c) is not reduced, 50 (4) and (5), 52, 54 (1), (3) and (4), 55, 56 (1), (2) and (3), 58 to 60, 62, 63 (1) to (3), (5) and (7) to (10), 65 to 71 (2) (b), 71 (2) (d) to (f), 72 (1), 73 to 80, and 82 to 86 (1), mutatis mutandis. (2) I n addition, the following provisions shall apply : (a) Devices for guiding the bucket or cage shall be fitted to within at least 50 m of the shaft bottom. If rope guides are used, two guide ropes shall suffice ; they shall be allowed even in wet shafts and shafts in which acid or salt water runs. (b) During the daily examination of the guiding appliances the guide shoes shall also be examined. (c) The ropes used in shaft-sinking shall have at all times at least a safety factor of eight in relation to the maximum static load in material winding. (d) I t shall be prohibited for men to be wound up or down standing or sitting in a loaded bucket or on the edge of a bucket. (e) During regular man-winding, a t the change over of shifts there shall be in the winding-engine or winch room, in addition to the windingengineman, a second person who is at least so familiar with the operation of the winding engine that he can stop it if necessary." (R 21.7.1927/23.12.1936 (Dortmund)) Man-winding in Staples Man-winding in staples t h a t are in course of sinking is subject to the relevant provisions of the regulations of 1.10.1949 concerning man-winding in staples. NETHERLANDS The Inspector-General has issued regulations (No. 26) concerning manwinding in shaft-sinking. The regulations are in seven parts. Part I contains general provisions ; Part I I deals with shafts, headgear, winches, ropes, buckets and counterweights, suspension gear, and signalling appliances ; Part I I I deals with inspection ; Part IV with trial winds ; Part V with winding operations ; Part V I with mine rules and Part VII with concluding provisions. Extracts from these regulations are given below. " Installations Winch. 11. I t shall be possible to lock securely the disengaging devices between the drum and the driving mechanism. 12. The winding engine shall be provided with a reliable depth indicator driven from the drum shaft and with a loud bell which shall be in the immediate vicinity of the engineman and shall sound whenever the distance between the bucket or the counterweight and the landing is 5 m. The bell shall be actuated by the depth indicator, the bucket or the counterweight. 1 See Chapter X. 2. WINDING OF MATEKIALS AND MEN 445 13. A tachometer may be required in special cases. 14. I n the case of compressed-air winches an automatic valve shall be fitted in the compressed-air pipe. 15. In the case of compressed-air winches there shall be a device on the winch by means of which the person inspecting the winch can himself shut off the compressed air. 16. (1) The winding engine shall be provided with an automatic operating brake. Whenever this brake acts on the shaft of the motor t h a t does not drive the main shaft or on a transmission shaft, on the rope drum there shall be a second brake which can act as a safety brake. (2) In the case of electric winches there shall be a device b y means of which an automatic brake acts if the current fails. (3) Each brake shall be capable of holding the heaviest effective load occurring in winding with a static safety factor of at least two. (4) The engineman shall always be able to apply and release the brakes easily without leaving his stand. 17. (1) On the winding engine a t a conspicuous place in front of the engineman there shall be fitted a reliable pressure gauge or voltmeter. (2) On the pressure gauge the maximum permissible pressure for the compressed air shall be marked with a red strip. Buckets and Counterweights. 27. The pieces of which the counterweight is composed shall be strongly fastened together and secured against falling. Inspection Winch and Pulleys. 36. (1) Before a new rope is taken into use the rope pulleys shall be carefully examined. (2) During the examination the thickness of the rim and t h e shape of the groove shall be carefully determined and sharp edges shall be removed. 37. (1) The following shall be examined daily : (a) the rope drums and the rope pulleys with their shafts and bearings and also their accessories; (b) the fastening of the rope on the drum, the braking appliances, the couplings and keys, the depth indicators and also all safety devices. (2) All machine parts as well as base plates and floors shall be cleared of superfluous oil and grease. Buckets. 41. Buckets and counterweights shall be examined daily. 42. At least once in every three weeks the buckets and counterweights shall be examined and, in particular, it shall be verified whether any rivets are loose and whether any wear in the various parts has occurred. Trial Winds 52. Before the winding of a shift begins the engineman shall test the working of the winch brakes. 446 X V m . SHAET-SIKKING 53. (1) Before the -winding of a shift begins the bucket shall be wound u p and down between the places in the shaft between which persons are to be wound ; during this winding the accuracy of the readings of the depth indicator on the winding engine shall be verified and if necessary the indicator shall be put into proper working order. (2) The requirements of the preceding subsection shall not apply whenever man-winding is immediately preceded by material winding and everything has been found in order. Man-winding 54. The speed of man-winding shall not exceed 2 m /sec. 55. Measures shall be taken that prevent the bucket from striking the working floor violently or being caught on beams in the shaft during man-winding. 56. The workers shall be obliged before and while entering the bucket and while in it to behave in a n orderly manner and to obey the orders of the signaller. 57. No person shall be wound without a light. 58. I n no case shall persons enter or leave the bucket on the landing or on any of the work floors while the flaps axe open. 59. (1) During the winding of a shift no person shall be carried standing on the edge of the bucket and there shall be no water in the bucket. (2) No person shall be carried in a partly loaded bucket. 60. If two buckets are used, during man-winding it shall be prohibited t o use one bucket for material winding. 61. [Code of signals.] 62. (1) The engineman shall not carry out man-winding until he has been informed by the persons carrying out the daily inspection t h a t all installations are in good order. This information shall be put on a noticeboard in the vicinity of the winding engine by the persons concerned. (2) Man-winding shall take place only while the winding engine is engaged and the disengaging device is locked. 63. (1) The engineman shall be informed of the beginning and ending of man-winding by means of a speaking-tube or a telephone. (2) All man-winding in the period fixed for material winding shall also be notified to the engineman in the manner indicated in the preceding subsection. 64. (1) Inspections of the shaft carried out from the bucket shall as far as possible take place while the bucket is at rest or descending. (2) Persons who are carried in the shaft standing on the edge of the bucket shall be secured against falling into the shaft by means of a belt. 65. (1) If any damage occurs to the winding engine, winding in the shaft shall be stopped until the damage has been made good. (2) Whenever it is foreseen that for any reason the winding engine will n o t be available for man-winding, this shall be made known by an inscription on the signalling notice-board. Material Winding 66. (1) The bucket shall be filled only to within 10 cm of the brim. (2) Materials or tools t h a t project over the edge of the bucket shall b e so secured that they can neither fall out of the bucket nor be caught. 2. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 447 67. During material winding no person shall be wound apart from those mentioned in the rules referred to in section 71. If two buckets are used the guides shall be provided with a guard plate. Operating Personnel 68. Only persons who are 21 years of age, physically fit, reliable and thoroughly well-acquainted with the winding engine and have operated a similar winding engine for a t least two months for material winding shall be eligible for employment as enginemen. 69. (1) In man-winding the signaller shall be responsible for keeping order ; he shall see that there is no disorder around the shaft and that no unauthorised use is made of the winding installation. (2) Only reliable persons who are at least 21 years of age and have worked at least one year underground shall be appointed as signallers. Rules 71. (1) The mine manager shall draw up rules which shall prescribe inter alia— (a) the conditions under which man-winding may be carried on ; ( b) the procedure which in regard to safety and good order during manwinding shall be observed by the personnel ; (c) the categories of persons who may use the winding installation out of regular man-winding times; (d) the procedure to be observed in winding sick or injured persons ; (e) the manner of bringing to notice— (i) the times during which man-winding takes place; (ii) the meanings of the signals; (iii) the names of the persons responsible for signalling and maintenance of the man-winding installations ; (f) the largest number of persons who may be in the cage simultaneously. (2) These rules shall require the approval of the Inspector-General of Mines. " SOUTH AFRICA "19. (1) No bucket or other means of conveyance shall be allowed to leave the top or bottom of the shaft or winze unless the workman in charge thereof has steadied it or caused it to be steadied. (2) I n a vertical shaft in the course of sinking, except a t time of blasting, the bucket or kibble when being raised from the bottom shall be stopped by the engine-driver when the cross-head guide has been picked up, and shall not be further raised until a period of at least 10 seconds has elapsed. (3) In shafts or winzes in course of sinking the bucket or other means of conveyance shall not be filled with loose rock or ground above the level of the brim. 20. Where a winding engine is used at a shaft in the course of sinking, the cage, skip, bucket or other means of conveyance shall not be lowered directly to the bottom of the said shaft if men are there present but shall be stopped a t least 15 ft. from the said bottom until the signal t o further lower it has been given by one of the sinkers thereat ; provided always that this regulation shall not apply to shafts in which the sinkers are not more than 50 ft. from the shaft top. 448 X V m . SHAFT-SINKING 21. Vertical shafts exceeding 100 ft. in depth shall be provided with guides for kibbles, unless exempted in writing by the Inspector of Mines. Such guides shall always be kept extended down to the lowest set of timbers ; also the cross-head shall be allowed to travel to the lowest set but one, and in no case shall the lowest set of timbers be more than 50 ft. from the shaft bottom. 22. (1) Where a winding engine is used at a shaft in the course of sinking no person shall be allowed to work at the bottom of such shaft unless protected by an adequate covering extending over the whole area of such shaft, sufficient space only being left therein for the passage of any sinking cage, skip, bucket or other means of conveyance. In the case of vertical shafts such covering shall be situated not more than 75 ft. from the shaft bottom. I n the case of inclined shafts such covering shall be situated not more than 100 ft. from the shaft bottom. 26 (2) Every incline shaft which is in process of being sunk shall be provided with some efficient means for interchanging distinct and definite signals between the engine-driver and a point not more than 120 ft. from the bottom of the shaft and, when this point is more than 50 ft. from the bottom of the shaft, some efficient means shall also be provided and used for signalling from the bottom of the shaft to this point. (3) Every vertical shaft which is in process of being sunk shall' be provided with two separate means in respect of each engine whereby persons employed in connection with such process can signal effectively from any depth in the shaft t o the engine-driver. 30 (5) I n the case of a shaft in the course of sinking, no person shall enter the conveyance at t h e shaft bottom until it has been raised and lowered or until some other distinct signal has been received from the driver. Exemption from the provisions of this subsection may be granted by the Inspector of Mines and written notice of such exemption shall be posted up on the notice-board in the engine-room and on the bank. (7) The person in charge of blasting operations in a shaft in the course of sinking shall notify the engine-driver by a special signal—namely, five knocks or rings, when blasting is about to take place and, except in the case of firing by electricity, the driver shall reply by raising and lowering the conveyance a few feet." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM "173. (a) The manager shall fix by a notice which shall be kept posted a t the top of the shaft in a prominent position the number of persons who may ride in the kibble at one time, and the banksman or chargeman, as the case may be, shall not allow any person to ride in excess of that number. ( b ) No person shall ride on or against a full kibble or on the edge of a kibble. 174. No engine worked by mechanical power other than a fixed engine shall be used for lowering and raising persons and material in the shaft. 183. When stone, coal or debris or gear, tools or materials are being sent to the surface the chargeman shall see— (a) that the kibble is properly loaded ; (b) t h a t no stones, coal or debris is packed above the level of the top of the kibble ; 2. WINDING OF MATERIALS AND MEN 449 (c) t h a t gear, tools or materials are p u t into a n empty kibble, and, if they project above the level of the top of the kibble, are securely fastened to the bow or chains of the kibble before the kibble is sent away ; (d) that the kibble before being sent away from the bottom is put into line with the pulleys and carefully steadied, and t h a t the bottom and sides are free from adhering stones and dirt. 185. The winding-engineman shall not work the winding engine when men are in the shaft except in pursuance of a signal received from the banksman or chargeman. 186. When lowering the kibble the winding-enginemen shall stop it when it has reached a point three fathoms above the bottom of the shaft or above any cradle or platform upon which the kibble is to alight, and shall wait the signal from the chargeman to let it down. When raising the kibble he shall stop the engine as soon as the kibble has been raised 4 ft. from the bottom, in order that the chargeman may see that the rope is steadied, and shall not again move his engine until he has received the signal from the banksman or chargeman. 187. When gear, tools or materials are being lowered the banksman shall see (a) that the kibble is properly loaded, (b) that no loose material is packed above the level of the top of the kibble and (c) that gear or tools are put into an empty kibble, and if they project above the level of the top are securely fastened to the bow or chains of the kibble, and (d) t h a t timber and other bulky articles are safely slung. 189. The following signals shall be u s e d . . . . The manager shall fix such other signals as may be required. 190. No person other than the banksman or chargeman shall give any signal unless he is an official of the mine or is authorised in writing by the manager to give signals." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal " 44. Buckets or cans used for shaft-sinking shall be provided with self-locking safety hooks and, if the shaft is more than 200 ft. in depth, with cross-heads and guides. When rock is being dumped, or material loaded or unloaded, the mouth of the shaft shall be covered by safety doors or the equivalent, of a safe design and construction." (R 23.12.1937) Illinois "8 (c) Bock or coal shall not be hoisted except in a bucket or on a cage when men are in the bottom of the shaft ; and said bucket or cage must be connected to the hoisting rope by a safety hook, clevis or other safety attachment. The rope shall be fastened to the side of the drum and not less than three coils of rope shall remain on the drum. I n shafts over 100 ft. in depth suitable provision shall be made to prevent the bucket from swinging while being lowered or hoisted, and guides provided for this purpose shall be maintained at a distance of not more than 75 ft. from the bottom of the shaft. (d) An efficient brake shall be attached to the drum of the engine used for hoisting in shaft-sinking, and the drum shall be provided with a flange on each end not less than 4 in. in height. 450 XVin. SHAFT-SINKING (e) Not more than four persons shall be lowered or hoisted in or on a bucket in a shaft a t one time, and no person shall ride on a loaded bucket. (h) No one b u t a certified hoisting engineer shall be in charge of the hoisting engines while a shaft is being sunk." (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico " 1205. Shaft-sinking buckets shall be provided with self-locking safety hooks and, when the shaft is over 100 ft. in depth, with cross-heads and guides. Floating cross-heads shall not be used unless securely fastened to the bucket rope. Approved hatches, safety doors, bulkheads or other means affording ample protection against falling objects shall be provided for men in shafts during sinking operations." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 3 . Men or materials shall not be raised or lowered in shafts that are being sunk, except in a bucket or on a cage, and said bucket or cage must be connected with the rope by a safety hook, clevis or other safe attachment. The rope shall be fastened to the side of the drum, and not less than three coils of rope shall always remain on the drum. If said shafts are 100 ft. or more in depth, they shall be provided with guides and guide attachments, applied in such manner as to prevent the bucket from swinging while being lowered or hoisted, and said guides and guide attachments shall be maintained at a distance of not more than 75 ft. from the bottom of the shaft. 5. An efficient brake shall be attached to every drum of an engine used for sinking shafts, and all machinery, ropes, and chains connected therewith shall be examined once every 12 hours. 6. Not more than four persons shall be lowered or hoisted in or on a bucket in any shaft at one time, and no person shall ride on a loaded bucket." (A 9.6.1911, art. VII) 3. SHOTPEBING CANADA Alberta " 162. When shaft-sinking is being carried on, the following rules shall be observed : (h) Every shot shall be fired under the supervision of the shift boss only, and he shall see that it is fired by an electric battery from the surface and t h a t such battery is not coupled to the cables until every person is out of the shaft." (A 1945) FRANCE See Chapter VI. GERMANY " 231. For shotfiring in the sinking of main shafts, the provisions of sections 195 to 230 * shall apply, subject to the modifications contained in sections 232 to 237. 1 See Chapters V and VI. 451 3. SHOTFIRING 232. Shotfiring shall be carried on only by a specially appointed supervisory official. Shaft repairers who have been trained in shotfiring may assist. 233. The primer cartridges shall be prepared only in a special place designated by the manager. 234. (Z) Explosives shall not be brought into the shaft until all the persons who are not required for shotfiring have left the bottom and all unnecessary equipment has been removed. (2) The explosives shall be brought to the bottom in closed containers. Separate containers shall be provided for detonators. 235. (1) When joining up the firing leads and connecting up to the firing cable, in addition to the supervisory official, not more than three men may be present. (2) The supervisory official shall be the last to leave the shaft bottom. (3) The shots shall be fired by the supervisory official from the surface or from an intermediate level. 236. (1) Before connecting u p the firing leads to the firing cable (section 235 (1)), the shaft lighting shall be switched off. (2) When firing from the lighting mains only voltages up to 250 to earth shall be used. (3) The firing cable shall only be connected to the lighting mains through two switches cutting off the current on all poles, and the switch on the firing cable (section 235 (1)) shall be so designed t h a t it cannot remain closed. This switch shall be securely under look and key. The key shall be kept by the supervisory official. 237. After firing, work at the shaft bottom shall not be resumed until the supervisory official has examined the effect of the shots." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) UNITED KINGDOM " PAST VI Shotfiring (Additional Provisions, Shafts and Staple Pits) Application of Part VI. 40. This part of this order shall apply to all shafts in the course of being sunk, deepened or widened (including any part of a shaft being driven upwards), and to all staple pits. Explosives and Detonators, 41. (1) No shot shall be fired otherwise than electrically. (2) No explosive shall be taken into the shaft or pit, unless required for immediate use. (3) No person other than a shotfirer shall take any primer cartridge fitted with a detonator into a shaft. (4) No such cartridge shall be so taken otherwise than in a thick felt bag, or other receptacle sufficient to protect it from shock. Precautions before Firing. 42. (1) No shotfirer shall couple a shotfiring cable to any detonator, unless— (a) the hoppit is conveniently placed for men in the shaft or pit t o enter ; and (b) the chargeman has been notified that the winder is ready to raise it. 452 X V m . SHAFT-SINKING (2) No shotfirer shall couple a shotfiring cable to shotfiring apparatus, unless all persons are in a place of safety. Précautions after Firing. 43. (1) No person shall enter the shaft or pit after a shot has been fired, until the chargeman (accompanied if necessary by not more than two persons) has ascertained that it is safe for work to be resumed. (2) Any examination in pursuance of the foregoing paragraph, shall, if inflammable gas has been, or is likely to be, found in the workings, be made with a locked flame safety lamp of a type which will indicate the presence of such gas." (O 17.9.1951) UNITED STATES Illinois "8 (f) All blasts in shaft-sinking shall be exploded by electric battery." (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania See Division 1 of this chapter. CHAPTER XIX ELECTRICITY 1. AUTHORISATION PROCEDURE BELGIUM Under section 1 of the Royal Order of 7 August 1953, heavy-current installations for the generation of electric power erected on the surface and in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries are excluded from the authorisation procedure for dangerous, unhealthy or noxious undertakings, and are subject to the same rules regarding declaration as the surface plant of mines and underground quarries as defined in section 8 of the Royal Order of 5 May 1919, issuing general police regulations for mines and underground quarries. Section 8 of the Royal Order of 5 May 1919 requires the installation of any new surface plant, and any important alteration in existing plant, to be notified in advance to the governor of the province. The notification must include a complete description of the plant to be installed or the alteration to be made, and specify t h e operations to be carried on. CANADA Alberta "1 ( b) Notices shall be sent to the District and Electrical Inspectors of Mines as follows, namely : (1) Notice of intention to introduce apparatus into any mine, or into any ventilating district in any mine. (2) Notice of the intention to introduce or reintroduce electricity into any mine where the use of electricity has previously been prohibited under regulation 1 (a)1 of these electrical regulations. (3) Notice of the intention to install any equipment, not already approved of, underground in any mine, notwithstanding that it may be in a ventilating district in which electrical equipment is already installed. (4) Notice of the intention to change the location of any electrical equipment underground shall be made whether same be portable machinery or not, in case such change of location would in any way alter the conditions under which the original application to install was made and granted. If the District and Electrical Inspectors do not object in writing, within one calendar month from the receipt by them of the notice, to the carrying out of any of the intentions specified in the four notices, the owner shall be entitled to carry out such intention or intentions : Provided that this regulation shall not apply to telephones and signalling apparatus." (Electricity Regulations) 1 See Division 2 of this chapter. 454 XIX. ELECTRICITY FRANCE "284. Installations at a pressure exceeding 6,000 volts shall require the previous authorisation of the local inspection authority." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Procedure for authorising the use of electrical equipment underground is laid down in an Order of 13 April 1934 of the Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour concerning the use of electrical equipment in fiery parts of mines. This Order sets out guiding principles (Richtlinien) for the Divisional Mining Offices. The provisions governing authorisation are as follows : No electrical plant may be installed or worked in a part of a mine where there is danger of firedamp until the permission of the Divisional Mining Office has been obtained. All the electrical machines, transformers and appliances must b e flameproof (Schlagwettergeschützt). I t is for the Divisional Mining Office to decide whether a risk of firedamp exists (1). The authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office takes the form of a general authorisation for the installation of electrical equipment in a particular area. The office also specifies what types of electrical machines, transformers and appliances may be used within that area (authorisation of types) and this also applies to single appliances. Details of the electrification scheme covered b y the general authorisation must be regulated in connection with the general plan of operations (2). Rules are laid down relating to applications for general authorisations, authorisation of types and authorisation of plans of operations and tests on delivery. Applications for the authorisation of a particular type of equipment« must be made to the district inspectors and forwarded to the Divisional Mining Office. They must be accompanied by a certificate from the experimental station at Dortmund-Derne as to flameproofness. The general plan of operations must be submitted to the district inspector after a preliminary examination by a qualified person. I t must show the nature and purpose of the electrical equipment and the places at which it is to be installed. I t must be accompanied by plans of the ventilation system, a n d of the wiring and switch system showing the plant required for the supply, transformation, and distribution of current, the points at which t h e equipment will be used, and the voltages (8). UNITED KINGDOM "119. Notices shall be sent to the Inspector of the Division, on the forms prescribed by the Minister, as follows, namely— (i) Notice of the intention to introduce apparatus into any mine, or into any ventilating district in any mine. (ii) Notice of t h e intention to introduce or reintroduce electricity into any mine where the use of electricity has previously been prohibited by section 60 (1) of the Act. 1 (iii) On or before the twenty-first day of January in every year, an annual return giving the size and type of apparatus and any particulars which may b e required by the Minister as to the circumstances of its use. If the Inspector of the Division does not object in writing, within one calendar month from the receipt by him of the notice, to the carrying out ' The Coal Mines Act, 1911. 2 . GENERAL EITLES 455 of either of the intentions specified in the first or second notices, the owner shall be entitled to carry out such intention or intentions. Provided that this regulation shall not apply to telephones and signalling apparatus." (R 10.7.1913) 2. G E N E R A L R U L E S BELGIUM "CHAPTEB I. REGIME OP INSTALLATIONS 2. Heavy-current installations for the transformation, commutation and use of electric power erected in the surface plant and in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries shall form the subject of an annual statement which shall be communicated to the Divisional Director of the mining region concerned during the first quarter of the year. This statement shall indicate the nature, use, power, voltage and identification number of each of the appliances in use on 31 December and it shall also indicate those of the 1 appliances that are of a type approved in conformity with sections 34, 45 , 61 2 and 53 3 of the present order. Further, mention shall be made in the statement, in conformity with section 7 of the present order, of the class to which each of the premises housing the appliances is assigned. The plan of the installations shall be annexed to the statement. 3. All heavy-current installations for the generation, transformation, commutation and use of electric ipower shall comply with the provisions of Title I I I , Chapter I, Division 1 of the general regulations for the protection of labour approved by Order of the Regent of 27 September 1947, which shall not be affected by the present order. The same installations erected in the underground workings of mines and underground quarries shall also comply with the provisions of Chapter I I of the present order. These latter provisions shall also apply to installations inside buildings, housing the different upcast shafts of mines in the third class of gassy mines, and also up to a distance of 25 m from the shafts. Weak-current installations erected in the underground working of mines and underground quarries and also in the surface plant referred to in 5 the preceding subsection shall comply with the provisions of Chapter DU of the present order. CHAPTEB I I . HEAVY-CURRENT Division I. INSTALLATIONS Definitions 4. 'Heavy-current installations' shall mean installations for the production, transformation, cummutation, transport and use of electric power unless the source of power consists of hand magnetos or batteries or accumulators if the electromotive force produced by these batteries or accumulators does not exceed 24 volts. Other installations shall be deemed to be weak-current installations. 1 See Division 7 of this chapter. * See Division 5 oí this chapter. • See Division 8 of this chapter. * Deals with electrical installations generally. • Weak-current installations. See Division 5 of this chapter. 456 XIX. ELECTRICITY 5. 'Voltage' shall mean the difference in potential existing between phases or between conductors of different polarity. 6. 'Fixed appliances' shall mean appliances or groups of appliances that are required t o operate at one and the same place for a period of at least one year. 'Displaceable appliances' shall mean appliances that are moved with the current off. 'Movable appliances' shall mean appliances intended to be moved with the current off and while they are not working. 'Mobile appliances' shall mean appliances that move or are moved while they are in operation. 'Portable appliances' shall mean appliances that are held or guided in the hand while in operation. 7. For the application of section 186 ' of the general regulations for the protection of labour approved by the Order of the Regent of 27 September 1947, all places underground in a mine except 'closed rooms of the electrical service' or 'ordinary rooms of the electrical service' shall be deemed to be supervised rooms. I n these last-mentioned places pressures exceeding 650 volts shall be allowed for supplying fixed, displaceable amd movable appliances. Division II. General Provisions 8. With the exception of cables, all electric appliances shall be installed a t suitably ventilated places ; if necessary the ventilation shall be ensured by a n auxiliary fan. The appliances installed in roads shall be armoured. Rooms and roads intended to house fixed electric appliances that are not flameproof shall be lined with incombustible material to a distance of at least 2.50 m on either side of the appliances. This rule shall not apply to lighting cables and appliances. I n the zone t h u s protected there shall be no deposit of combustible materials ; coal-dust there shall be carefully and frequently removed. Bags or pails filled with sand or with powdery inert material or other means of extinction shall be kept in reserve near fixed or displaceable installations other than cables and lamps. The personnel shall be recommended not to use means of extinction containing conductive liquids, until they have cut off the current. 9. When they axe not attended, rooms housing electric installations shall be locked. Conspicuous notices shall be posted to warn the workers of the prohibition and of the danger of entering. 10. I n all cases where there are electric appliances other than cables a t a pressure exceeding 650 volts, at easily accessible spots there shall be kept insulating poles, insulating tongs or any other suitable equipment for releasing persons who are victims of an accident due to electricity. 11. The electric power station or substation supplying the current going underground shall be in telephonic communication with the shaft landings of the levels in which there are electric appliances. 1 "186. 'Closed rooms of the electrical service' shall mean rooms that can be entered only by persons responsible tor the operation, supervision, maintenance or repair ot the equipment that they contain. 'Ordinary rooms of the electrical service' shall mean rooms specially intended for the operation of electric machines or appliances in so far as admittance to these rooms is prohibited to persons not familiar with the dangers of electricity. 'Supervised rooms' shall mean industrial or commercial rooms that can be entered by persons not familiar with the dangers of electricity provided that they are required in them by reason of their duties. In the present regulations all other rooms are called 'open rooms'." 457 2 . GENERAL BULBS Division III. Special Provisions Applicable to All Installations (1) Protective Devices. 12. Every appliance consuming electric power shall be effectively protected by fuses or by an automatic circuit-breaker. When the power exceeds 20 k W fuses shall only be of an approved type, non explosive, and with a high rupturing capacity. I n all cases fuses shall be provided with a hermetically sealed envelope. 34. I n installations which include movable, mobile or portable appliances, only appliances of a type approved by the Director-General of Mines shall be used ; the conditions of the approval shall be specified by ministerial order. 35. All installations liable to be displaced shall be supplied either by armoured cables on reels or by conductors provided with an armouring of metal wire or by flexible cablea with strong rubber insulation. The winding diameter shall be such that it causes no deterioration of cables or conductors. The metal armouring of cables or conductors shall not be interrupted and shall be carefully earthed ; flexible cables shall contain a special conductor for the earth circuit, and their conductors shall be enclosed in a flexible conducting earthed sheath. 36. The contacts attached to the ends of flexible cables shall be connected to switches ; an interlock shall prevent these contacts from being inserted or withdrawn until the current has been cut off. 37. Transformers that are periodically displaced to supply appliances liable to be displaced shall be installed in cabins made of incombustible materials, suitably ventilated, and closed by a padlocked iron door, or shall be enclosed in hermetically sealed armoured cases. 38. Automatic over-current releases or non-explosive fuses with a high rupturing capacity shall be inserted in the primary circuit and in each of the secondary circuits of every electric transformer. When fuses alone are used as protective devices, they shall be preceded by disconnecting switches. 39. Mobile and portable appliances shall not be supplied at pressures exceeding 650 volts." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta " 1 . Pressure means the difference of electrical potential between any two conductors, or between a conductor and earth as read by a hot wire or electrostatic voltmeter. Low pressure means a pressure in a system normally not exceeding 300 volts where the electrical energy is used or supplied. Medium pressure means a pressure in a system normally above 300 volts, but not exceeding 650 volts, where the electrical energy is used or supplied. High pressure means a pressure in a system normally above 650 volts but not exceeding 3,000 volts, where the electrical energy is used or supplied. Extra high pressure means a pressure in a system normally exceeding 3,000 volts, where the electrical energy is used or supplied. Electrician means a person appointed in writing by tho manager of the mine to supervise the apparatus in or about the mine and the working thereof, such person being a person who is over 21 years of age, and is competent for the purposes of the rule in which the term is used, and who is 458 XIX. ELECTRICITY the holder of a certificate of competency granted under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, as a mine electrician. (a) No electricity or apparatus shall be used in any mine until the permission in writing of the Director of Mines for the use of electricity in the mine has been granted. The use of electricity is prohibited in any part of a mine where on account of risk of the explosion of gas or coal-dust, such use would be dangerous to life. In case any difference of opinion shall arise between an inspector and an owner, agent or manager under this rule the same shall be settled by arbitration as provided for in the Coal Mines Regulation Act. (b) (6) An annual return giving the size and type of apparatus and any particulars which m a y be required by the Minister as to the circumstances of its use shall be sent on or before the 15th day of January in every year. (c) The owner, agent or manager of every mine in which electricity is used underground shall keep, in the office at the mine, a correct plan on the same scale as that required to be kept at the mine in fulfilment of the requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act showing, up to a date not more than three months previous, the position of all fixed apparatus in the mine, other than telephones and signalling apparatus, said plan to be produced to an inspector a t any time on his request. (d) The following notices, constructed of durable material, shall be exhibited where necessary : (1) A notice prohibiting any person other than an authorised person from handling or interfering with apparatus. (2) A notice containing directions as to procedure in case of fire. This notice shall be exhibited in every place containing apparatus other than cables, telephones and signalling apparatus. (3) A notice containing directions for procedure to rescue persons in contact with live electrical conductors and for restoration of persons suffering from the effects of electric shock. (4) A notice containing instructions 1how to communicate with the person appointed under regulation 1 (o) of these electrical regulations. This notice shall be exhibited at the entrance to the mine in the case of a mine entered otherwise than by shafts, and in the case of a mine entered by shafts, at the shaft bottom. (e) I n all places lighted by electricity where a failure of the electric light would be likely to cause danger, one or more safety lamps or other proper light shall b e kept continuously burning. (1) Efficient telephonic or other equivalent means of communication shall be provided for communicating between the place in which the switchgear provided under regulation 1 (o) of these electrical regulations is erected, and t h e shaft bottom or main distributing centre in the mine. (2) Fire buckets of suitable capacity, filled with clean dry sand and ready for immediate use in extinguishing fire, shall be kept in every place containing apparatus, other than cables, telephones and signalling apparatus. (f) Where necessary to prevent danger or mechanical damage, transformers, motor generator sets, and switchgear shall be placed in a separate room, compartment or box. (1) No inflammable material shall be used in the construction of any room, compartment or box containing apparatus underground, or in 1 See Division 9 of this chapter. 2. GENEBAL BULES 4-59 the construction of any of the fittings therein. Each such room, compartment or box shall be substantially constructed and shall be kept dry. (2) Adequate working space and means of access clear of obstruction and free from danger shall be provided for all apparatus that has to be worked or attended to by any person, and all handles intended to be operated shall be conveniently placed for that purpose. (3) Every room, compartment or box shall be equipped with means to seal off ventilation to smother fires within. (g) All apparatus and conductors shall be sufficient in size and power for the work they may be called upon to do, and so constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained as to prevent danger. (1) All insulating material shall be chosen with special regard to the circumstances of its proposed use. I t shall be of mechanical strength sufficient for its purpose, and it shall be of such a character or so protected as to fully maintain its insulating properties under working conditions of temperature and moisture. (2) Every part of a system shall be kept efficiently insulated from earth except that (i) the neutral point of a polyphase system may be earthed a t one point only; (ii) the mid-voltage point of any system, other than a concentric system, may be earthed at one point only ; and (iii) the outer conductor of a concentric system shall be earthed. Where any point of a system is earthed it shall be earthed by a connection to an earthing system above ground near the entrance to the mine. (3) Efficient means shall be provided for indicating any defect in the insulation of a system. (j) Where electricity is distributed a t a pressure higher than medium pressure (i) it shall not be used without transformation to medium or low pressure except in fixed machines in which the high or extra high pressure parts are stationary; and (ii) motors under 20 horsepower shall be supplied with current through a transformer stepping down to medium or low pressure. (1) Where energy is transformed, suitable provision shall be made to guard against dangers by reason of the lower apparatus becoming accidentally charged above its normal pressure by leakage from or contact with the high pressure apparatus. (k) Switchgear and all terminals, cable ends, cable joints and connections of apparatus shall be constructed and installed so that : (1) All parts shall be of mechanical strength sufficient to resist rough usage. (2) All conductors and contact areas shall be of ample current-carrying capacity, and all joints in conductors shall be properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made. (3) The lodgment of any matter likely to diminish the insulation, and of coal-dust on or close to live parts shall be prevented. (4) All live parts shall be so protected or enclosed as to prevent accidental contact by persons and danger from arcs, or short circuits, fire and water. (5) Where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust or other inflammable material, all parts shall be so protected as to prevent open sparking. (I) Properly constructed switchgear for cutting off the supply of current to the mine shall be provided at the surface of the mine and, during the time any cable is live, a person authorised to operate the said switchgear shall be available within easy reach thereof. Lightning arresters, properly adjusted and maintained, shall be provided where necessary to prevent danger. (1) Efficient means, suitably placed, shall be provided for cutting off all pressure from every part of a system, as may be necessary to prevent danger. 30 460 XIX. ELECTRICITY (2) Such efficient means shall be provided for cutting off all pressure automatically from the part or parts of the system affected in the event of a fault as may be necessary to prevent danger. ( 3) Every motor shall be controlled by switchgear for starting and stopping, so arranged as to cut off all pressure from the motor and from all apparatus in connection therewith, and so placed as to be easily worked by the person appointed to work the motor. (4) If a concentric system is used, no switch, fuse or circuit breaker shall be placed in the outer conductor or in any conductor connected thereto, except that, if required, a reversing switch may be inserted in the outer conductor at the place where the current is being used. Nevertheless, switches, fuses, or circuit breakers may be used to break the connection with the generators or transformers supplying the electricity ; provided that the connection of the outer conductor with the earthing system shall not thereby be broken. (5) Each branch circuit inside a mine shall be controlled by an independent switch equipped with an automatic overload device ; and, in any mine •where safety lamps are required to be used, all switches shall be of the oil type or be of approved flameproof construction. (6) All switches used for medium or high pressure in any mine shall be of the oil type or of approved flameproof construction, and all switches used in any mine for low pressure where oil switches are not required to be used shall be of the externally operated type. 2. Any of the foregoing requirements shall not apply in any case in which exemption is obtained from the Minister on the ground either of emergency or special circumstances, on such conditions as the Minister may prescribe. 3. For the purpose of complying with the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulation Act and all regulations, rules or orders made thereunder, every person shall observe such careful directions with respect to working as are given to him." (Electricity Regulations) FRANCE "General Provisions 272. Every landing of a level where there are electrical installations shall, either by telephone or by any other equivalent means, be in reciprocal communication with the power station or the substation supplying the current underground. 273. I n addition to the provisions of the present part, the provisions of Part I I 1 shall apply to underground electrical installations subject2 to the additions, restrictions or modifications embodied in sections 274 to 284 inclusive. 274. The exemption from the requirement of individual disconnecting devices provided for in section 26 (2) 3 shall be extended to semi-fixed indicator lamps supplied, with or without a junction box, from the same main cable. Nevertheless a n individual disconnecting device shall remain compulsory if these lamps can be disconnected, opened or dismantled otherwise than •Electrical installations on the surface. s For sections 275, 281 and 282, and 284, see Divisions 3, 8 and 1 respectively of this chapter. 1 "26. (2) Fixed lamps shall be exempted from the requirement of an individual disconnecting device if they do not have to illuminate independent zones of activity. It shall be possible to cut off the current from at least one of the leads of such a group of lamps at a point in the centre of the zone of work or activity that they illuminate or at each of its exits." 2. GENERAL RULES 461 by means of a special key entrusted solely to a qualified employee appointed by name. 276. I n shafts and roads where armoured cables are liable to be touched inadvertently, they shall be protected by a non-conductive covering incapable of spreading a fire. All armoured cables under pressures of Class I I A and B 4 or Class LTI1 shall have an unsoldered lead sheath and have successfully passed the tests specified in section 36 (2).a 277. As an exception to the provisions of section 37 (2) 3 the distinction between conductors or appliances of Class I on the one hand, and those of Class I I B 3 on the other hand, shall not be compulsory, except for switchboards and for appliances and conductors used a t workplaces or faces and the roadways serving them. 278. (1) The restrictions laid down in section 38 (1) 4 shall not apply in respect of access to enclosed equipment (machines), protected equipment (transformers) or enclosed and armoured equipment (switchboards and appliances) used underground a t voltages of Class I I A or B4 a t workplaces or faces and the roads serving them. (2) The operating platform required under section 38 (4) 5 shall not 1 The categories into which electrical installations are divided according to voltage are as follows : (1) Miniature voltage installations (up to 30 volts to earth). (2) Other Installations, subdivided into— Class I A. Direct Current. Installations in which the maximum rated voltage to earth does not exceed 600. B. Alternating Current. Bl. Installations in which the maximum effective voltage between conductors and earth does not exceed 150. B2. Installations in which the maximum effective voltage between conductors and earth exceeds 150 but does not exceed 250. Class II A. Direct Current. Installations in which the maximum rated voltage to earth exceeds 600 but does not exceed 60,000. ¡3. Alternating Current. B3. Installations in which the maximum effective voltage between conductors and earth exceeds 250 but does not exceed 400. B4. Installations in which the maximum effective voltage between conductors and earth exceeds 400 but does not exceed 33,000. Class III Installations in which the voltage is 60,000 or more direct current, or 33,000 or more alternating current. s "36. (2) Conductors of Classes II and III that are buried or laid in conduits shall consist of cables of the best types known in a lead sheath without soldering and in so far as the number and arrangement of their conductors obviate the risk of heating by a magnetic field, with steel armouring. These cables shall have successfully passed, in the factory, the tests specified in the standards relating to the manufacture of leadsheathed cables." a "37. (2) Conductors and appliances at pressures of the second or third class shall, particularly on switchboards, be clearly distinguished from those of the first class by a very conspicuous mark, such as a coat of paint." 4 " 38. (1) Machines, transformers, switchboards and other equipment of Class III, Class II A or B4, and where they are not enclosed, protected or armoured and enclosed, Class II B3, shall be accessible only to the personnel in charge of them. If they are installed in an unattended room, the door which bars the access to this room shall be opened only on the order of the chief electrician or by persons appointed for this purpose ; entry shall be prohibited to other persons. If they are in a room that also serves some other purpose, the part of the room that they occupy shall be made inaccessible by a barrier or an equivalent device ; a notice mentioning the danger shall be posted conspicuously." ' " 3 8 . (4) Switchboards comprising metal parts under voltages of Class II or Class III shall have on the front (i.e. the side with the operating handles and the indicating instruments) a non-slippery operating platform insulated from the ground and large enough to make it impossible to touch simultaneously the appliances or the switchboard and any conducting body whatsoever connected to the ground." 462 XIX. ELECTRICITY be compulsory in front of enclosed and armoured switchboards comprising metal parts of Class I I . (3) The provisions of section 39 (2) x shall not apply to installations of Class I I B 3 t h a t are not fixed in position, or to mere lines of cables under voltages of Class I I and fixed in position. 279. The facilities provided for by section 40 (3) 2 shall only be allowed in respect of shaft-sinking or pumping operations. 280. (1) The provisions of section 44 (2) 3 shall apply to electrically equipped faces a n d workplaces. I t shall, however, suffice if the fire-extinguishers and stocks of sand are kept in the vicinity. (2) Independently of the provisions of section 44 (3) 4 , iron doors shall make it possible t o isolate from t h e workings equipment containing a large quantity of oil unless such equipment is provided with tight casing capable of withstanding the effects of an internal explosion and satisfying the requirements laid down in sections 308 6 and 309.6 283. The provisions of section 55 (1) 6 shall apply to of Class I . Protection against installations Damp 293. I n d a m p or return air shafts and roads the armouring of armoured cables shall be protected against corrosion by a covering t h a t is incapable of spreading a fire. 1 "39. (2) In all premises where there are electrical installations of Class II or Class III, there shall be provided at readily accessible places insulating hooks, insulating tongs or any other equipment suitable for rendering aid to persons who are victims of accidents due to electricity." 1 " 40. (1) Portable appliances or machines including trailing lamps, and movable or semi-fixed appliances or machines, shall comply with the provisions of section 30 in the case of any voltage other than miniature voltage. [Section 30 deals with earthing.] (2) These appliances or machines shall be supplied only at miniature voltage or voltage of Class I. Nevertheless, movable or semi-fixed appliances or machines, except truckmounted drills, may be supplied by alternating current of Class I I B 3 provided that they are enclosed (rotating machines), protected (transformers) or enclosed and armoured (appliances and switchboards) ; semi-fixed protected transformers may be supplied at any voltage of Class II. (3) Very powerful movable or semi-fixed appliances or machines entirely composed of parts that are either enclosed or protected, or enclosed and armoured may, with the authorisation of the district inspector of mines, be supplied at pressures higher than the limits specified in subsection (2) if the earthing of all the metal masses referred to in section 30 (1) is so effected that any defect in insulation resulting in a pressure exceeding 30 volts in any of these masses automatically and immediately causes the current to be cut off by the action ol circuit breakers or fuses." 1 Section 44 (2) provides that fire-extinguishers of suitable capacity shall be placed in rooms housing transformers and fixed generators and other electrical equipment, and that if such equipment is oil immersed the rooms shall also be supplied with bags or pails of clean and dry sand. ' " 44. (3) When use is made of oil-immersed equipment all measures shall be taken to ensure that if a large quantity of oil is accidentally spilt it is quickly absorbed by an appropriate smothering device." 1 See Division 7 of this chapter. • "55. (1) The operator shall send to the district inspector of mines a plan of those of his electrical installations of the second and third classes that are made subject to special requirements by the present regulations ; this plan shall indicate in particular the position of power stations, substations, transformer stations and wiring. A note annexed t o this plan shall show how the regulations (earthing of metal parts, etc.) are carried out, and shall give the necessary technical particulars to ensure supervision of the enforcement of the present regulations (nature of the current, voltages of the different parts of the Installation, etc.). In the first fortnight of each year the plan and the information that accompanies it shall be brought up to date, if necessary, by the operator and the alterations shall be communicated to the district inspector of mines. In the case of substantial alterations or of new installations, the plan and the supplementary information shall be sent to the district inspector of mines before the commencement of operations." 2 . GENERAL BULES 463 294. (1) Switchboards installed underground shall be effectively protected against dripping of water. They shall be made of incombustible materials that are proof against damp. (2) The conducting parts of distribution systems of the second class and, in very damp places, of the first class, shall be insulated from the panel of the switchboard by insulators." (R 4.5.1951) Note : An Order of 5 February 1952 deals with the posting of instructions concerning first aid for victims of electrical accidents. GERMANY The following requirements concerning the use of electrical equipment underground are laid down in the order of the Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour dated 13 April 1934 : The installation and working of electrical equipment are governed by the relevant regulations of the Association of German Electrical Engineers, with t h e proviso that all machines, transformers and appliances with flameproof casing, or rendered safer by reducing the heating of insulated windings, must bear a manufacturer's number. Only the following may be installed : (a) equipment with a manufacturer's number, provided t h a t a works certificate in the prescribed form has been issued for it ; (b) equipment without such number or certificate, provided that when delivered it is clearly marked "Tested" (4). The Divisional Mining Office must issue special operating instructions as required (5). Electrical equipment must be thoroughly inspected by a qualified person at least once a year. The interval between two successive inspections may not exceed 15 months (11). The qualified person is empowered to carry out occasional supplementary inspections if he thinks fit, more especially in the case of pits where underground electrification is just beginning (12). The flameproof parts of the plant must be tested at least once a week by a qualified person belonging to the mine. Portable machines, transformers and appliances must also be tested daily by a competent electrician (13). The results of the test on delivery and of the other inspections must be entered in a special register (14). INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOB U S E UNDERGROUND I N M I N E S The installation regulations in force are those of the Association of German Electrical Engineers (VDE 0118-1937). They are divided into the following parts : I. Scope. I I . Definitions. I I I . General provisions. IV. Additional provisions for special places in the mine. V. Means of communication (telephone and signalling systems, etc.). The general provisions are divided into the following parts : A. Protective measures (protection against contact with live parts ; protection against excessive contact voltages—i.e., insulation, earthing, etc. ; overload protection). B. Electrical machines, transformers and batteries. C. Switchgear and distribution apparatus. 464 XIX. ELECTRICITY D. Appliances (switches ; starters, controls and resisters ; plug and socket connections ; fuses, etc.). E. Portable equipment. E l . Electric welding. E. Lighting equipment. G. Type, dimensions, installation and connection of wiring. H. Locomotive haulage. J. Shotfiring in connection with heavy current plant. The provisions relating to locomotive haulage have been summarised in Chapter VIII, Division 6, and the provisions concerning electrical shotfiring in Chapter V I . Other provisions t h a t are more particularly applicable to rnining conditions are summarised below. III. General Provisions Eor every entire system the following plans are required : (1) A site plan, showing the site of fixed transformers and the cables and distribution points ahead of them in the air current of the mine. (2) A wiring plan, which, for the same area, shows the wiring system of the installation. For electric installation rooms, whether locked or not, an extract from the wiring plan relating to the part of the installation concerned is required, and it must give all indications necessary for operation. Electrical equipment must not be used beyond its capacity and must be protected against damage of all kinds (4). Protective measures, for which detailed requirements are laid down, consist of protection against contact with live parts, protection against excessive contact voltage (insulation, protective earthing and neutral earthing), prevention of occurrence of excessive voltage (earthing, fuses or circuit breakers, relays) and protection against excessive loads (5 to 8). B. Electrical Machines, Transformers and Batteries Electrical Machines. (a) Electrical machines must be so installed that the requisite cooling is ensured. (b) Electrical machines must be specially protected against deposits of foreign matter, against mechanical damage, dripping water, etc., if such protection is necessary having regard to the nature and place of use, and is not furnished by the design of the machine itself (9). Transformers. (a) Transformers must be so installed that the requisite cooling is ensured. (b) Oil-filled transformers must be installed in fireproof places. Devices must be provided to collect and automatically extinguish escaping oil. (c) If oil-filled transformers are so installed that in the event of a fire the gases might flow past occupied workings, it must be possible to shut off the place where t h e y are installed b y means of fireproof doors, shutters, or the like. (d) [Exemptions for small transformers.] (e) Oil-filled transformers with a n output exceeding 20 kVA must be provided with conservators. (f) The oil level in oil-filled transformers must be ascertainable ; there must also be a n oil discharge outlet. I t must further be possible to take samples of oil from the transformer. (ff) [Types of oil permissible.] (10). 2 . GENERAI, BULES 465 Batteries. (a) The individual cells must be insulated from the casing and the casing must be insulated from the earth. (b) [Exemptions for small cells.] (c) The use of batteries containing celluloid is prohibited. (d) I n battery rooms and charging rooms the equipment must be protected against damage from the electrolyte. (e) Such rooms must be adequately ventilated. (f) Only flameproof lamps may be used for lighting battery rooms (11). D. Appliances Plug and Socket Connections. (a) Only plug and socket connections may be used with which insertion and removal of the plug is impossible under load or cannot be effected by unauthorised persons. This does not apply to connections when the pressure does not exceed 250 volts to earth for rated loads not exceeding 2.5 kW and currents not exceeding 25A, or, in the case of direct current, 6A. (b) If the pressure exceeds 250 volts to earth even after disconnection current-carrying parts must not be accessible to contact, whether direct of indirect. (c) For miniature voltages use may be made only of plugs t h a t cannot fit into sockets for higher voltages. (d) For connecting portable apparatus to a circuit with a protective conductor, only sockets with safety connectors may be used, in which it must not be possible to insert plugs without safety connectors. (e) Use may be made only of protected plug and socket connections in which the safety connector is of at least equivalent construction to the pole contacts. (f) Sockets for screwing into fittings or holders are not allowed (16). E . Portable Equipment (a) Hand tools with a built-in drive, for example, drills and other electrical tools, may be operated under voltages u p to 125 to earth with alternating current, and up to 250 with direct current. In dry places, operating voltages up to 250 are permissible, with alternating current. (b) On hand tools with a built-in drive, and also on coal-cutting and holing machines, switching-off devices must be built in. (c) For the leads of portable equipment that is frequently shifted from place to place, only strong cab-tyre cables or their equivalent may be used. The leads must be protected against bending or damage at the point of entry. At both ends of the lead the points of entry must be such t h a t there is no pull on the junction, and the wire coverings are protected against rubbing and the wires against twisting (18). (VDE 0118 - 1937) Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued : Requirements applying to surveying instruments with electric lighting equipment (6 February 1930). 466 X I X . ELECTEICITY Conditions for approval of the installation and operation of lighting equipment for photography underground (1939). Conditions for approval of the installation and operation of electric searchlight equipment for locomotives underground (1939). NETHERLANDS The Netherlands electrical regulations applying to coal mines comprise the Mine Electrical Regulations, 1947, and a series of orders issued by the Inspector-General. The Mine Electrical Regulations are reproduced in full in the present chapter. The Inspector-General's orders are seven in number, as follows : I, definitions ; I I , scope ; I I I and IV, regulations for surface works, divided into regulations for low tension (up to 500 volts between two poles or phases) and regulations for high tension (over 500 volts between two poles or phases) ; V and VI, regulations for the underground workings, also divided into regulations for low and high tension respectively ; and VII, operating regulations. Construction regulations—that is to say, those relating to the requirements to be satisfied by the equipment—e.g., machines, appliances, wiring and accessories, are not included in these orders. The regulations concerning installation requirements in the surface works are as far as possible modelled on those applying to factories and workplaces. I n the first place they lay down general rules respecting— (a) insulation ; (b) protection against contact ; (c) prevention of electrical connection to parts that should not be live (earthing, protective switches, Heinisch-Riedl system, etc.) ; (d) machines ; (e) transformers ; (f) switchgear (cubicles, switchboards, busbars) ; (g) electrical appliances (switches, fuses, plug connections, lamp holders, lighting ornaments, protective transformers, cooking and heating appliances, electrically driven appliances, lamps, measuring and testing instruments, etc.) ; (h) wiring (installation loading and protection). In addition to these general regulations, for electrical installations in special places or for special purposes, supplementary regulations have been framed, inter alia, for— (a) electric machinery rooms ; (b) dusty places ; (c) places with fire risks ; (d) places with dust-explosion risks ; (e) places with reduced gas-explosion risks ; (f) places with gas-explosion risks ; (g) damp places or places with corrosive gases, vapours or materials ; (h) places where batteries are installed ; (i) places where heavy work is done ; (j) installations on buildings under construction ; (k) installations in testing rooms and laboratories ; (I) lift installations ; (m) installation of cranes, loading bridges and similar hoisting appliances. The regulations governing electrical installations in the underground workings are framed on the same lines but with due regard to the special character of underground operations. 2. GENEBAL ETILES 467 The Inspector-General's seven orders make up a volume of over 300 pages and cannot be reproduced in full in the present chapter. Orders I (definitions), I I (scope), I I I (low-tension installations on the surface), IV (hightension installations on the surface) and VI (high-tension installations underground) are entirely omitted. From Order V (low-tension installations underground), Chapter V (supplementary regulations for places with a dust-explosion risk) and Chapter VII (supplementary regulations for places where the firedamp content of the air current is normally over 1.5 per cent.) have been reproduced in the present chapter. Chapter X I concerning trolley-locomotive haulage will be found in Chapter VIII, Division 6 of the present volume. Order VI is in two parts, (1) surface and (2) underground. Only Chapter I (general rules) and Chapter IV (supplementary rules for certain specially dangerous places) of Part 2 are reproduced in this chapter. The Inspector-General has also issued regulations for the construction of electrical equipment for use in places where there is a risk of firedamp. " I . In this decree— 'Electrical low-tension installations' shall mean electrical installations with a rated voltage not exceeding 500 between two poles or phases. 'Electrical high-tension installations' shall mean electrical installations with a rated voltage exceeding 500 between two poles or phases. 2. All parts referred to in the present decree shall on request be sent at any time for examination to an official mentioned in section 7 1 of the Mine Regulations, 1939, and to the competent Electrotechnical Adviser. 3. The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered, after consulting the mine manager and for the purpose of issuing more detailed rules, to divide the underground workings and surface works into risk classes according to the nature and the magnitude of the explosion risk. 4. (1) The Inspector-General of Mines may require, in respect of electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances, wiring and wiring accessories, the production of a test certificate issued by an institution recognised by him. (2) Recognition as referred to in the preceding subsection may be revoked at any time by the Inspector-General of Mines. 5. If there is a risk of the release of large quantities of firedamp or coal-dust, the Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered, after consulting the mine manager, to prohibit entirely or partly or to limit the use of electricity in the underground workings. 6. Before beginning the installation, extension or renewal of important electrical high-tension installations, and, in cases where the InspectorGeneral so requires, before beginning the installation, extension or renewal of electrical low-tension installations, three copies of a clearly understandable plan of the installation shall be communicated in good time to the InspectorGeneral. 7. Electrical installations shall both as a whole and in their parts be so installed that the possibility of outbreaks of fire and explosion and of dangerous contact of current with, or injuries to, persons, whether in the use and operation of the installation or in repair, maintenance, testing, measuring and control operations, is as far as possible excluded. 8. Electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances, wiring and wiring accessories shall be so assembled, installed, erected, placed, protected, connected and used that the possibility of outbreaks of fire and explosion and dangerous contact of current with, or injury to, persons, whether in the use and operation of the installation or in repair, maintenance, testing, measuring and control operations, is as far as possible excluded. 1 Officials of the State Mines Inspectorate and workmen's examiners. 468 X I X . ELECTBIOITY 9. Electric machines, transformers, appliances, wiring and -wiring accessories that are installed, placed or used in places where there is a risk of high environmental temperature shall be so assembled that their temperature cannot exceed the permissible maximum. 10. At places where the risk of mechanical damage is high, electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances, wiring and wiring accessories shall be so protected that mechanical damage is as far as possible prevented. 11. Activities consisting in the use and operation and also in the installation, extension, renewal, alteration, repair, maintenance, testing, measuring and control of electrical installations shall be so performed that the possibility of outbreaks of fire and explosion and of dangerous contact of current with, or injury to, persons is as far as possible excluded. 12. The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered, after consulting the mine manager, to issue more detailed rules concerning enforcement of the provisions of sections 7 to 11 inclusive. 13. The provisions of Chapters I 1 , X V 2 and XVTII 3 of the Mine Regulations, 1939, shall apply for the purposes of the present decree and the rules laid down for its enforcement." (R 21.5.1947) SOUTH AFRICA (See also Chapter XII.) In addition to the general electricity regulations which apply to mines in conunon with all other industrial undertakings, the following provisions apply particularly t o mines : Where there m a y be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other explosive material, approved flameproof or explosion-proof apparatus must be used (184). The following special provisions apply to installations underground in mines : (1) Inflammable or explosive material must not be stored in any room or compartment containing transformers or switchgear, or in the dangerous vicinity thereof. (2) No conductor of an earthing system may have a cross-sectional area of less than 0.022 in. a , with the exception of earth conductors connected to instruments and t h e like. (3) All cables, other than signalling wires and flexible cables for portable apparatus must be protected by a metallic covering— (a) where the pressure exceeds low pressure ; (b) where the roadway conveying the cables is also used for mechanical haulage ; and (c) where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material (188). The following provisions apply to installations underground in coal mines : (1) (a) As a rule every part of a system must be kept efficiently insulated from earth. (b) Efficient means where applicable must be provided and used for indicating any defect in the insulation of a system. (2) Cables unprotected by a metallic covering must be properly secured by some non-conducting and readily breakable material to efficient insulators. 1 General provisions. • Inspection. * Appeals. 2 . GENERAL BULES 469 (3) The engineer or his duly appointed assistant or assistants must carry out the following duties : (a) the thorough examination monthly of all electrical apparatus, including the testing of earth conductors and metallic coverings for continuity ; and ( b ) the examination and testing of all new apparatus and of all electrical apparatus re-erected in a new position before it is put into service in the new position (189). The person authorised to work an electrically driven coal cutter or other portable machine must not leave the machine while it is working, and, before leaving the working place, must ensure that the pressure is cut off from the flexible trailing cable which supplies the machine. Every flexible cable attached to an electrical coal cutter must be examined periodically and, if found damaged or defective, must forthwith be replaced. Such damaged or defective cable must not be further used underground until after it has been sent to the surface and there properly repaired (105). No unauthorised person may operate any electrical machinery underground in any fiery mine, except in intake airways or with the written permission of the Inspector of Mines (146). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Note : In the United Kingdom general provisions concerning the use of electricity in coal mines are contained in the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954. These provisions are supplemented by the provisions of regulations. The regulations in force are Part I I I of the General Regulations of 10 July 1913. Very detailed regulations designed to supersede those of 1913 were drafted by a committee appointed in 1939. The draft has never been put into force, but its provisions are being applied in practice to a steadily increasing 1extent. The text of the draft will be found in the report of the committee. In this chapter provisions of the regulations of 1913 are reproduced. Regulations may make provision with respect to— (a) the generation, storage, transformation, transmission and use of electricity at mines ; and (b) the use, construction, installation, examination, repair, maintenance, alteration, adjustment and testing of electrical apparatus and electric cables at mines ; and must make provision for requiring t h a t , where the amount of inflammable gas in the general body of the air in a part of a mine below ground exceeds such percentage by volume, not exceeding one-and-a-quarter, as may be prescribed, the supply of electricity to all apparatus in that part of the mine (other than prescribed safe apparatus) shall be cut off; and may make provision for requiring the cutting off in other prescribed circumstances of the supply of electricity to apparatus below ground in a mine. If with respect to a mine or a part of a mine an inspector is of opinion that the use of electricity would or might involve substantial risk of an explosion of gas or dust, he may prohibit it or restrict it to such extent as he may specify (88). * * * (A 1954) "120. A proper plan on the same scale as that kept at the mine in fulfilment of the requirements of the Act 2 , shall be kept in the office at the mine showing the position of all fixed apparatus in the mine, other than 1 Mines Department : Report of the Committee on the Amendment of the General Regulations Governing the Use of Electricity in Mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911 (London, H.M. Stationery Office, 1941) (reprinted 1951). »The Coal Mines Act, 1911. 470 XIX. ELECTRICITY cables, telephones and signalling apparatus. The said plan shall be corrected as often as may be necessary to keep it reasonably up to date, and it shall be produced to an inspector of mines at any time on his request. 121. The following notices, constructed of durable material, shall be exhibited where necessary : (i) A notice prohibiting any person other than an authorised person from handling or interfering with apparatus. (ii) A notice containing directions as to procedure in case of fire. This notice shall b e exhibited in every place containing apparatus, other than cables, telephones and signalling apparatus. (iii) A notice containing directions as to the restoration of persons suffering from the effects of electric shock. (iv) A notice containing instructions how to communicate with the person appointed under regulation 128 (a). This notice shall be exhibited at the shaft bottom. 122. (a) I n all places lighted by electricity where a failure of the electric light would be likely to cause danger, one or more safety lamps or other proper lights shall be kept continuously burning. (b) Efficient telephonic or other equivalent means of communication shall be provided for communicating between the place in which the switchgear provided under regulation 128 (a) is erected and the shaft bottom or main distributing centre in the pit. (a) Fire buckets of suitable capacity, filled with clean dry sand ready for immediate use in extinguishing fires, shall be kept in every place containing apparatus, other than cables, telephones and signalling apparatus. 123. (aJ Where necessary to prevent danger or mechanical damage transformers and switchgear shall be placed in a separate room, compartment, or box. (b) Unless t h e apparatus is so constructed, protected, and worked as to obviate the risk of fire, no inflammable material shall be used in the construction of a n y room, compartment, or box containing apparatus or in the construction of any of the fittings therein. Each such room, compartment or box shall be substantially constructed and shall be kept dry. (c) Adequate working space and means of access clear of obstruction and free from danger shall be provided for all apparatus that has to be worked or attended t o by any person, and all handles intended to be operated shall be conveniently placed for t h a t purpose. 124. (a) All apparatus and conductors shall be sufficient in size and power for the work they may be called upon to do, and so constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained as to prevent danger so far as is reasonably practicable. (b) All insulating material shall be chosen with special regard to the circumstances of its proposed use. I t shall be of mechanical strength sufficient for its purpose, and, so far as is practicable, it shall be of such a character or so protected as fully to maintain its insulating properties under working conditions of temperature and moisture. (c) Every part of a system shall be kept efficiently insulated from earth, except that (i) the neutral point of a polyphase system may be earthed a t one point only ; (ii) the mid-voltage point of any system, other than a concentric system, m a y be earthed a t one point only ; and (iii) the outer conductor of a concentric system shall be earthed. Where any point of a system is earthed it shall be earthed by connection to an earthing system a t the surface of the mine. (d) Efficient means shall be provided for indicating any defect in the insulation of a system. 126. (a) Where electricity is distributed a t a pressure higher than medium pressure (i) it shall not be used without transformation to medium 2. GENERAL BULES 471 or low pressure except in fixed machines in which the high or extra high pressure parts are stationary ; and (ii) motors under 20 horsepower shall be supplied with current through a transformer stepping down to medium or low pressure. (b) Where energy is transformed, suitable provision shall be made to guard against danger by reason of the lower-pressure apparatus becoming accidentally charged above its normal pressure by leakage from or contact with the higher-pressure apparatus. 127. Switchgear and all terminals, cable ends, cable joints and connections of apparatus shall be constructed and installed so that— (i) All parts shall be of mechanical strength sufficient to resist rough usage. (ii) All conductors and contact areas shall be of ample current-carrying capacity, and all joints in conductors shall be properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made. (iii) The lodgment of any matter likely to diminish the insulation, and of coal-dust on or close to live parts shall be prevented. (iv) All live parts shall be so protected or enclosed as to prevent accidental contact by persons and danger from arcs or short circuits, fire or water. (v) Where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material, all parts shall be so protected as to prevent open sparking. 128. (a) Properly contracted switchgear for cutting off the supply of current to the mine shall be provided at the surface of the mine, and during the time any cable is live a person authorised to operate the said switchgear shall be available within easy reach thereof. Lightning arresters, properly adjusted and maintained, shall be provided where necessary to prevent danger. (b) Efficient means, suitably placed, shall be provided for cutting off all pressure from every part of a system, as may be necessary t o prevent danger. (c) Such efficient means shall be provided in respect of each separate circuit for cutting off all pressure automatically from the circuit or part or parts of the circuit affected in the event of a fault as may be necessary to prevent danger. (d) Every motor shall be controlled by switchgear for starting and stopping, so arranged as to cut off all pressure from the motor and from all apparatus in connection therewith, and so placed as to be easily worked by the person appointed to work the motor. (e) If a concentric system is used, no switch, fuse or circuit breaker shall be placed in the outer conductor, or in any conductor connected thereto, except that, if required, a reversing switch may be inserted in the outer conductor at the place where the current is being used. Nevertheless, switches, fuses, or circuit breakers may be used to break the connection with the generators or transformers supplying the electricity ; provided that the connection of the outer conductor with the earthing system shall not thereby be broken. 131 (e) Should there be a fault in any circuit the part affected shall be made dead without delay, and shall remain so until the fault has been remedied. (f) All apparatus shall be kept clear of obstruction and free from dust, dirt and moisture, as may be necessary to prevent danger. Inflammable or explosive material shall not be stored in any room, compartment or box containing apparatus, or in the vicinity of apparatus. (g) Adequate precautions shall be taken by earthing or other suitable means to discharge electrically any conductor or apparatus, or any adjacent 472 XIX. ELECTRICITY apparatus, if there is danger therefrom, before it is handled and to prevent any conductor or apparatus from being accidentally or inadvertently electrically charged when persons are working thereon. While lamps are being changed the pressure shall be cut off. Provided t h a t this paragraph shall not apply to the cleaning of commutators and slip-rings working at low or medium pressures." (R 10.7.1913) UMTED STATES Federal "62. (a) If a t a n y time in any place in a mine a gas cap is detected on a flame safety lamp, or 2 per cent, or more of gas is detected by other means, the electric current shall be cut off from that place and shall not be switched on again until the place has been examined and found safe or has been cleared of gas. Telephones, signal wires and open motors are potential sources of igniting flammable gases. 68. (a) Where the difference of potential between any two points of an electrical circuit does not exceed 300 volts, the current shall be deemed low voltage. (b) Where said difference of potential exceeds 300 volts and does not exceed 500 volts, t h e current shall be deemed medium voltage. (c) Where said difference of potential exceeds 500 volts, the current shall be deemed high voltage. 69. (a) High-voltage current may be used underground only for the transmission to and the operation of transformers, stationary motors, or other apparatus in which the whole of the high-voltage winding is stationary. 70. Only low-voltage current shall be used on locomotives, portable pumps, coal-cutting machinery, and other portable electrical machinery in or about working places that are near the face of the mine and on roadways travelled by men. 73. (a) All underground electric stations shall be flreproofed, and a t least one fire-extinguisher of a kind approved by the district mining supervisor shall be kept a t each station for use in the event of a fire in the electric apparatus. The transformer stations shall be so constructed that oil cannot escape therefrom and so equipped that the openings will automatically close in t h e event of fire. (b) Insulated platforms or mats shall be placed in front of switches, motor starters, and all metallic frames, casings, and coverings of stationary equipment. The metallic frames or casings or coverings of all stationary electrical equipment and power lines shall be effectively grounded. (o) Where high voltage is used, fixed warning signs shall be conspicuously posted, and the colour of the insulation used on high-voltage wires in electrical stations at transformers and switches shall be different from that used on the medium or low voltage wires. Yellow is suggested. 76. (a) I n every mine in which electric cutting machines or other portable electric machines are used, the portable cables shall be connected t o the power line by plug and plug receptacles or interlocking safety switches accessible to the working places where the machines are used, and within 500 ft. of the point of each installation of a pump or auxiliary fan. (b) Cut-out switches in the trolley lines and lighting circuits shall be placed at the mouth of each branch entry and elsewhere at distances not exceeding 2,000 ft. 2 . GENERAL RULES 473 fo) Electric current shall be cut off by means of cut-out switches from sections of the mine where men are not working and wires permanently disused shall be disconnected from the source of current." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VIII. Electricity 2. Transformer stations (c) All transformers ordered after the effective date of this code, for use underground, shall be air cooled or filled with non-flammable liquid or inert gas. (d) Suitable danger signs shall be posted conspicuously at all transformer stations on the surface and underground. (e) All transformer stations on the surface and underground shall be kept free of non-essential combustible materials and refuse. 3. Substations, battery-charging stations, electrically operated pumps and compressors. (a) All surface and underground substations, batterystations, pump stations, and compressor stations shall be kept free of nonessential combustible materials and refuse. (b) All housings enclosing oil switchgear shall be ventilated effectively. (c) Reverse-current protection shall be provided a t storage-battery charging stations to prevent the storage batteries from energising the power circuits in the event of power failure. 6. Circuit breakers, switches, and sudtchboards. (a) Automatic circuit-breaking devices or fuses of the correct type and capacity shall be installed so as to protect all electric equipment and power circuits against excessive overload; provided, however, that this does not apply to locomotives operated regularly on grades exceeding 5 per cent. Wires or other conducting materials shall not be used as a substitute for properly designed fuses, and circuit-breaking devices shall be maintained in good operating condition. (b) Operating controls, such as switches, starters, and switch buttons, shall be so installed t h a t they are readily accessible and can be operated without danger of contact with moving or live parts. On stationary equipment provision shall be made for locking starting equipment in the off position to prevent accidental application of power. (c) Disconnecting switches shall be installed underground in all main power circuits within 500 ft. of the bottoms of shafts and boreholes, and at other places where main power circuits enter the mine. (d) Electric equipment and circuits shall be provided with switches or other controls of safe design, construction, and installation. (e) Dry wooden platforms, insulating mats, or other electrically nonconductive material shall be kept in place at each switchboard, powercontrol switch, and a t stationary machinery where shock hazards exist. (f) Resisters or rheostats shall be installed in such a manner as not to create a fire hazard, and shall be guarded adequately against personal contact. (g) When not in use, power circuits underground shall be de-energised on idle days and idle shifts. (h) Electric parts, such as switches, circuit breakers, rheostats, relays, and fuses, shall be installed on switchboards or mounted on incombustible bases of slate or equivalent insulating material. (i) Switchboards installed after the effective date of this code shall be located so that ample room will be provided between the switchboard and passageways or lanes of travel and shall have an entrance at each end to permit authorised persons to inspect, adjust, or repair apparatus back 474 XIX. ELECTRICITY of the board. Switchboards shall have the entrance to the rear guarded against entrance of unauthorised persons, unless in a building that is kept locked. (j) Switchboards shall be well lighted for switch operations in the front and for repair and maintenance in the rear. (k) Rooms housing switchboards shall not be used for the storage of combustible materials, and shall be kept free of debris and refuse. (I) Suitable danger signs shall be posted conspicuously at all highpotential switchboard installations. 9. Electric equipment (d) In any new mine or any old mine that may be reopened and reequipped after the effective date of this code, electric power for face equipment shall be limited to 650 volts between any conductors and ground. Article IX. Safeguards for Mechanical Equipment 1. Face equipment (c) Electric drills or other electrically operated rotating tools intended to be held in the hands shall have the electric switch constructed so as to break the circuit when the hand releases the switch or shall be equipped with properly adjusted friction or safety clutches." (FMC 1953) Note : The Bureau of Mines has issued various regulations concerning the specifications and testing of different items of electrical equipment for permissibility. These regulations have been incorporated in U.S. Code, Title 30, Chapter I , Sub-chapter D as follows : P a r t 18. Junction boxes and electric-motor-driven mine equipment. Part 19. Electric cap lamps. Part 20. Electric mine lamps other than cap lamps. Part 23. Telephones for coal mines. Part 24. Single-shot blasting units. Part 25. Multiple-shot blasting units. The regulations also appear in Schedules of the Bureau of Mines. Illinois The Act of 24 J u n e 1921 lays down t h a t all mines using alternating current underground shall construct and maintain fireproof rooms in which to install transformers. All wires leading to the transformers must be adequately insulated. Transformers must be constructed with automatic cut-outs in case of short circuiting (1). Motor generator and transformer stations underground must be of fireproof construction and indicated on the mine plans. Fire-extinguishing equipment must be kept in each station (4). New Mexico "1703. Motors of electric locomotives, loaders, coal-cutting machines, and other portable apparatus shall not be operated at a voltage exceeding 250. Provided, however, that all such equipment in use at the time of the passage of this Act may be used and the same may be repaired, replaced or relocated or additions made thereto, if the voltage thereof at no time exceeds 550. 2. GENERAL EITLES 475 1704. For transmission purposes underground a voltage in excess of 550 may be used, provided that such circuits are carried inside metallic sheaths or armours with the sheaths or armours permanently grounded. This higher voltage may only be applied to transformers or stationary motors. 1705. At electric stations where caution sign notices will tend t o prevent electrical accidents, such notices shall be posted. 1709. (a) Switchboards shall be so located in an underground station that there shall be a straight passageway of not less than 3 ft. wide in front and in back of the switchboard. This 3 ft. passageway shall be clear of all apparatus mounted on the boards and shall be accessible at both ends but shall not be entered by an unauthorised person and shall not be used for the storage of material or clothing. The space behind switchboards where the voltage exceeds 650 shall be kept closed by locked doors t h a t can be opened from within without the use of a key. I n case of existing installations that do not meet the requirements with respect to passage space in back of the switchboard, no person shall be permitted back of the boards while any apparatus or circuits connected therewith are alive. Where the voltage exceeds 650, all live metal parts on the front of switchboards within 7 ft. of the floor shall be protected. (b) Rubber mats or other equally effective means of insulation shall be kept on the floor along the entire front of all switchboards. (c) Switchboards shall be wired in a workmanlike manner with wiring having adequate insulation for the voltage used. If the wires are brought close together they shall have a tight incombustible outer covering. 1710. (a) All switches for use underground shall be rugged in construction and adequately proportioned as to capacity. On new equipment hereafter installed switches operating on circuits over 125 volts, except trolley lines, that are opened while under load shall be provided with quick-break attachments to prevent excessive arcking. Where, because of moisture, there is likelihood of switch handles becoming electrically charged, special switches operated with short wood handles shall be provided. I n so far as feasible, switches shall be located in a thoroughly dry place. I n case the switches cannot be so located, an insulated platform shall be provided for the men to stand on when operating the switch. (b) Where there is danger of accident due to the closing of an open switch, proper warning signs shall be placed at such by the person opening the said switch. Where practicable, switches shall be so wired that the blades will not be alive when the switch is open. Switches shall not be installed in such a manner as to close by gravity. Switches shall be convenient and accessible, yet so safeguarded that the liability to accidental contact with Uve parts thereof shall be reduced to a minimum. All switches should be of the enclosed permissible type. (c) Oil switches shall be used for operating or controlling all alternating current circuits above 600 volts. 1711. Fuses and automatic circuit-breakers shall be constructed so as to effectually interrupt the current when a short circuit occurs or when the current through them exceeds a predetermined value. Iron or copper wires shall not be used for fuses. All fuses shall be stamped or marked, or shall have a label attached indicating their rating. Fuses shall be adjusted or replaced only by an authorised person. 1716. Transformers other than those used on signal circuits shall be installed in fireproof rooms and mounted on substantial fireproof bases or walls. Door or doors to rooms shall be installed." (A 16.3.1933) 31 476 XIX. ELECTRICITY Pennsylvania "Definitions Potential. The terms 'potential' and 'voltage' are synonymous and mean electrical pressure. Difference of potential. The expression 'difference of potential' means the difference of electrical pressure existing between any two points of a n electrical system, or between any point of such a system and the earth, as determined by a voltmeter. Potential of a circuit. The potential or voltage of a circuit, machine or any piece of electrical apparatus, is the potential normally existing between the conductors of such circuit or the terminals of such machine or apparatus. (a) Where the conditions of the supply of electricity are such that the difference in potential between any points of the circuit cannot exceed 300 volts, the supply shall be deemed a low-voltage supply. (b) Where the conditions of the supply of electricity are such that the difference of potential between any two points in the circuit may at any time exceed 300 volts but cannot exceed 650 volts the supply shall be deemed a medium-voltage supply. (c) Where the conditions of the supply of electricity are such that the difference of potential between any two points in the circuit may at any time exceed 650 volts, the supply shall be deemed a high-voltage supply. Grounding. Grounding any part of an electrical system shall consist in so connecting such part to the earth that there shall be no difference of potential between them. Explosion or flameproof. Explosion or flameproof casings or enclosures are those which, when completely filled with a mixture of methane and air, and the same exploded, are capable of either entirely confining the products of such explosion within the casing or of so discharging them from the casing t h a t they cannot ignite a mixture of methane and air, combined in proportions most sensitive to ignition and entirely surrounding the points of discharge, and in most intimate proximity therewith. Underground station. An underground station is herein considered as any place where electrical machinery is permanently installed. Section One—General Capacity—Installation, etc. 1. All electrical apparatus and conductors shall be sufficient in size and power for the work they may be called upon to do, and, as hereinafter prescribed, efficiently covered or safeguarded, and so installed, worked, and maintained as t o reduce danger from accidental shock or fire to the minimum, and shall be of such construction, and so worked, that the rise in temperature caused by ordinary working will not injure the insulating materials. 2. For work underground, when supplied with a current at a voltage higher than medium voltage, no transformer shall have a normal capacity of less than 5 kW, nor shall a motor have a normal capacity of less than 15 brake horsepower. Voltage Restrictions. 4. Motors of coal-cutting and other portable machines, and of electric locomotives, shall n o t be used at a voltage higher than medium voltage. 5. No higher voltage than medium voltage shall be used underground, except for transmission or for application to transformers or other apparatus in which the whole of the high-voltage circuit is stationary. 2. GENERAL RULES 477 6. I n gaseous mines, high-voltage transmission cable shall be installed in the intake airways only, and high-voltage motors and transformers shall be installed only in suitable chambers ventilated by the intake air which has not passed through or by a gaseous district. 7. All high-voltage machines, apparatus, and lines shall be so marked as to clearly indicate that they are dangerous, by the use of the word 'Danger' placed at frequent intervals. Ground Detectors. 8. All underground systems of distribution that are completely insulated from earth shall be equipped with properly installed ground detectors, of suitable design. The condition of such system as indicated by the ground detector shall be noted each day by the person in charge of the underground wiring, or by another competent person, who shall immediately report to him the occurrence of a ground. Switchboards. 9. Main and distribution switch and fuse boards shall be made of incombustible insulating material, such as marble or slate, free from metallic veins, and be fixed in as dry a situation as practicable. Precaution against Shock. 10. Gloves or mats of rubber or other suitable insulating material shall be provided and used by persons so engaged when repairs are made to the live parts of any electrical apparatus, or when the live parts of electrical apparatus have to be handled for the purpose of adjustment. Restoration from Shock. 13. Instructions shall be posted in every generating, transforming, and motor room, and at the entrance to the mine, containing directions as to the restoration of persons suffering from electric shock, and all employees working in connection with electrical apparatus shall be familiar with and know how to carry out these instructions. Plan of Electrical System. 14. A plan shall be kept at the mine, showing the location of all stationary electrical apparatus in connection with the mine electrical system, including permanent cables, conductors, lights, switches, and trolley lines. The plan shall be of sufficient size to show clearly the position of such apparatus, and the scale shall not be less than 200 ft./in. There shall be stated on the plan the capacity in horsepower of each motor, and in kW of each generator or transformer, and the nature of its duty. Such plans shall be corrected as often as may be necessary to keep them up to date, at intervals not exceeding six months. Report of Defective Equipment. 15. In the event of a breakdown, or of damage or injury to any portion of the electrical equipment in a mine, or of overheating, or of the appearance of sparks or arcs outside of enclosing casings, or in the event of any portion of the equipment, not a part of the electrical circuit, becoming alive, every such occurrence shall be promptly reported to the person in charge of electrical equipment. 478 XIX. BLECTBICITY Section Two—Underground Stations and Transformer Booms Switchboards. 16. All switches, circuit breakers, rheostats, fuses, and instruments used in connection with underground motor generators, rotary converters, high-voltage motors, transformers, and low and medium voltage motors of more than 50 horsepower capacity, shall be installed upon a suitable switchboard. Similar equipment for low and medium voltage motors of 50 horsepower and less, may be separately installed, if mounted upon insulating bases of slate or equivalent insulating material. 17. I n underground stations where switchboards are installed, there shall be a passageway in front of the switchboard not less than 3 ft. in width, and, if there are any high-voltage connections a t the back of the switchboard, any passageway behind the switchboard shall not be less than. 3 ft. clear. 18. The space a t the back of the switchboards shall be properly floored, accessible from each end, and, in the case of high-voltage switchboards, shall be kept locked up, but the lock shall allow of the door being opened from the inside without the use of a key. The floor at the back of highvoltage boards shall be incombustible. 19. Where the supply is at a voltage exceeding the limits of medium voltage, there shall b e no live metal work on the front of the main switchboard within 7 ft. of the floor or platform, and the space provided under rule 17 of this section shall not be less than 4 ft. in the clear. Insulating floors or mats shall be provided for medium voltage boards, where live metal work is on t h e front. Protection of Circuits Leading Underground. 20. I n every completely insulated feeder circuit in excess of 25 kW capacity, leading underground and operating at a potential not exceeding the limits of medium voltage, there shall be provided above ground a switch on each pole, and a n automatic overload circuit breaker on at least one pole in the case of direct-current circuits, and on at least two poles of polyphase alternating-current circuits. In case of ground return direct-current circuits, a switch a n d circuit breaker shall be installed in the underground side of the circuit, but may be omitted from the return side. Fuses may be substituted for circuit breakers in circuits transmitting 25 kW or less. Each circuit leading underground shall be provided with a suitable ammeter. 21. Every alternating-current feeder circuit leading underground and operating at a potential exceeding the limits of medium voltage shall be provided above ground with an oil break switch on each pole, such switch or switches to be equipped with an automatic overload trip, and with inverse time overload protection, in case of sustained moderate overload. Each such circuit shall also be provided with a suitable ammeter. Transformer and Substation Rooms. 22. Any motor generator, converter, rotary converter, or transformer installed in a mine after the passage of this amendment shall be enclosed in a fireproof building of masonry or in an effectively grounded approved steel structure. Such buildings shall be provided with automatically closing fire-doors, b u t the automatic features of fire-doors may be omitted if a substation attendant be employed. The openings of all such doors shall be so safeguarded b y grillwork that the room may be entered only by authorised persons. Ño electrical equipment containing inflammable material shall be placed within 8 ft. of a door, or opening, in any such underground building. All such underground substations containing rotary machinery shall have an attendant constantly on duty while rotating machinery is in operation, unless adequate control and protection of the 479 2. GENERAL RULES equipment is assured by the use of approved automatic devices. No transformer, circuit breaker, controller or other device or combination of devices containing more than 20 gallons of inflammable liquid shall be placed in any underground substation. The substation shall be adequately ventilated. No substation shall be built in any mine until the location, material, construction, and method of ventilation thereof has received the approval of the Secretary of Mines. 23. Where the potential of circuits entering or leaving a transformer exceeds the limits of medium voltage, they shall be protected by an oil break switch on each pole, each such switch or switches to be equipped with an automatic overload trip. 24. Where the potential of circuits entering or leaving a transformer does not exceed the limits of medium voltage, they shall be protected by a switch and an automatic circuit breaker on each pole, except t h a t fuses may be substituted for the circuit breakers in the case of lighting circuits and in case of power circuits transmitting 25 kW or less. 25. All transformers shall be provided with a suitable ammeter in either the primary or secondary circuits. Protection of Machine Terminals. 26. All terminals on machines over medium voltage underground shall be protected with insulating covers or with metal covers connected to earth. Unauthorised Persons. 27. No person other than one authorised by the mine foreman shall enter a station or transformer room, or interfere with the working of any apparatus connected therewith. Fire Buckets. 28. Fire buckets, filled with clean dry sand, shall be kept in electrical stations and transformer rooms, ready for immediate use in extinguishing fires. Section Four—Switches, Fuses, and Circuit Breakers Operation and Capacity. 60. Fuses and automatic circuit breakers shall be so constructed as effectually to interrupt the current on short circuit, or when the current through them exceeds a predetermined value. Open-type fuses shall be provided with terminals. Circuit breakers shall be adjustable to trip a t from 50 per cent, to 150 per cent, of their normal rated capacity, and provided with an indicator which shall show a t what current the circuit breaker is set to trip. 61. Fuses shall be stamped or marked, or shall have a label attached, indicating the maximum current which they are intended to carry. Fuses shall only be adjusted or replaced by a competent person authorised by the mine foreman. Feeder Circuit Breakers. 62. Circuit breakers used to protect feeder circuits shall be set to trip when the current exceeds by more than 50 per cent, the current-carrying capacity of the feeder. In case the feeder is subjected to overloads sufficient to trip the circuit breaker, but of short duration, the circuit breaker may be equipped with a device which will prevent its acting, unless the overload persists for a longer period than 10 seconds. 480 XIX. ELECTRICITY Feeder Fuses. 63. Fuses used to protect feeders shall have a less current rating than the feeder. Bases. 64. All switches, circuit breakers, and fuses shall have incombustible bases. Switches. 65. All points a t which a circuit, other than a signal circuit, has to be made or broken, shall be provided with proper switches. The use of hooks or other makeshifts is prohibited except that connection for gathering locomotives, or locomotives and machines used in driving headings or rooms, may be made to the trolley by means of suitable hooks ; switches shall be so installed that they cannot be closed by gravity. I n any gaseous portion of a mine, switches, circuit breakers, or fuses shall not be of the open type, but must be enclosed in explosion-proof casings or break under oil. Section Five—Motors Stationary Motors. 66. Every stationary motor underground, together with its starting resistance, shall be protected by a fuse on each pole or circuit-breaking device on at least one pole for direct-current, and two poles for alternatingcurrent motors, and by switches arranged to entirely cut off the power from the motor. The above devices shall be installed in a convenient position near the motor, and every stationary underground motor of 100 brake horsepower, or over, shall be provided with a suitable meter to indicate the load on the machine. Motors in Gaseous Mines. 67. I n any gaseous portion of a mine all motors, unless placed in such rooms as are separately ventilated with intake air, shall have all their current-carrying parts, also their starters, terminals, and connections, completely enclosed in explosion-proof enclosures made of non-inflammable material. These enclosures shall not be opened except by an authorised person, and then only when the power is switched off. The power shall not be switched on while the enclosures are open. Underground Stationary Motors and the Housing of Electrical Equipment. 68. Motors used for operating fans in all mines, where they are so situated t h a t they are not under constant supervision of a competent person, shall be of an approved type, unless placed in a chamber or passageway completely lined with incombustible material and the chamber or passageway itself is free from combustible material. All electrical equipment, except of an approved type, and except room hoists and track-mounted pumps, which are to remain in the same location for a period of one year or more shall be completely housed in an incombustible structure built of tile, brick, stone, concrete, or of steel plates not less than 1 / 8 in. in thickness securely joined. Detection of Gas. 69. In working places where gas is likely to be encountered, a safety lamp, or other suitable apparatus for the detection of firedamp, shall be provided for use with each machine when working, and should any indication of firedamp appear on the flame of the safety lamp, or other apparatus used for the detection of firedamp, the person in charge shall immediately stop the machine, cut off the current at the nearest switch, and report the matter to the mine foreman. 3. EARTHIÎTG 481 Enclosed Motors. 70. All enclosed motors used underground shall be opened and thoroughly inspected by the person in charge of electrical equipment, or his assistant, a t least once a week and, where necessary, shall then be cleaned and repaired. Enclosed switches shall be opened and inspected a t least once a month." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 3. EARTHING BELGIUM "40. The following shall be earthed : (a) the armouring and metal envelopes of cables and conductors ; (b) the metal parts of electrical appliances that are not normally live ; (c) metal parts in the vicinity of bare live conductors and liable to be made live by direct contact. 41. Earthing shall be ensured by conductive sheaths or armouring of cables, or by special conductors forming part of the cables, or again by outside wires laid in a visible manner. All these means of earthing shall be perfectly continuous electrically and shall be electrically connected in an effective manner to earth and to the appliances that they have to protect. 42. The earthing of any point of a n underground system shall be effected by connecting it to an effective earthing installation." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "1 (h) All metallic sheaths, coverings, handles, joint boxes, switchgear frames, instrument covers, switch and fuse covers and boxes, and all lamp holders, unless efficiently protected by an earthed or insulating covering made of fire-resisting material, and the frames and bedplates of generators, transformers, and motors (including portable motors), shall be earthed by connection to an earthing system above ground near the entrance to the mine. (1) Where the cables are provided with a metallic covering constructed and installed in accordance with regulation 1 (m) (6) 1 of these electrical regulations, such metallic covering may be used as a means of connection to the earthing system. All the conductors of an earthing system shall have a conductivity a t all parts and at all .joints at least equal to 50 per cent, of that of the largest conductor used solely to supply the apparatus, a part of which it is desired to earth, provided that no conductor of an earthing system shall have a cross-section area of less than No. 6 B & S gauge. (2) All joints in ground conductors and all joints to the metallic covering of the cables shall be properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made and every earth conductor shall be soldered into a lug for each of its terminal connections. No switch, fuse or circuit breaker shall be placed in any earth conductor." (Electricity Regulations) 1 See Division 4 of this chapter. 482 XIX. ELECTRICITY FRANCE "276. (1) For the carrying out of the earth connections referred to in sections 29, 30 a n d 31 * at least one of the electrodes of each group of interconnected earth leads shall be at the surface of the mine or in a sump. (2) If the metal covering of a cable is used as an earth conductor, all steps shall be taken to ensure the continuity and the maintenance of the earth connection of which it forms part. If the conductance of this covering is less than the minimum required by section 32 (2) 2 it shall be suitably coupled to an auxiliary conductor in such a way t h a t the conductance of the whole is satisfactory. (3) The provisions of section 31 (1) 3 shall apply to all the parts covered by it belonging either to all the electrical installations of a single district or to all the installations of different districts supplied from the surface by common or interconnected conduits." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY See Division 2 of this chapter. UNITED KINGDOM "125. (a) All metallic sheaths, coverings, handles, joint boxes, switchgear frames, instrument covers, switch and fuse covers and boxes, and all lamp holders, unless efficiently protected by an earthed or insulating covering made of fire-resisting material, and the frames and bedplates of generators, transformers and motors (including portable motors), shall be earthed by connection to an earthing system at the surface of the mine. (b) Where the cables are provided with a metallic covering constructed and installed in accordance with regulation 129 (e)i, such metallic covering may be used as a means of connection to the earthing system. All the conductors of an earthing system shall have a conductivity at all parts and at all joints at least equal to 50 per cent, of t h a t of the largest conductor used solely to supply the apparatus, a part of which it is desired to earth. Provided that no conductor of an earthing system shall have a cross-sectional area of less than 0.022 in. 2 except t h a t in the case of a flexible cable which supplies power to a portable drilling machine at a voltage not exceeding 125 volts the cross-sectional area of the earthing conductor shall not be required t o be greater than 0.01 in. 8 . (c) All joints in earth conductors and all joints to the metallic covering of the cables shall b e properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made, and every earth conductor shall be soldered into a lug for each of its terminal connections. No switch, fuse, or circuit breaker shall be placed in any earth conductor. 1 Section 29 deals with the earthing of three-phase installations with star connections and with an operating voltage not exceeding 150 ; section 30 deals with the earthing of machines, transformers, cable armourings, etc., lamp fittings and other non-currentcarrying but conducting parts of electrical installations ; and section 31 deals with the method of making earth connections. " ' 3 2 . (2) Earth conductors shall have, per unit of length, a conductance at least equal to that of the largest supply conductor in operation without it being necessary to exceed that of a copper conductor of 50 mm2 cross-sectional area ; an exemption may be granted from this requirement in respect of current measuring or limiting devices inserted in the connection between the neutral point and the earth." ' " 3 1 . (1) All parts specified in section 30 (1) situated in the same substation, in the same building, or in contiguous buildings, shall, if they are electrically connected to earth, be so connected without distinction of classes of voltage by the same earth electrode or the same group of interconnected earth electrodes constituting the earth for the whole." * See Division'_4 of this chapter. 4. CONDUCTORS 483 This rule shall not apply (except in the case of portable apparatus) to any system in which the pressure does not exceed low-pressure direct current or 125 volts alternating current." ( R 10.7.1913) TOOTED STATES Federal "Article VIII. Electricity 5. Grounding, (a) All metallic sheaths, armours, and conduits enclosing power conductors shall be electrically continuous throughout and shall be grounded effectively. (b) Metallic frames, casings, and other enclosures of electric equipment that can become 'alive' through failure of insulation or by contact with energised parts shall be grounded effectively or equivalent protection shall be provided." (FMC 1953) New Mexico "1708. The frames, cases and bedplates of electrical apparatus other than portable motors, such as stationary motors, generators, and transformers and the non-current-carrying, metallic parts of switchboards, and other electrical appliances shall be effectively grounded." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 3 . All metallic coverings, metal armouring of cables, and the frames and bedplates of generators, transformers, and motors shall be effectively grounded, as shall also the neutral wire of the three-wire continuous-current systems." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 4. CONDtTCTOBS BELGIUM "17. I t shall be prohibited to use the earth as return conductor except for haulage and for signalling and lighting lamps connected to the trolley wire of the haulage lines. 18. The use of bare conductors shall be prohibited except in the trolley lines for electric haulage, for the bars of switchboards, and for earthing. 19. I n shafts and roads inclined at more than 45°, the main lines shall consist of lead-covered armoured cables of which the armouring consists of steel wires, unless these cables are secured against tractive efforts by other means. I n shafts and roads the spacing of supports securing the cables shall not exceed 10 m. I n the other parts of underground workings the lines supplying the appliances shall consist of lead-covered cables enclosed in earthed metal armouring, or of rubber-covered cables with an earthing conductor of adequate cross-section. In fixed lighting installations the cables shall be enclosed in an earthed sheath or metal armouring, or shall be equipped with a special earth conductor. The conductors connecting the motors to the switchboards and rheostats or starters shall be lead-covered armoured cables or rubber-covered cables with an earth conductor. 20. The junctions between the various sections of a cable shall be protected b y stout metal boxes hermetically sealed and filled with a suitable insulating substance or by hermetically sealed metal boxes without filling. 484 XIX. ELECTRICITY 21. The cables shall be laid in such a way as not to suffer deterioration. When they are laid in roads they shall be secured against being struck by tubs or by any other equipment whatsoever. During repair or maintenance work in rooms or roads in which there are electric cables or appliances, the precautions suggested by the circumstances shall be taken to protect such equipment against any cause of deterioration. When the work to be done might cause fear of damage to a cable, the cable shall be made dead for the entire duration of the work. 22. Cables shall be tested before being laid at at least one-and-a-half times the working pressure. A report on the test shall be drawn up and kept a t the disposal of the inspector responsible for supervision." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "1 (m) All cables, other than flexible cables for portable apparatus and signalling wires, shall comply with the following requirements : (1) Steel wire armoured cables shall be used in all cases where cables are suspended. Where conditions will allow cables to be buried or placed on the floor in a box, steel tape armour may be used. The installation of unarmoured lead sheath cables was prohibited after the first day of January, 192S. Copies of specifications of cables shall accompany notices of intention to introduce, or reintroduce, electricity in any mine, and such specifications must be approved of by the Chief Inspector for the use for which they are intended. (2) All cables shall be efficiently protected from mechanical damage and supported a t sufficiently frequent intervals and in such a manner as adequately t o prevent danger and damage to the cables. (3) Concentric cables, or two-core or multi-core cables protected by a metallic covering or single-core cables protected by a metallic covering, which shall contain all the conductors of the circuit, shall be used where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust or other inflammable material. (4) Single-core cables covered with insulating material efficiently protected otherwise t h a n b y a metallic covering, may be used for lighting and signals. (5) Cables shall be properly secured by some non-conducting and readily breakable material. (6) The metallic covering of every cable shall be (i) electrically continuous throughout ; (ii) earthed if it is required by regulation 1 (h) x of these electrical regulations to be earthed, by a connection to the earthing system of not less conductivity than the same length of the said metallic covering ; (iii) efficiently protected against corrosion where necessary ; (iv) of a conductivity at all parts and at all joints at least equal to 50 per cent, of the conductivity of the largest conductor enclosed by the said metallic covering ; and (v) where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust or other inflammable material, so constructed as t o prevent, as far as is practicable, any fault or leakage of current from the live conductors from causing open sparking. (7) Cables and conductors where joined up to motors, transformers, switchgear and other apparatus, shall be installed so t h a t (i) they are mechanically protected by securely attaching the metallic covering (if any) to the apparatus ; and (ii) the insulating material at each cable 1 See Division 3 of this chapter. 4. CONDUCTORS 485 end is efficiently sealed so as to prevent the diminution of its insulating properties. Where necessary to prevent abrasion or to secure gastightness, there shall be properly constructed bushes. (n) Flexible cables for portable apparatus shall be two-core or multicore and covered with insulating material, which shall be efficiently protected from mechanical damage. If a flexible metallic covering be used either as the outer conductor of a concentric system or as a means of protection from mechanical damage, the same shall not alone be used to form an earth conductor for the portable apparatus. (1) Every flexible cable for portable apparatus shall be connected to the system and to the portable apparatus itself by a properly constructed connector. (2) At every point where flexible cables are joined to main cables a switch capable of entirely cutting off the pressure from the flexible cables shall be provided. (3) No lamp holder shall be in metallic connection with the guard or other metal work of a portable lamp." (Electricity Regulations) FRANCE "285. The use of bare conductors and bare conducting parts under voltages higher than miniature voltages shall only be authorised in underground workings— (a) in the substations at the entry of the current underground, the provisions of section 3 4 l concerning bare conductors of Class I I being extended in such substations to bare conductors of Class I with a possibility of reducing to 15 cm the distance to the access doors or to the protective screens or grids; (b) in the cases and subject to the conditions specified in sections 227 2 , 295 to 297 inclusive 3 , and 302.4 286. Insulated conductors and cables shall, by their construction, offer suitable guarantees as to their operating voltage and the conditions of their situation and use. 287. The general conditions for the use and installation of the different types of insulated conductors or cables shall be submitted to the district inspector of mines for his prior approval. 288. (1) Conduits and cables the conductors of which are protected only by insulated coverings shall only be used— (a) in distribution or supply systems fixed in position and at miniature voltages or voltages of Class I A or B l ; (b) for connecting cable-reel electric vehicles to a fixed supply point at the same voltages ; (c) in distribution or supply systems not fixed in position and at a pressure not exceeding 125 volts direct current or between phases. (2) Installations at pressures of Class I I A or B4 or Class I I I shall only be supplied by or equipped with armoured cables ; nevertheless, short connections with a small radius of curvature between fixed or semi-fixed appliances may consist of semi-flexible cables. (3) In sinking pits installations under pressures of Class I or Class I I B3 shall be equipped only with armoured cables or semi-flexible cables subject to the possibility of extending them for about 10 m by flexible cable. 1 Section 34 deals with cells or rooms in which there are bare conductors of Class II or Class III unprotected and situated at a height of less than 2.50 m or 4 m respectively. 'a See Chapter VI, Division 1. See Chapter VIII, Division 6. « See Division 5 of this chapter. 486 XIX. ELECTRICITY The same requirements shall apply to the driving of any working with a gradient exceeding 25 per cent. (4) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) above shall not apply to shotfiring lines. 289. Insulated conductors without either armouring or metal sheathing fixed in position, shall be carried by insulators and suitably kept away from walls and neighbouring conductors. The necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the conductors are not liable to make dangerous contacts. 290. (1) When insulated conductors are laid in metal tubes, the tubes shall be tight and insulated internally. (2) Armoured cables or cables with a metal sheath shall as far as possible be so placed and secured as to be safeguarded against accidental breakage due to their own weight or to a movement of ground, and not be exposed to impacts of material. Suspension or guide hooks shall be provided in sufficient numbers to avoid any dangerous sagging. (3) One a t least of the metal coverings of the conductors shall always be earthed in the conditions prescribed by section 2 7 5 1 unless it is connected to an earth relay, either directly or through another relay. 291. (1) The junctions between the system of fixed conductors and the system of loose conductors shall be provided with junction boxes having switches. (2) Loose conductors shall be made dead while they are not in use. If they are not disconnected, measures shall be taken to prevent them from being made live again by unqualified or unauthorised persons. (3) The diameter of the drums used for winding flexible conductors or cables shall be sufficient to ensure that the insulation and sheathing are not damaged b y repeated winding and unwinding. 292. (1) Flexible cables shall be repaired only at the surface. Nevertheless, minor damage occurring during the shift may, on the responsibility of the underground electrical service and, after the disconnection required by section 51 (2) 2 , be repaired on the spot b y provisional bandaging that allows the cable to be kept in use for the time being. (2) Every mine shall keep a reserve stock of flexible cables of every type, new or in good condition, sufficient to enable deteriorated cables to be replaced at all times." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Type, Dimensions, Permissible Installation and Connection of Wiring Wiring. (c) The following types are allowed in gassy places unless otherwise prescribed in (d) below : 1. Bare wires— (i) as protective wiring ; (ii) in switchgear, in operating rooms for electrical plant. 1 See Division 3 of this chapter. ' " 5 1 . (2) Before undertaking any repairs on a flexible cable supplying a portable, movable or semi-flxed appliance or machine, the two parts of the plug and socket connection or of an extension piece by which the appliance is connected to the current supply shall be separated from each other." 4. CONDUCTORS 487 2. Rubber-core conductors with a weatherproof covering for operating pressures up to 750 volts— (i) in operating rooms for electrical plant and in switchgear, as connections between resistors, controls and starters; (ii) in switchgear and distribution apparatus housed in switch cubicles that can be fenced off. 3. Conductors similar to cables, for pressures u p to 250 volts to earth— (i) conductors with a flexible metallic sheath and an outer covering; (ii) lead cables with textile braiding; (iii) lead cables with iron tape armouring (in the cases mentioned under 2, and also for other conductors in the operating rooms of electrical plant, shaft insets and workshops when the local conditions allow). 4. Cab-tyre cables of heavy construction for operating pressures up to 750 volts— (i) as fixed conductors ; (ii) for portable equipment. 5. Armoured lead cable, subject to certain conditions relating to protection against heat and chemical action. (d) The following types are allowed on roads with a gradient exceeding 45° and in shafts, even if they are gassy : 1. Bare wires : as protective wiring. 2. Cab-tyre cables of heavy construction for operating pressures up to 750 volts if they can support their own weight with a safety factor of five or are protected against stress by special devices— (i) in staples when the conductors do not exceed 50 m in length; (ii) in roads with a gradient exceeding 45°; (iii) in shaft-sinking. 3. Heavy flexible cable if it can support its own weight with a safety factor of five. 4. Armoured lead cable subject to the same conditions as in (c) 5 above, provided that the armouring consists of steel or bronze wires and can support its own weight with a safety factor of at least three, or in shaftsinking at least five, or if the cable is protected against stress b y special means (20). Dimensions of Conductors. (a) The dimensions of conductors must be such that in the operating conditions in which they are used they possess sufficient mechanical strength, cannot rise to a temperature that would be harmful to the conductors themselves or the neighbourhood, and the smallest current intensity for a dead short circuit between two poles is at least three times the rated capacity of a fuse or other protective device in the circuit. (d) If the surrounding temperature exceeds 30° C, the load must be correspondingly reduced (21). Installation and Connection of Wiring. (a) Conductors must be so laid that they are, as far as possible, protected against mechanical damage and, in particular, damage from derailed vehicles. Conductors may not be laid in conduits enclosed on all sides by brickwork or concrete. They must be easily accessible for supervision and maintenance. XIX. ELECTRICITY 488 ( b) The intervals between the supports of lead cables must not as a rule exceed 3 m. In shafts and roads with a gradient exceeding 45° the intervals must be fixed with due regard to the cross-section of the cable. I t must not exceed 6 m. Shaft cables must, as far as possible, be fixed to the shaft walls and not to the buntons. (c) As a general rule, to allow for changing ground pressures, conductors must not be pulled taut. (d) Insulated wiring must be so fastened that it is not damaged, and in particular the lead sheathing of lead cables is not crushed. (e) For the joining, branching and leading in of conductors and cables sleeves, junction boxes or equivalent means must be used, such t h a t — (i) a good electrical connection is ensured for the conductors, and sufficient clearance is ensured a t all times between the various conductors one from another and between the conductors and neighbouring conductive structural parts ; (ii) there is no pull on the connections ; (iii) the penetration of moisture in paper or other fibrous insulation is, as far as possible, avoided ; (iv) the connections are insulated to at least the same extent as the rest of the conductors ; (v) the protective coverings of the conductors can be led into the protective housing of the consuming apparatus. (f) Conductors m u s t be connected to machines, transformers, appliances and busbars by screw connectors. The individual wires of multi-wire conductors must be soldered together a t the ends, or else cable shoes or equivalent devices must be used which prevent the unsplicing of individual wires. At connections and junctions the conductive cross-section must not be reduced below that corresponding to the current carried. (g) Metal protective sheaths, and in particular armouring and metal sheaths of lead cables and the like, must be earthed or connected to the neutral (22). (VDE 0118 - 1937) UNITED KINGDOM "129. All cables, other than flexible cables for portable apparatus and signalling wires shall comply with the following requirements : (a) They shall be covered with insulating material (except that the outer conductor of a concentric system may be bare). The lead sheath of lead-sheathed cables and the iron or steel armouring of armoured cables shall be of not less thickness respectively than is recommended by the British Standards Institution. 1 (b) They shall be efficiently protected from mechanical damage and supported at sufficiently frequent intervals and in such a manner as adequately to prevent danger and damage to the cables. (c) Concentric cables, or two-core or multi-core cables protected by a metallic covering, or single-core cables protected by a metallic covering which shall contain all the conductors of the circuit, shall be used (i) where the pressure exceeds low pressure ; (ii) where the roadway conveying the cables is also used for mechanical haulage ; and (iii) where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material. Provided t h a t if the medium pressure direct-current system is used (i) two single-core cables protected by metallic coverings may be used for any circuit if the said metallic coverings are bonded together by earth cong e e B.S. Specification No. 7. 4. CONDUCTORS 489 ductors so placed that the distance between any two consecutive bonds is not greater than 100 ft. measured along either cable, and (ii) two single-core cables covered with insulating material efficiently protected otherwise than by a metallic covering may be used in gate roads (except in gate roads which are also used for mechanical haulage, or where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material) for the purpose of supplying portable apparatus. (d) Cables unprotected by a metallic covering shall be properly secured by some non-conducting and readily breakable material to efficient insulators. (e) The metallic covering of every cable shall be (i) electrically continuous throughout ; (ii) earthed, if it is required by regulation 125 (a)1 to be earthed, by a connection to the earthing system of not less conductivity than the same length of the said metallic covering ; (iii) efficiently protected against corrosion where necessary ; (iv) of a conductivity at all parts and at all joints at least equal to 50 per cent, of the conductivity of the largest conductor enclosed by the said metallic covering ; and (v) where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material, so constructed as to prevent as far as is practicable any fault or leakage of current from the live conductors from causing open sparking. Provided that where two single-core cables protected by metallic coverings bonded together in accordance with paragraph (c) of this regulation are used for a circuit, the conductivity of each of the said metallic coverings at all parts and a t all joints shall be a t least equal to 25 per cent, of the conductivity of the conductor enclosed thereby. (f) Cables and conductors, where joined up to motors, transformers, switchgear and other apparatus, shall be installed so t h a t (i) they are mechanically protected by securely attaching the metallic covering (if any) to the apparatus ; and (ii) the insulating material at each cable end is efficiently sealed so as to prevent the diminution of its insulating properties. Where necessary to prevent abrasion or to secure gas-tightness, there shall be properly constructed bushes. 130. (a) Flexible cables for portable apparatus shall be two-core or multi-core and covered with insulating material which shall be efficiently protected from mechanical damage. If a flexible metallic covering be used either as the outer conductor of a concentric system or as a means of protection from mechanical damage, the same shall not alone be used to form an earth conductor for the portable apparatus, unless it forms part of a flexible cable conforming with the specification for Type No. 21 of British Standard Specification for Trailing Cables for Mining Purposes numbered 708 either as revised in February 1940, and amended in August 1940, or as revised in January 1950, and amended in May 1950. (b) Every flexible cable for portable apparatus shall be connected to the system and to the portable apparatus itself by a properly constructed connector. (c) At every point where flexible cables are joined to main cables a switch capable of entirely cutting off the pressure from the flexible cables shall be provided. (d) No lamp holder shall be in metallic connection with the guard or other metal work of a portable lamp." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "69 (b) All high-voltage power lines installed underground shall be in the form of approved insulated, lead-covered cables, armoured or otherwise 1 See Division 3 of this chapter. 490 XIX. ELECTRICITY effectively protected against abrasion, the armour t o be electrically continuous throughout and effectively grounded. Such armoured cable may be placed underground or supported on the rib along the roof. High-voltage power lines shall n o t be installed in the main haulage roads. 71. (a) All underground electrical power cables and wires shall be supported by efficient insulators unless provided with grounded metallic covering or as specified in section 69 (b). Overhead cables or wires on the travelling side of entries or that men pass under, if less than 6% ft- above the rail or 7 ft. above t h e floor where there are no tracks, shall have troughs or sideboard guards, or shall be placed in channels in the roof. Guards, if used, shall extend 2 in. below the sag between the supports and be so arranged t h a t a man's head or cap will not come into contact with the cable or wire. Power wires along the rib in travelling ways shall be fenced or otherwise protected. (b) All trolley wires shall be placed at least 6 in. outside of the rail of the track and, wherever possible, on the opposite side of the passageway from that used by men for travelling on foot and on the side opposite the room-necks ; and t h e trolley wire shall be protected by troughs or sideboard guards as specified above, if less than 6 % &• above the rail and on the same side of the entry or passageway used for travel or where men pass under it. Motor roads on which men do not walk but travel in cars are not considered travelling ways within the meaning of this section. (c) When insulation is removed from wires to make connections the wires must be reinsulated as soon as the connection is completed. 72. Tracks used as electrical conductors shall be effectively bonded a t all rail joints, cross-bonded at intervals of not less than 300 ft., and effectively cross-bonded at all switches." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VIII. Electricity 4. Power circuits, (a) All underground power wires and cables shall have adequate current-carrying capacity, shall be protected from mechanical injury and, with t h e exception of trailing cables and power cables connected t o junction boxes, shall be installed in a permanent manner. (b) Wires and cables not encased in armour shall be supported by wellinstalled insulators and shall not touch combustible materials, roof, or ribs ; provided, however, that this does not apply to ground wires, grounded power conductors and trailing cables. (c) Power wires and cables installed in rope-and-belt haulage slopes shall be insulated adequately and fully protected against mechanical injury. (d) Splices in power cables shall be made in accordance with the following : (1) mechanically strong with adequate electrical conductivity; (2) effectively insulated and sealed so as t o exclude moisture ; (3) if the cable has metallic armour, mechanical protection and electrical conductivity equivalent to that of the original armour shall be provided. (e) All underground high potential transmission cables shall be— (1) installed only in regularly inspected airways or haulageways; (2) covered, buried, or placed so as to afford reasonable protection against damage by wrecked trips, trolley equipment, roof falls, and blasts; (3) guarded where men regularly work or pass under them unless they are 6% ft. or more above the floor or rail; (4) securely anchored, properly insulated, and guarded at ends ; (5) covered, insulated, or placed to prevent contact with trolley and other low-voltage circuits. 4 . CONDUCTORS 491 (f) AU power wires and cables shall be insulated adequately where they pass into or out of electrical compartments, where they pass through doors and stoppings, and where they cross other power wires and cables. 10. Trailing cables, (a) Trailing cables purchased after the effective date of this code for use underground shall meet the United States Bureau of Mines requirements for flame-resistant cables. (b) Trailing cables shall be provided with suitable short-circuit protection and some means of disconnecting power from the cable. (c) Temporary splices in trailing cables shall be made in a workmanlike manner, mechanically strong, and well insulated. (d) Trailing cables or hand cables having exposed wires or splices that heat or spark under load shall not be used. (e) Permanent splices in trailing cables shall be made as follows : ( 1) mechanically strong with adequate electrical conductivity and flexibility ; (2) effectively insulated and sealed so as to exclude moisture ; (3) the finished splice shall be vulcanised or otherwise treated with suitable materials to provide flame-resistant properties and good bonding to the outer jacket. (g) Care shall be used to protect trailing cables from mechanical damage." avoidable (FMC 1953) Illinois All wires passing through curtains or inflammable material must be properly protected so as to obviate any risk of ignition (2). Trolley wires or other bare wires may not carry a voltage above 275 volts. All trolley and feed wires crossing places where persons or animals are required to travel must be adequately protected. All terminals of positive wires must be guarded so as to prevent inadvertent contact (3). (A 24.6.1921) New Mexico "1713. (a) All electrical wiring, other than armoured cable and trailing cable used in connection with portable motors, shall be supported on suitable insulators mechanically and electrically sufficient for the character of the load and these insulators shall be placed at intervals close enough t o prevent excessive sag or contact with other wires, timbers, roof, rib or other noninsulating material. (b) Trailing cables used in connection with portable motors shall consist of extra flexible stranded conductors heavily insulated and protected with stout braiding or other equally effective covering. Such cables shall be regularly inspected before and after each working shift, and when found to offer a hazard and in need of repair, shall be removed to the surface, thoroughly dried out and repaired. 1714. No electric equipment or wiring other than armoured cable or its equivalent Bhall hereafter be installed in the return air-course in any gassy coal mine. All trolley wires if less than 6 % ft. abo ve the rail shall be thoroughly guarded from man contact at all partings, entry junctions, and at all other points where men have to travel under them. All bare, rubber covered or weatherproof power lines other than trolley lines and wires used exclusively for signalling shall be guarded from man contact at all points where men have to travel under them ; so far as possible they shall be installed in locations where there is the minimum danger of man contact and where possible on the opposite side of entry or slope from shelter holes. 1715. The outer end of trailing cables shall be provided with suitable means for attaching the cables to the power supply without hazard to 32 492 XIX. ELECTRICITY the person making such connections. Bare places on insulated power wires where portable machine connections are made shall be adequately protected by guards from man contact ; such breaks in insulation shall be adequately repaired or guarded when no longer used as connecting points." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "Section Power and Light Three—Transmission Circuits and Conductors Circuits. 29. All high-pressure wires used inside of the mines shall be subject to insulation tests, a n d with carrying capacity according to the rules of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. All high-voltage circuits entering or installed in mines shall have each or all conductors of the same circuit surrounded with metal armour, or metallic conduit, so designed and arranged as to permit the conductors to ground to their own sheath in case of damage resulting in a failure of their insulation. High-voltage cables in slopes, drifts or entries in which hauling, conveying, or travelling is done shall be constantly protected from falls of roof, or other conditions that may damage the cables. Armoured cables installed underground, after the passage of this amendment, t h a t are not installed in fireproof protecting conduits shall be buried in a trench having a depth of not less than 12 in. below any combustible material and, where such cables pass under mine tracks, they shall be buried in a trench not less than 36 in. below the mine tracks. Adequate precautions shall be taken to provide for conducting stray currents from the armour of the cables so as to prevent electrolysis of the armour. Cables shall not be bent to a radius less than the minimum specified by the cable manufacturer. No power wires or cables, having what is commonly termed as weatherproof insulation or insulation consisting of braided covering, which is susceptible to moisture absorption from the outer surface to the conductor shall be installed in any mine. Medium or low pressure conductors may be bare, except in gaseous portions of mines ; no bare conductors shall be used in rooms or beyond the last cut-through in intake entries. 30. All underground cables and wires, other than trailing cables, unless provided with grounded metallic covering, shall be supported by means of efficient insulators. The conductor connecting lamp to the power supply shall in all cases be insulated. Main Circuits. 31. Every main circuit coming from generating or transformer stations shall there be provided with switches, fuses, and circuit breakers, as described in section 2, rules 2 0 1 and 2 1 1 , and rules 23 to 25 1 , inclusive. 32. If the transmission lines of low or medium voltage from the generating station are overhead, there shall be lightning arresters installed in connection therewith at the generating station. If the distance from the generating station to the point where the line enters the mine is more than 500 ft., an additional arrester shall be installed at this point, and in no case shall the arresters be more than 1,000 ft. apart. 33. I n any gaseous mine, or gaseous portions of a mine, the electrical supply shall be brought underground only through such portions of the mine as are ventilated by intake air. 1 See Division 2 of this chapter. 4. CONDUCTORS 493 Branch Circuits, 34. Every branch circuit shall be provided, at the point where it leaves the main circuit, with a switch of not less than 100 amperes capacity, on each pole. Size of Conductors. 35. The size of all conductors shall be determined with regard to the maximum amount of current which they are to carry, by reference to the table provided by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, which shows maximum current-carrying capacities of copper conductors. Grounded Circuits. 36. One side of grounded circuits shall be very efficiently insulated from earth. Overhead Circuits above Ground. 37. Overhead bare wires above ground shall be supported upon insulators which shall be adequate in quality, size and design for voltage transmitted. Joints in Conductors. 45. All joints in conductors shall be mechanically and electrically efficient, and wherever it is possible to do so, they shall be soldered. Wherever the conductors cannot be soldered together, suitable screw clamps or connectors shall be used. All joints in insulated wire shall, after the joint is complete, be reinsulated to at least the same extent as the remainder of the wire. Insulation and Covering. 46. All high-voltage conductors inside of the mines shall be in the form of insulated, lead-covered or armoured cables, subject to approved insulation tests, and having carrying capacities in accordance with rule 35, section 3. 47. Where lead-covered or armoured cable is used, the lead or armour shall be electrically continuous throughout and shall be efficiently grounded. Cables Entering Fittings. 48. The exposed ends of cables, where they enter fittings of any description, shall be so protected and finished off that moisture cannot enter the cable, or the insulating material, if of an oily or viscous nature, leak. 49. Where unarmoured cables or wires pass through metal frames, or into boxes or motor casings, the holes shall be substantially bushed with insulating bushings and, where necessary, with gastight bushings which cannot readily become displaced. Joints in Cables. 50. Where cables other than signal cables are joined, suitable junction boxes shall be used, or the joints shall be soldered, and the insulation, armouring, or lead covering, replaced in at least as good condition as it was originally. Power Wires and Cables in Shafts, Slopes and Boreholes. 51. All power wires and cables in hoisting shafts or manway compartments shall be highly insulated and substantially fixed in position. Shaft and slope cables whose conductors or covering are not capable of sustaining their own weight shall be supported, at intervals not t o exceed 25 ft., by suitable grips, which cannot cause abrasion of the covering or 494 XIX. ELECTRICITY insulation, but shall so support the cable that no grip shall carry more than the weight of the cable between any two successive grips. Where the cables are not completely boxed in and protected from falling material, space shall be left between them and the side of the shaft, that they may yield, and so lessen a blow given by falling material. All power wires and cables, installed after the passage of this amendment, in wood-lined shafts shall be protected over the entire distance traversed in the shafts by a conduit of satisfactory corrosion-resisting material. In all shafts or slopes, inclined 20 degrees or more to the horizontal, all high-voltage power cables shall be supported only by their armour, which armour shall consist of satisfactory corrosion-resisting steel wires, having a size of not less t h a n No. 8 B W G, and the steel armour shall be attached a t the top of the shaft or slope to a suitable cable support, which cable support together with the armour shall be capable of supporting a load equal to ten times the weight of the cable ; also the cable shall be placed in that part of the shaft or slope where it will be least subject to damage from falling materials or by moving cages, skips, counterweights, ropes or parts thereof. High-voltage cables installed in metallic encased boreholes may be supported partially by the conductors of the cable and partially by their armours. Cables in Haulage Roads. 52. Where the cables or feed wires, other than trolley wires, in main haulage roads, cannot be kept a t least 12 in. from any part of the mine car or locomotive, they shall be specially protected by proper guards. 53. Cables and 'wires, unless provided with metallic covering shall not be fixed to walls or timbers by means of uninsulated fastenings. Protection during Blasting, etc. 54. When main or other roads are being repaired, or blasting is being carried on, suitable temporary protection from damage shall be given the cables. Trailing Cables. 55. Trailing cables for portable machines shall be specially flexible, heavily insulated, a n d protected with extra stout braiding, hose pipes, or other equally effective covering. 56. Each trailing cable in use shall be daily examined by the machine operator, for abrasions and other defects, and he shall also be required to carefully observe t h e trailing cable while in use, and shall at once report any defect t o t h e person in charge of electrical equipment. 57. I n the event of the trailing cable in service breaking down, or becoming damaged in any way, or of its inflicting a shock upon any person, it shall be a t once p u t out of service. The faulty cable shall not again be used until it has been repaired and tested by a properly authorised person. 58. The trailing cable shall be divided at the motor, but only for such length as is necessary for making connection to the motor, and the cable, with its outer covering complete, shall be securely clamped to the motor frame in such a manner as to protect the cable from injury, and to prevent any mechanical strain being borne by the single ends t h a t make electrical connection to the motor. 59. I n gaseous portions of mines, a fixed terminal box shall be provided a t the points where trailing cables are attached to the power supply. This terminal box shall be flameproof and shall contain a switch and fuse on each pole of the circuit. The switch shall be so arranged that it can be operated only from without the box, when the latter is completely closed, and the switch shall be so constructed that the trailing cables cannot be attached or removed when the switch is closed." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 5. COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 5. 495 COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS BELGIUM "50. Telephone and signalling installations shall not be supplied by conductors shared with heavy-current installations or placed in the same sheaths or tubes as conductors supplying these installations. At all places where there are heavy-current conductors or appliances, the telephone or signalling installations shall be supplied only by carefully insulated conductors. 51. At places where an inflow of firedamp is to be feared, use shall be made only of flameproof appliances or intrinsically safe appliances of a type approved by the Director-General of Mines. The operation of installations that are not intrinsically safe shall be interrupted as soon as the presence of firedamp has been detected by inspection with a flame lamp." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "1 (r) Where electricity is used for signalling, the pressure in any one circuit shall not exceed 25 volts. (1) Contact makers shall be so constructed as to prevent the accidental closing of the circuit. (2) Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent signal and telephone wires from touching cables and other apparatus." (Electricity Regulations) FRANCE "301. (1) Electrical signalling systems shall be at miniature voltages or at voltages of Class I A or B l . (2) The prohibitions laid down in section 27 (2) 1 for miniature voltages shall be extended to voltages of the first class when they supply signalling installations. 302. (1) The conductors shall be so arranged that the circuit cannot be accidentally closed. (2) Bare conductors shall be used only as neutral conductors and only outside the shaft. (3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall apply even to signalling systems at miniature voltages." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Every communication system must be protected against short circuit by at least one fuse. Exceptions may be allowed in the case of transformers for communication systems if the transformers comply with special regulations (VDE 0550-1936), and in the case of battery operation if the pressure does not exceed 8 volts (31). 1 " 27. (2) it shall be prohibited to supply miniature-voltage inslallatlons through the medium of a résister or an autotransformer. These installations shall have no live conductor in the same cable as the active conductors of other classes ; nevertheless an exception shall be made with due regard to the provisions of subsection (1) for pilot wires and the protective conductive screens used at miniature voltages in cables of which the main conductors are under voltages of Class I or Class II B3." 496 XIX. ELECTRICITY Communication Systems with Operating Pressures up to 60 Volts. (a) In the case of indirect connection to the mains or supply from special sources of current, wiring complying with the regulations for insulated wiring in communication systems (VDE 0810-1928) is permissible. (b) Bare wires are only permissible in non-gassy places and for operating pressures up to 24 volts. In the case of supply through transformers, only protected transformers may be used that have no terminals for higher pressures than 24 volts ; the no-load voltage must not exceed 30 volts. I n the case of supply through generators, the speed of the prime mover must be limited or other measures must be taken to prevent the pressure exceeding 30 volts under no-load conditions. (c) The regulations concerning the construction of electrical communication systems (VDE 0800) apply mutatis mutandis. (d) For the rest, communication systems must comply with the general rules concerning electrical equipment used underground in mines and also with the special rules for batteries. In gassy places the provisions of section 29 1 apply mutatis mutandis (32). Communication Systems with Operating Pressures over 60 Volts. Only certain specified wiring is allowed. Cables for road signalling systems may also contain telephone wires (33). (a) Only such communication appliances may be used as are constructed in conformity with tho regulations for the construction and testing of communication appliances connected to mains (VDE 0804). (b) The terminals must be specifically indicated on all appliances if changing the wiring connections would be liable to disturb operation. (c) For road signalling systems that are actuated by pulling a cord the appliances must be installed at such intervals that reliable operation is possible from any place. (d) For the rest, communication systems are governed by the general rules concerning electrical equipment used underground in mines, the rules concerning excessive contact voltages and the rules concerning batteries. In gassy places the provisions of section 29 1 apply mutatis mutandis (34). Shaft Signalling Installations. (a) In shaft signalling installations use may be made only of appliances as specified in special regulations (VDE 0804). The source of current may have no electrical connection with any heavy current system. The shaft signalling system of every winding installation must be supplied from a separate source of current to which no other consuming apparatus may be connected. Signalling installations in man-winding shafts with several levels must be so arranged t h a t simultaneous signalling from more than one level is prevented. (b) I n the shaft, only armoured lead cable may be used. The signal wires of different winding installations may not run in a common lead cable. To the lead cable of a shaft signalling system may be connected, in addition to the system, only the telephone system of the winding installation concerned, and the type or voltage of the current, or some other means, must be so selected as to make it impossible to disturb the signalling system. (c) Winding-engine locking devices that are acted on by shaft gates or by the shaft signalling system, and also the emergency illuminating lamps 1 See Division 7 of this chapter. 5. COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS 497 in the winding-engine room, may be connected to the source of current of the signalling system concerned. For the automatic switching-on of the emergency lighting when the mains fail, use may be made only of relays t h a t exclude all possibility of current passing from the distribution mains into the signalling system. (d) In the winding-engine room, a device must be installed t h a t clearly indicates any failure of the signalling current. The signalling system must work reliably even if the voltage drops to 90 per cent, of the rated voltage. (e) I n shafts with more than one winding installation, for every manwinding installation there must be, in addition to the acoustic signalling installation, a device for optical signalling from the landings to the bank. The acoustic signals of all the winding installations must have quite distinct sounds. (f) Signalling installations must be so arranged that the signal is also perceived at the place from which it is sent. (g) The provisions of this section do not apply to small shafts with little material winding and no man-winding. (h) In gassy places the provisions of section 2 9 1 apply mutatis mutandis (35). (VDE 0118-1937) UNITED KINGDOM "134. (a) Where electricity is used for signalling the pressure in any one circuit shall not exceed 25 volts. (b) Contact-makers shall be so constructed as to prevent the accidental closing of the circuit. (c) Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent signal and telephone wires from touching cables and other apparatus." (R 10.7.1913) " 8 . (a) If any part of a circuit containing electrical apparatus for signalling or communication (hereinafter called apparatus) is installed in a seam or any part of a seam in which safety lamps are required to be used, all the apparatus throughout the seam (other than apparatus used solely to control the raising and lowering of cages in shafts) shall be of a type or types approved by the Minister as regards safety in respect of inflammable gas. (b) I n respect of any type or types of apparatus, or generally, the Minister may give his approval subject to such conditions as regards manufacture, installation and use as may be prescribed to ensure safety. (c) No apparatus which is not of approved type shall be connected to a circuit in which apparatus of approved type is required to be used, except only that telephones of approved type used throughout one seam may be connected through the medium of a coupling unit, of a type approved for the purpose by the Minister, to telephones not of approved type on the surface or lawfully in use in any other seam which is separately worked." (R 8.8.1938) An order dated 23 November 1938 was issued under section 8 of the regulations of 8 August 1938. The first three sections require certain apparatus to be of an approved type, and prohibit subsequent modification. The remaining sections are as follows : "4. The source of current to be used for operating apparatus shall be as follows : (a) for direct-current signalling, a battery of 3-pint porous-pot Leclanché cells connected in simple series, or such other source of current as may be certified for the purpose by the Minister ; 1 See Division 7 ol this chapter. 498 (b) (c) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) XIX. ELECTRICITY for alternating current signalling, a transformer of a type certified for the purpose b y the Minister ; for magneto-call telephones, the generator included in the certified apparatus. 5. The circuits comprising apparatus shall be arranged as follows : no part of the circuit shall be connected to earth ; circuits supplied with current from different sources shall not be interconnected, except that it shall be permissible to use the same line wires for the calling and speaking circuits of telephones ; direct-current bells or relays when connected in parallel shall be supplied from a single source of current ; direct-current bells or relays when connected in series shall be supplied either from a single source of current or from two identical sources of current connected in opposition ; magneto-call telephones shall be connected in parallel ; where magneto-call telephones of different types are connected in the same circuit, each instrument shall include a condenser of the type certified for the purpose and connected in shunt with the calling bell." UNITED STATES Federal "Article VIII. Electricity 7. Communication systems (b) Telephone lines, other than cables, shall be carried on insulators, installed on the opposite side from power or trolley wires, and where they cross power or trolley wires they shall be insulated adequately. (c) Lightning arresters shall be provided at the points where telephone circuits enter the mine. Mine telephone extensions in surface buildings shall be provided with a lightning arrester for each circuit entering the building. (d) If a communication system other than telephones is used and its operation depends entirely upon power from the mine electric system, means shall be provided to permit continued communication in the event t h a t the mine electric power fails or is cut off; provided, however, t h a t where trolley phones and telephones are both used, an alternate source of power for trolley phones is not required. 8. Signal systems, (a) Signal wires shall be supported on insulators and insulated properly where they cross power lines. (b) Bare signal wires t h a t are readily accessible to personal contact shall not carry more than 30 volts." (FMC 1953) New Mexico "1702. Signal systems shall not have a voltage exceeding 60 volts at any point in the system. This rule shall not be construed t o apply to lamp signals or shaft signals." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "Precautions. 98. All proper precautions shall be taken to prevent electric signal and telephone wires from coming into contact with other electric conductors, whether insulated or not. 6 . LIGHTING SYSTEMS 499 Character of Equipment. 99. Bells, wires, insulators, contact-makers, and other apparatus used in connection with electric signalling underground, shall be of suitable design, of substantial and reliable construction, and erected in such a manner as to reduce the liability of failures or false signals to a minimum. Maximum Potential. 100. In any gaseous portion of a mine the potential used for signal purposes shall not exceed 24 volts, and bare wires shall not be used for signal circuits, except in haulage roads. Telephones. 101. I t is required that telephonic communication be established between the outside of the mine and the principal 1 points of operation underground as provided in section 1 of article V I I I . " (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 6. LIGHTING SYSTEMS BELGIUM "13. Only lamps of a hermetically sealed type shall be allowed. They shall be enclosed, including their sockets and other accessories, in globes with hermetically sealed joints. When these globes are not made of unbreakable materials they shall be protected by a rigid metal trellis work. 14. The maximum supply pressure shall be 250 volts. This limit shall, however, not be imposed on lamps connected to installations of direct current motors at pressures not exceeding 650 volts. 15. When the supply pressure exceeds 36 volts the pressure shall be cut off by means of switches placed a t safe places before removal of the globes or the performance of any work on the appliances or supply conductors. 16. At suitably selected places there shall be a sufficient number of flame lamps kept alight, or of portable electric lamps, so as to ensure the withdrawal of the workers and the performance of the various operations during any breakdown of the fixed lighting. This measure shall, however, not be imposed if all the members of the personnel are equipped with portable lamps." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "I (s) All relighting apparatus shall be so constructed, worked and maintained as to preclude the accumulation of explosive gas within it. (1) Relighting apparatus shall not be used in part of a mine t o which regulation (p) a applies. (2) Where relighting apparatus is used, a suitable station or stations shall be provided and relighting apparatus shall not be used in any other place in the mine. (3) Relighting stations shall be ventilated by fresh intake air and shall be in charge of authorised persons, and no person other than the said authorised persons shall use the relighting apparatus. 1 3 See Chapter X, Division 8. See Division 7 of this chapter. 500 XIX. ELECTRICITY (4) All safety lamps shall be examined by an authorised person appointed under paragraph (3) hereof before being relighted and again examined before being issued." (Electricity Regulations) GERMANY (a) Lamps and accessories must be designed for at least 250 volts. (b) The use of bayonet sockets is permissible. (c) Lighting equipment for pressures exceeding 250 volts to earth is only permissible as fixed equipment in direct-current systems. I n such equipment use may be made only of sockets whose external parts consist entirely of insulating material; this does not apply to lighting appliances on trolley locomotives. (d) The protection of lighting circuits must be set as low as possible, but in the case of direct current they may be protected with cut-out devices up to 15A rated current, and in the case of alternating current, with cut-out devices up to 25A rated current; the cut-out devices must cut off the current quickly. (h) In damp places the leads must be so led in to the lamp holder that moisture cannot penetrate (19). (VDE 0118-1937) UNITED KINGDOM " 9 . The provisions of the two next following regulations shall only apply in relation t o a mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are required to be used by the Act or the regulations of the mine. 10. (1) Subject to the provisions of the Act and of regulations made thereunder as to the use of electricity in mines, electric lighting from a source of electric power external to the lighting unit may be used—• (a) on any road ventilated by intake air, except within 50 yd. of the nearest face from which coal or other mineral is being won ; (b) on any other road, except within 300 yd. of the nearest face from which coal or other mineral is being won ; (c) in any ventilation district— (i) in which electric power is in use in the face workings, on any road ventilated by intake air except within 10 yd., and on any other road, except within 100 yd. of the nearest face from which coal or other mineral is being won : Provided that notice in writing of the introduction of electric lighting under this provision is sent forthwith to the Inspector of the Division ; and (ii) on any road, except within 10 yd. of the nearest face from which coal or other mineral is being won, if authorised in writing by the Inspector of the Division; (d) in any other place in the mine in which its use is permitted by the regulations of the mine. (2) I n any case in which electric lighting as aforesaid is used— (a) the pressure in the system shall not exceed 250 volts ; (b) if the system is polyphase the neutral point shall be earthed ; if the system is not polyphase the mid-voltage point shall be earthed ; (c) appropriate precautions shall be taken to prevent damage to the apparatus from shotfiring and the lamp fitting shall be constructed so as to protect the lamp from accidental damage ; (d) all electric apparatus installed or used for lighting (not being apparatus so installed or used in any place more than 300 yd. from any face 6. LIGHTING SYSTEMS 501 from which coal or o t h e r m i n e r a l is being won) shall b e of a t y p e a p p r o v e d b y t h e Minister if it is installed or u s e d in a n y p a r t of a m i n e in which inflammable gas, a l t h o u g h n o t n o r m a l l y p r e s e n t , is likely t o occur in q u a n t i t y sufficient t o b e indicative of d a n g e r . (3) T h e provisions of s u b p a r a g r a p h s (a) a n d (b) of t h e l a s t p r e c e d i n g p a r a g r a p h shall n o t a p p l y t o electric lighting b y direct c u r r e n t in a s e a m in w h i c h such lighting is installed a t t h e d a t e of t h e c o m i n g i n t o force of t h e s e regulations. 11. Electric lighting from a source of electric p o w e r enclosed in t h e lighting u n i t a n d electric lights w h i c h a r e fittings or accessories t o m a c h i n e r y or electric p l a n t (including signalling a p p a r a t u s ) a n d a n y o t h e r m e a n s of lighting n o t specifically m e n t i o n e d in t h e s e regulations, m a y b e used, w i t h i n such limits a n d s u b j e c t t o s u c h c o n d i t i o n s as t h e Minister m a y a t a n y t i m e prescribe w h e t h e r generally or i n r e s p e c t of a n y p a r t i c u l a r m i n e o r class or description of m i n e s : P r o v i d e d t h a t only such m e a n s of lighting a n d t y p e s of lighting u n i t a n d fittings a n d accessories a r e u s e d a s h a v e b e e n a p p r o v e d b y t h e M i n i s t e r . " (R 17.5.1947) UNITED STATES Federal " Article VIII. Electricity 12. Underground illumination, fa) Electric-light wires shall b e s u p p o r t e d b y suitable insulators, or installed in c o n d u i t , f a s t e n e d securely t o the power conductors, a n d not permitted to touch combustible materials. (b) Electric lights shall b e installed so t h a t t h e y c a n n o t c o m e i n c o n t a c t with combustible materials. (c) Only w e a t h e r p r o o f l a m p sockets h a v i n g n o e x p o s e d m e t a l p a r t s shall b e used for unenclosed a p p l i c a t i o n s . " (FMC 1953) Pennsylvania " Lighting Circuits. 43. W h e r e wires for electric i n c a n d e s c e n t l a m p s a r e c o n n e c t e d t o t h e trolley circuit, t h e lug of t h e t r o l l e y h a n g e r , t o w h i c h c o n n e c t i o n is m a d e , shall b e drilled t o receive t h e lighting wire, a n d p r o v i d e d w i t h a s e t screw for securing s a m e in place. L i g h t i n g wires shall n o t b e w r a p p e d or t i e d a b o u t t h e s t e m s or s t u d s of trolley h a n g e r s . T h e g r o u n d c o n n e c t i o n for lighting wires t a k e n off t h e trolley circuit m u s t b e m a d e t o t h e t r a c k circuit. 44. W i r e s for all lighting circuits shall b e covered w i t h a n i n s u l a t i o n a d e q u a t e for t h e v o l t a g e of t h e circuit, a n d s t r u n g on p o r c e l a i n or glass insulators, unless t h e y a r e encased in pipes or o t h e r metallic covering. I f s e p a r a t e u n c a s e d wires a r e u s e d t h e y shall b e k e p t a t least 3 in. a p a r t , e x c e p t w h e r e t h e y e n t e r t h e fittings. I f m e t a l l i c casings a r e u s e d t h e y s h a l l be g r o u n d e d efficiently. Arc Lamps. 80. A r c l a m p s shall n o t b e u s e d in gaseous m i n e s , e x c e p t u n d e r c o n d i t i o n s w h e r e t r o l l e y locomotives a r e allowable. 8 1 . I f a r c l a m p s a r e u s e d u n d e r g r o u n d in coal m i n e s , t h e y shall b e of t h e enclosed a r c t y p e , a n d shall n o t b e u s e d in s i t u a t i o n s w h e r e t h e r e is likely t o b e d a n g e r from t h e presence of coal-dust. 502 XIX. ELECTRICITY Incandescent Laiwps. 82. I n all mines the sockets of fixed incandescent lamps shall be of the so-called 'weatherproof type, the exterior of which shall be entirely non-metallic. Flexible lamp-cord connections are prohibited, except for portable lamps, as covered by rule 85. 83. In any gaseous portions of a mine, except where ventilated by fresh intake air, incandescent lamps shall be protected by gastight fittings of strong glass, except t h a t lamps of 220 volts, or higher, and of not more than 8 candlepower and without tips, need not be so protected. 84. Incandescent lamps shall be so placed t h a t they cannot come in contact with combustible material. 85. Portable incandescent lamps, other than battery lamps, shall not be used except in connection with the repair and inspection of machines and equipment, and then only in non-gaseous portions of mines. When so used they shall be protected by a heavy wire cage, completely enclosing both lamp and socket, and shall be provided with a handle to which both cage and socket are firmly attached and through which the lead-in wires are carried. 86. Electric lamps shall be replaced by a competent person only, and, in gaseous portions of a mine, only after an examination for gas has been made with a safety lamp. For other regulations regarding electric lighting circuits, see section 3, rules 43 to 45 \ inclusive. " (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 7. F I E K Y AND D U S T Y M I N E S BELGIUM "43. For the use of electric power the following shall be deemed to be places where an inflow of firedamp is to be feared : (a) mines in the third class 2; (b) parts of mines in the second class which are subject to certain rules imposed on mines of the third class ; (o) in mines of the first and second classes—all preparatory workings in rock and in the seam, as well as faces, with the exception of parts of roads swept b y an air current that has not ventilated any active workplace and a t least 50 m distance from the foot of a face ; (d) in mines of the second class—communications between the shaft and rooms shunted between shafts in cases in which the ventilation is only ensured b y an underground fan. 44. The use of electric power at active faces of fiery mines shall be previously notified t o the Divisional Director of the mining region. 45. Apart from cables, use shall be made only of flameproof appliances or intrinsically safe appliances of a type approved by the Director-General of Mines. The conditions of the approval shall be specified by ministerial order. 46. The removal and replacing of flameproof coverings, packets of plates, flame arresters, etc., shall be done only in the presence of an official specially appointed b y the manager. In each case this official shall certify by an entry in the register prescribed by the present order t h a t the assemblages have been correctly carried out and that all bolts, nuts and screws are in place. 47. Conduits shall be capable of being disconnected on all poles, either a t the surface or at a place where no inflow of firedamp is to be feared. 1 2 For rule 45 see Division 4 oí this chapter. For classification of mines see Chapter XII, Division 1. 7. FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 503 48. The atmosphere of the faces, parts of roads, and rooms in which electric appliances are installed shall be inspected by supervisors during each of their visits for the purpose of detecting any firedamp t h a t may be present. When firedamp has been detected by the flame lamp, the operation of the appliances shall be interrupted, with the exception of the fans exhausting from the faces and of appliances recognised as intrinsically safe. This shall also apply to any appliances installed a t a place where a firedamp analysis carried out on a sample taken in the air current indicates a firedamp content of 1 per cent, or more. 49. Electrical installations not required for ventilation shall be made dead as soon as normal ventilation is interrupted." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA Alberta "1 (p) I n any part of a mine in which inflammable gas or coal-dust, although not normally present, is likely to occur in quantity sufficient to be indicative of danger, the following additional requirements shall be observed : (1) All cables, apparatus, signalling wires and signalling instruments shall be constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained so that in the normal working thereof there shall be no risk of open sparking. (2) All motors shall be constructed so t h a t when any part is live all rubbing contacts (such as commutators and slip-rings) are so arranged or enclosed as to prevent open sparking. (3) The pressure shall be switched off apparatus forthwith if open sparking occurs, and during the whole time that examination or adjustment disclosing parts liable to open sparking is being made. The pressure shall not be switched on again until the apparatus has been examined by the electrician or one of his assistants, and the defect (if any) has been remedied or the adjustment made. (4) Every electric lamp shall be enclosed in an airtight fitting, and the lamp globe itself shall be hermetically sealed. (5) A safety lamp shall be provided and used with each motor when working, and should any indication of firedamp appear from such safety lamp, the person appointed to work the motor shall forthwith cut off the pressure therefrom and report the matter to the overman or other official. (q) Current from lighting or power circuits shall not be used for firing shots. (1) Shot-firing cable shall be covered and protected as provided by regulation (n) 1 for flexible cables. Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent them from touching other cables and apparatus." (Electricity Regulations) FRANCE "Special Restrictions Applying to Fiery Mines and Dusty Mines A. Fiery Mines. 303. I n fiery mines the electrical installations which may be fixed in position unless this is opposed by the local inspection authority shall be— 1 See Division 4 of this chapter. 504 XIX. ELECTRICITY (a) armoured cables in the roadways and rooms in which the following three conditions are satisfied : (i) supports kept in a good state of maintenance wherever this is necessary ; (ii) a regular and perfectly agitated air current ; (iii) a firedamp content less than 1 per cent. ; (b) insulated conductors in metal tubes for the lighting installations of the main landings and cross-measure drifts when these conductors are not exposed to deterioration and the air current is regular and perfectly agitated and the firedamp content insignificant ; (c) appliances a n d motors proof against firedamp situated at places where the air current is regular and perfectly agitated. 304. (1) All fixed installations that do not satisfy the requirements laid down in section 303 shall require the prior authorisation of the district inspector of mines. (2) Without prejudice to any particular conditions that may be imposed by the district inspector of mines in view of the circumstances of the case, these installations shall satisfy the following requirements : (a) there shall be no working that is unventilated, incompletely packed or imperfectly settled, and of which the atmosphere can come into communication with the ventilation circuit above the installation; (b) the installation shall be entirely swept by a regular and perfectly agitated air current ; (c) in the roads carrying the general ventilation circuit above the installation, the control of firedamp carried out in accordance with the provisions of section 179 x shall not reveal any content exceeding fivethousandths ; (d) all measures shall be taken to ensure that no dangerous outbreak of firedamp can b e feared, with due regard to the special characteristics of the mine and of the arrangement of the workings ; (e) if the installation includes fixed lamps their bulbs shall be under tight globes ; (f) all installations other than fixed lamps and the conductors t h a t supply them, contact lines and haulage feeders shall, unless this is absolutely impossible, be placed at least 0.50 m from the roof. 305. (1) With the exception of the locomotives and other electric vehicles referred to in section 306, all electrical machines not fixed in position, and in particular t h e equipment of workplaces, and also the corresponding appliances shall be proof against firedamp. (2) The conductors supplying such machines and appliances shall, beyond the point where they can be no longer fixed in position, consist either of armoured cables or of flexible or semi-flexible cables of the best types known. (3) The conditions for the installation and use of the machines, appliances and cables referred to in subsections (1) and (2) above shall bo approved by the district inspector of mines. 306. Locomotives and other electric vehicles proof against firedamp shall be employed only in the conditions specified in section 303 (c) and other locomotives and electric vehicles including trolley locomotives only in the conditions specified in section 304. 307. (1) I n mines liable to sudden outbursts of firedamp the use of electricity shall be prohibited except for personal electric lamps and shotfiring. (2) Nevertheless, the district inspector of mines may authorise installations placed in the intake air current at points t h a t are not liable to be 1 See Chapter XII, Division 2. 7. FIERY AND DXJSTY MINES 505 struck by a waives oof gas (refoulement gazeux), and also the use of armoured cables, telephone s and signal systems proof against firedamp in the main return airways ; Hies shall determine the conditions attaching to the authorisation. 308. (1) Ecpiiipaient proof against firedamp shall conform t o types approved by tines BILnister. (2) The specdfiications to which the types shall conform and the nature of the tests that tHi&y shall undergo shall be defined by the Minister on the proposal of the P«Em anent Committee for Scientific Researches on Firedamp, Dusts and Exp>lo srves used in Mines. (3) The órete iss approving shall specify the particular obligations attaching to each type to be fulfilled by operators in order to assure themselves of the continued! ccoznformity of the appliances in operation with the type defined in the «¡»ers. 309. (1) Vlatínifaeturers of equipment proof against firedamp shall certify on theix rreasp visibility that the appliances furnished conform to the approved types. (2) The op er atoe shall constantly keep this equipment in good condition. (3) The spieaiaal tools required for removing parts of which the maintenance in place is« necessary to ensure safety against firedamp shall only be kept by employeess -qualified to undertake such removal. 310. (1) Eofuiipnnent proof against firedamp shall be examined daily by the personnel «sponsible for it. (2) I t shall be s inspected at least once a week by a specialist employee ; the report onfcWs-.e inspections shall be entered in a register. (3) The el«c tr-ical examinations and measurements made underground shall be carried «rant with all useful precautions against any risks t h a t might arise from the germe ration of sparks. 311. (1) ITtae atmosphere of rooms, places, roadways and drifts, workplaces an_d iae«s where use is made of electrical installations carried out in accordance irith the provisions of sections 303 to 307 shall be subject to systematic srayei llance in the conditions specified in instructions submitted to the distrie i ¡inspector of mines or approved by him according as the installations aie c- ouered only by section 303 or by one of the sections 304, 305, 306 and 3W.. (2) The curzre:siib shall be immediately cut off— (a) from any ostollation or wiring when1 a firedamp content higher than the limits specified in section 181 is detected in the surrounding atmospheres s (b) from a n y iznetallation or wiring in a place which as a result of a fall of ground or o «traer incident is seriously threatened with contamination by firedsrapo; (c) from an_y ijistallation or wiring in respect of which one of the conditions attaching to the authorisation on which it depends ceases to be satissfi»«! ; (d) from any j i j t allation or wiring affected by a fall of ground liable to impair ties conductors or by a defect found either in insulation or in an earth, co «Election ; (e) from a n y r«imckiine or appliance on which a device proof against firedamp is found t«o be in a bad condition. (3) The CTirreirt shall be cut off by the person who discovers or notices the defect or tbsrea-t making this necessary. Special instructions shall determine the condibrais for giving effect to this requirement. 1 See Chapter O t , Division t. 506 XIX. ELECTRICITY (4) All these incidents shall be notified to the supervisory officials ; they shall be mentioned in the register showing the advancement of the workings. (5) The current shall be restored only on the order of the supervisory official appointed for this purpose by the instructions referred to in subsection (3) above a n d after the repairs have been made or the protective measures appropriate t o the circumstances have been taken. B . Dusty Mines. 312. I n dusty mines the lamps shall be under a globe. Electric haulage by trolley line shall require the authorisation of the local inspection authority ; this shall also apply to any installation that may cause an electric arc in the open air." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Gassy Places. (a) Wiring leading to gassy places must be capable of being switched off on all poles from a non-gassy place. (c) Electric machines, transformers and tools may not be installed unless— ( 1 ) they satisfy t h e regulations for the construction of flameproof electrical machines, transformers and tools (VUE 0170) ; (2) they are certified by an approved testing station as flameproof; (3) they are authorised by the mining authorities; (4) they are stamped "flameproof" and bear an exact indication of their type; (5) they bear a serial number or other indication, as specified in the regulations. (d) Insulated windings of machines, transformers, etc., must be protected against overheating due to an overload. The protection must be such that its protective qualities remain unimpaired. (e) The following must have pressure-resisting enclosures : motors for portable equipment a t the face, and motors for drills and air-pipe fans ; electrical equipment whose current consumption at the rated efficiency is so small t h a t it cannot be reliably protected by cut-outs against overloads. Certain exceptions are allowed for oil-filled voltage transformers, instrument transformers and transformers secured against overloads by means of cut-outs on the low voltage side, and also for all equipment that is not unduly overheated 'when permanently short circuited. (f) Squirrel-cage motors t h a t are not fitted with the regulation enclosures must be fitted with a protective switch for the motor that can be actuated by the motor short-circuit current within 10 seconds. In certain conditions a longer period m a y be allowed. (g) For operating pressures under 1,000 volts, on leads to remotecontrolled switchgear and protective switches for motors, disconnecting switches must be provided in the immediate vicinity of the switch or in the switchgear itself, a n d must be such as to switch off both the mains and the control leads. (h) For oil-filled starting and control appliances, precautions must be taken against overloads. (i) Automatic circuit-breakers, the flameproofness of which is ensured by oil, must not be installed at places where there is a risk of fire. (1c) Oil may n o t be used to ensure flameproofness for portable equipment. 7 . FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 507 (I) For lighting equipment use may he made only of plugs t h a t are so interlocked with the switch, either mechanically or electrically, t h a t they cannot be inserted and withdrawn under load. (m) With direct current use may be made only of lamps with bulbs that are secured against loosening or are otherwise suitably protected against the effects of loosening. (n) For portable lighting equipment, use may be made only of bulbs of which the filaments are relatively insensitive to vibration. (o) I n all lighting circuits there must be at least one switch t h a t cuts off the current on all poles. (p) Uninsulated Uve parts that are not built as self-contained units must be built into special enclosures or covered in on all sides, so that they are inaccessible to unauthorised persons and protected against disturbance from outside bodies (e.g. falls of roof), water and coarse dust. Kemoval of the enclosure must be possible only with special tools. (q) Measuring instruments and their accessories must be strong enough in all their parts to withstand all anticipated thermic and dynamic shortcircuit effects (29). Places with an Explosion Bisk. (a) In places where there are explosive gases or fumes other t h a n firedamp, section 29 applies unless special rules have been issued by the mining authorities. (b) I n explosives magazines, apart from fixed electric lighting as specified in VDE 0170, no electrical equipment is permissible. Switches and cut-outs must be installed outside the magazines (30). (VDE 0118-1937) NETHERLANDS "BEGULATIONS TOB THE INSTALLATION OF LOW-TENSION ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS I N UNDERGBOTJND WORKINGS Chapter V. Supplementary Regulations for Electrical Installations in Parts of the Underground Workings Where There Is a Risk of Dust Explosions 173. Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapter I the provisions of sections 174 to 189 inclusive shall apply to electrical installations in parts of the underground workings where there is a risk of dust explosions. Transformers. 174. Transformers shall be of tight construction or of at least equivalent construction. 175. Transformers for power installations shall be protected by overload circuit breakers with subsidiary time relays, which circuit breakers shall be so installed that in the event of a short circuit the switches cub off the current without delay. This provision shall not apply to transformers which are provided with a protective device which, at the beginning of an incipient defect in t h e transformer, switches off the transformer, and provided t h a t the transformers are further protected by overload circuit breakers t h a t are so installed that in the event of a short circuit the switches cut off the current without delay. 176. Transformers for lighting installations shall be protected hy fuses or overload circuit breakers or by at least equivalent protection ; the protection shall not be heavier or slower than is called for by the requirements of operation. 33 508 XIX. ELECTRICITY Switchgear. 177. Switchgear shall be of tight construction or of a t least equivalent construction. Electrical Appliances. 178. Electrical appliances not being fuses shall be of a construction which affords adequate guarantees against mechanical damage and as far as possible against the penetration of dust and which further is such that the temperature in the housing or casing cannot cause any ignition of surrounding dust. 179. Fusegear shall be installed in boxes of tight construction or of a t least equivalent construction. 180. (1) Switches and disconnecting switches shall be of tight construction or of a t least equivalent construction. (2) Plug and socket connections, lighting fittings and ornaments and also resistors shall b e of a construction proof against dust explosions or of at least equivalent construction. 181. Electrical installations shall, independently of parts of installations in other parts of the underground workings, be protected and be capable of being switched off by a switch on all poles and phases ; for two-wire installations the switch shall be a two-pole switch. Motor/), 183. Motors shall bo of tight construction or of a t least equivalent construction. 184. Motors shall be protected against overload. Electrical Conductors and Accessories of Conductors. 185. For fixed conductors, subject to the provisions of sections 186 and 187, use shall only be made of— uninsulated conductors ; armoured rubber-lead cables (GRLK) ; armoured paper-lead cables (GPLK) ; and conductors a t least equivalent to the above-mentioned kinds. 186. Uninsulated conductors shall only be used as earth conductors. 187. Insertions of and connections for conductors in or on electrical machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances and accessories of conductors shall b e tight. 188. Sleeves, sockets, junction boxes and the like shall be of tight construction or of at least equivalent construction. 189. For portable conductors use shall be made only of flexible rubbercovered conductors (BRML) of heavy construction and a t least equivalent conductors. Chapter VII. Supplementary Regulations for Electrical Installations in Parts of the Underground Workings Where the Occurrence of a Firedamp Content of More than 1.5 Per Cent, by Volume in the Air Current Is to Be Expected at Any Moment in Normal Operating Conditions 213. Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapter I, the provisions of sections 214 to 241 inclusive shall apply to electrical installations in parts of the underground workings where the occurrence of a firedamp 7 . FIERY AND DUSTY MINES 509 content of more than 1.5 per cent, by volume in the air current is t o be expected in normal operating conditions. General. 214. Electrical equipment shall be installed only in so far as a construction is selected which in the local conditions cannot cause an explosion, 215. (1) Transportable transformers, switchgear and appliances that are filled with oil shall not be used. (2) If a construction is used with a filling of paste, use shall be made of a paste that does not easily become fluid. 216. Switches, starting appliances and the like with oil filling shall be used only for a rated capacity not exceeding 1 kVA and shall be protected by fuses or overload circuit breakers of a rated capacity not exceeding 10 A. Transformers. 217. Transformers shall be of a construction proof against firedamp or of at least equivalent construction. 218. Transformers for power installations of pressure-resisting construction shall be protected by overload circuit breakers with subsidiary time relays, which circuit breakers shall be so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. This provision shall not apply to transformers which are provided with a protective device which, at the beginning of an incipient defect in the transformer, switches off the transformer, and provided t h a t the transformers are further protected by overload circuit breakers that are so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. 219. Transformers for lighting installations of more than 10 kVA and of pressure-resisting construction shall be protected by overload circuit breakers with subsidiary time relays, which circuit breakers shall further be so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. This provision shall not apply to transformers which are provided with a protective device which, at the beginning of an incipient defect in the transformer, switches off the transformer, and provided t h a t the transformers are further protected by overload circuit breakers t h a t are so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. 220. Transformers for lighting installations up to and including 10 kVA shall be protected by fuses or overload circuit breakers or b y at least equivalent protection ; the protection shall not be heavier or slower t h a n is called for by the requirements of operation. 221. Oil-filled transformers of semi-pressure-resisting construction for power installations shall be provided with a protective device that, at the beginning of an incipient defect in the transformer, switches off the transformer ; further, these transformers shall be protected by overload circuit breakers that are so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. 222. Oil-filled transformers of semi-pressure-resisting construction for lighting installations of more than 10 kVA shall be provided with a protective device that, at the beginning of an incipient defect of the transformer, switches off the transformer ; further, these transformers shall be protected by overload circuit breakers that are so installed that, in the event of a short circuit, the switches cut off the current without delay. 223. Transformers of semi-pressure-resisting contraction shall be used only at places where there is no danger of the parts being fouled or choked by the release of pressure. 510 XIX. ELECTRICITY SvMchgear. 224. Switchgear shall be of a construction proof against firedamp or of at least equivalent construction. 225. Switchgear of semi-pressure-resisting construction shall be used only a t places where there is no danger of the parts being fouled or choked by the release of pressure. 226. Distribution and fuse boxes shall be interlocked with a switch so that the changing or renewing of fuses is possible only when the current is off. Electrical Appliances. 227. Electrical appliances not being fuses shall be of a construction proof against firedamp or of at least equivalent construction. This provision shall not apply if the current is supplied at a safe voltage and a safe amperage. 228. (1) Fusegear shall be installed in boxes of a construction proof against firedamp or of at least equivalent construction. (2) I t shall be possible to change fuses only when the current is off. 229. Electrical appliances of semi-presaure-resisting construction shall be used only at places where there is no danger of the parts being fouled or choked by t h e release of pressure. 230. Electrical installations shall, independently of parts of installations in other parts of the underground workings, be protected, and be capable of being switched off by a switch on all poles or phases ; for two-wire installations the switch shall be a two-pole switch. 231. Lamps shall be installed in lighting fittings or ornaments of a construction proof against firedamp or of at least equivalent construction. Motors. 232. Motors shall be of a construction proof against firedamp or of a t least equivalent construction. This provision shall not apply if the current is supplied at a safe voltage and a safe amperage. 233. Motors of semi-pressure-resisting construction shall be used only a t places where there is no danger of parts being fouled or choked by the release of pressure. 234. Motors shall be protected against overload. Electric Conductors and Accessories of Conductors. 235. For fixed conductors, subject to the provisions of sections 236 and 237, use shall only be made of— uninsulated conductors ; armoured rubber-lead cables (GRLK.) ; armoured paper-lead cables (GPLK) ; and conductors at least equivalent to the above-mentioned kinds. 236. Uninsulated conductors shall only be used as earth conductors. 237. Insertions of and connections for conductors in or on electrical machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances and accessories of conductors shall, according t o the nature of the equipment, be either tight or pressure-resisting. 238. Conductors shall be provided with fusegear or overload circuit breakers and also with main switches. 7. FIERY AND DTTSTY MINES 511 239. Sleeves, sockets, junction boxes and the like shall be of a construction immune from a temporary risk of firedamp or of a t least equivalent construction. 240. At places where there is a special risk of falls of ground, adequate measures shall be taken for the protection of the conductors against mechanical damage. 241. For portable conductors use shall be made only of flexible rubbercovered conductors (BBML) of heavy construction and a t least equivalent conductors." (IGR V) Note : The Inspector-General has issued regulations (VBMO) concerning the design and construction of electrical equipment for use in places where there is a risk of firedamp explosions. UNITED KINGDOM "132. I n any part of a mine in which inflammable gas, although not normally present, is likely to occur in quantity sufficient to be indicative of danger, the following additional requirements shall be observed : (i) All cables, apparatus, signalling wires and signalling instruments shall be constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained, so that in the normal working thereof there shall be no risk of open sparking. (ii) All motors shall be constructed so t h a t when any part is live all rubbing contacts (such as commutators and slip-rings) are so arranged or enclosed as to prevent open sparking. (iii) The pressure shall be switched off apparatus forthwith if open sparking occurs, and during the whole time t h a t examination or adjustment disclosing parts liable to open sparking is being made. The pressure shall not be switched on again until the apparatus has been examined by the electrician or one of his duly appointed assistants and the defect (if any) has been remedied or the adjustment made." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "74. (a) No electric drills and p u m p s ; or electric undercutting, shearing, and loading machines ; or other electric machines ; or electric switches and connections shall be used in a gassy mine or a gassy section of a mine unless approved by the United States Bureau of Mines as permissible. ( b) Where permissible electric cutting machines and drills are used in a gassy mine, the lessee shall require a fire boss or mine examiner to make tests for flammable gas within half-an-hour preceding their use and every half-hour during their use. 75. In gassy mines electric-lighting circuits may be used only at the foot of the intake shafts and in the intaking main roads in which the air current contains not more than one-quart er of 1 per cent, of flammable gas." (R 23.12.1937) "Article VIII. Electricity 9. Electric equipment, (a) (Section 209 (f) (1)—Title II.) All electric face equipment used in a gassy mine shall be permissible, except that electric face equipment may be used in a gassy mine even though such equipment is not permissible if, before the effective date of this section or the date such mine became a gassy mine, whichever is later, the operator of such 512 X I X . ELECTBICITY mine owned such equipment, or owned the right to use such equipment, or had ordered such equipment. Permissible electric face equipment in use in a gassy mine shall not be replaced by electric face equipment which is not permissible except that (a) permissible and non-permissible electric face equipment in use in a mine may be interchanged within such mine, and (b) explosiontested cable-reel locomotives and shuttle cars purchased before permissible cable-reel locomotives and shuttle cars became available, may be used to replace permissible cable-reel locomotives and shuttle cars. (b) (Section 209 (f) (2)—Title II.) In a gassy mine permissible junction or distribution boxes shaU be used for making multiple-power connections in working places or other places where dangerous quantities of methane may be present or may enter the air current, except that where non-permissible junction or distribution boxes are in use, or on order, on the effective date of this section or the date such mine became a gassy mine, whichever is later, their use may be continued until such time as replacements are made. (c) Electric equipment shall not be taken into or operated in any place where methane can be detected with a flame safety lamp at any point not less than 12 in. from the roof, face, or rib." (FMC 1953) New Mexico "1717. I n all underground gassy coal mines electrically operated hoists, pumps, compressors, and charging stations, and all other similar underground electrical equipment shall be installed so as to be ventilated at all times b y fresh intake air, a n d so as to involve no fire hazard. All such installations in non gassy coal mines shall be made in places where there is a definite moving current of air and so as to involve no fire hazard. 1718. I n gassy mines all electrical equipment to be installed in the future shall be of t h e permissible type if such is economically practicable. 1719. Torches or similar devices for rail-bonding or other similar use may be used in gassy mines in fresh intake air." (A 16.3.1933) 8. OPEEATION AND MAINTENANCE BELGIUM "52. Electrical installations shall be subject to the supervision of competent chief electricians appointed by the manager. 63. A. All heavy-current installations supplied at pressures exceeding 650 volts shall be thoroughly inspected— (a) by the chief electrician referred to in section 52— (i) before first being taken into use and after each displacement ; (ii) four times a year, the interval between inspections not to exceed 100 days ; (b) by an approved inspector complying with the conditions of section 829 1 of the general regulations for the protection of labour, once a year in such a way t h a t the interval between the two consecutive inspections does not exceed 13 months. 1 "829. In order to be approved for the purposes oí inspections, inspections on delivery, tests, retests, verifications and examinations provided for in the preceding provisions, inspecting organisations and officials shall satisfy the following conditions : The organisation shall be effectively directed by an engineer possessing a civil engineering diploma who shall prove that he possesses sufficient practical experience and the necessary equipment. Only officials whose character, independence and capacity offer all desirable guarantees shall be entrusted with inspections, inspections on delivery, tests, retests, verifications and examinations. The organisation, its director or officials shall not be the technical adviser of the owner of the appliances or their manufacturer or dealer, or the agent of any of these persons. They shall not engage in trade or be representatives for these appliances." 8. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 513 B. All heavy-current fixed and displaceable installations supplied at a pressure of 650 volts or less shall be thoroughly inspected— (a) by the chief electrician referred to in section 52 before first being taken into use; (b) by the approved inspector during the 13 months following the date of the inspection referred to under (a) ; fc) by a competent electrician appointed by the chief electrician twice a year and after each displacement, in such a way that the interval between two consecutive inspections does not exceed 200 days. C. All installations including movable, mobile and portable appliances shall be— fa) thoroughly inspected by the chief electrician before first being taken into use and at regular intervals not exceeding 100 days ; (b) thoroughly inspected every 15 days by a competent electrician appointed by the chief electrician ; (c) examined daily by a supervisor or other person appointed by the chief electrician. The intervals between the periodical thorough inspections referred to in C may be doubled if the installation is provided with an insulationcontrol appliance of a type approved by the Director-General of Mines. A thorough inspection shall include at least measurement of the insulation of the installation as a whole, verification of the condition of the earthing and measurement of its resistance. The detailed results of these inspections shall be entered in a special register kept a t the disposal of the inspector." (RO 7.8.1953) CANADA (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Alberta "1 (o) The electrician shall be in daily attendance a t the mine. He shall be responsible for the fulfilment of the following duties, which shall be carried out by him or by an assistant or assistants duly appointed under paragraph (1) of this regulation 1 : (i) the thorough examination of all apparatus (including the testing of earth conductors and metallic coverings for continuity), as often as may be necessary to prevent danger ; and (ii) the examination and testing of all new apparatus and of all apparatus re-erected in a new position in or about the mine before it is put into service in a new position ; provided t h a t in the absence of the electrician for more than 24 hours, the manager shall appoint in writing an efficient substitute. The electrician shall keep at the mine a log-book made up of daily logsheets kept in the form prescribed by the Minister. The said log-book shall be produced at any time to an inspector on his request. Should there be a fault in any circuit, the part affected shall be made dead without delay and shall remain so until the fault has been remedied. All apparatus shall be kept clear of obstructions and free from dust, dirt and moisture, as may be necessary to prevent danger. Inflammable or explosive material shall not be stored in any room, compartment or box containing apparatus, or in the vicinity of apparatus. Adequate precautions shall be taken by earthing or other suitable means to discharge electrically any conductor or apparatus or any adjacent » See Division 9 of this chapter. 514 XIX. ELECTRICITY apparatus, if there is danger therefrom, before it is handled and to prevent any conductor or apparatus from being accidentally or inadvertently electrically charged when persons are working thereon. While lamps are being changed the pressure shall be cut off. (7) The person authorised to work on an electrically driven portable machine shall not leave the machine while it is working and shall before leaving the place see t h a t the pressure is cut off from the flexible trailing cable which supplies such portable machine. Trailing cables shall not be dragged along by the machine when working. (8) Every flexible cable shall be examined a t least once in every seven days by the electrician and, if used with a portable machine, at least once in each shift by the person authorised to work the machine. A correct report of each of these inspections shall be made immediately in a book kept at the mine for the purpose. If a flexible cable is found damaged or defective it shall be sent to the surface for repair and be replaced b y a spare cable in good and substantial repair. However, it is permissible for an electrician t o temporarily repair a trailing cable to permit the finishing of a shift, provided that such repair is made in a safe manner." (Electricity Regulations) FRANCE "281. For the performance of work not under tension on installations of Class I I B3 the responsibility for disconnection and maintaining disconnection for the whole duration of the work in the conditions laid down in section 50 (2) * m a y be permanently delegated to the electrician in charge of their maintenance. 282. The examination of flexible cables and conductors required under section 53 (4) 2 shall be made twice a week." (R 4.5.1951) GEBMANY The operation of electrical equipment is subject to very detailed regulations issued by the Association of German Electrical Engineers (VDE 01191936). They are divided into six parts, as follows : I, Scope ; I I , Definitions ; I I I , General Rules ; IV, Attendance ; V, Supervision and Maintenance ; VI, Additional Provisions for Gassy Places. The provisions of Part VI are summarised below. General. (a) All work—even the changing of filament lamps—while the current is on, is prohibited. The opening of enclosures is allowed only when the live parts in them are protected against direct or indirect contact. For means of communication except shaft signalling equipment, the opening of enclosures and work with the current on is allowed when for technical reasons it is impossible to switch off the current, and when the freedom of the place from firedamp has been ascertained by a supervisory mining official and is constantly verified during the work. 1 " 50. (2) In the case of installations of Class II or Class III, the execution of the work shall be placed under the authority of a responsible chief who shall satisfy himself beforehand that the current has been cut off and kept cut of! by a suitable blocking device. He shall retain absolute physical control over the blocking arrangements for the whole duration of the work and shall not allow the restoration of the current until he has satisfied himself that the work has been completed and all the personnel concerned have reached the meeting places fixed in advance." ' " 53. (4) The good condition of flexible cables and conductors supplying portable, movable, or semi-fixed appliances or machines shall be verified at least twice a month by a qualified electrician." 8. OPBEATION AND MAINTENANCE 515 (b) Persons entrusted with the minding or supervision of electrical installations must take special care t h a t the anti-firedamp protection of electrical equipment is always in proper condition (12). Operation and Supervision. (a) If in electrical equipment defects are discovered such as t o impair flameproofness, or if they show signs of any irregularity, the dangerous parts must be immediately switched off. Care must be taken t h a t they cannot again be taken into use until the defects have been efficiently remedied. Makeshift repairs, even for short periods, are forbidden. (b) Pressure-resisting enclosures and plate-protection enclosures must be properly closed and all bolts, screws, etc., must be drawn tight and secured against loosening. Surfaces in contact must be kept clean and undamaged, and must fit properly. Contact surfaces must be only very slightly greased. Packing between contact surfaces is allowed only when it has been provided for by the manufacturer. (c) The plate protection must be such that between the plates and the walls of the enclosures there is no gap more than 0.5 m m wide. The plates must be undamaged and the distance between them may at no place be more than 0.5 mm. Gaps between the plates must not be stopped up. Protective plates must not be painted. At suitable intervals, and always after an explosion in the enclosure that they are protecting, the plates must be cleaned. (d) The oil level in oil-filled parts must always be a t least as high as prescribed. The oil gauge and the oil drain cock must be tight and undamaged, The oil gauge must be kept so clean that the oil level can be immediately read. The oil must be tested a t suitable intervals. (e) Gauge glasses must be intact. When changing gauge glasses care must be taken that the new glasses are equal in quality to the old. (f) Damaged protective globes of lamps must be immediately replaced. Flickering or otherwise defectively burning filament lamps must be switched off and properly screwed into their holders. (g) Machines, transformers, lamps and tools must be protected against water. At suitable intervals internal live parts that are subject to wear or loosening must be tested and, if necessary, repaired. When changing contacts and wiring care must be taken t h a t the new material complies with the proper specifications. (h) The enclosures of remote-controlled machines and tools m a y only be opened when the remote controls are reliably blocked. (i) Plugs and sockets may not be disconnected when the current is on. (m) The earthing and short circuiting of parts that have been made dead is only permissible when the freedom of the place from firedamp has been ascertained by a supervisory mining official and is constantly verified during the work. This also applies to (i) the testing of insulation, and (ii) the taking of electrical measurements and the testing of voltage with instruments that are not built into the plant. Such work may only be done by electrical supervisors or qualified electricians approved by the Divisional Mining Office, or under the supervision of such persons. For testing insulation only magnetos or flameproof and built-in apparatus for testing mains may be used (13). Maintenance. (a) Repairs may be done only by competent persons or under their direction. The efficiency of the flameproof protection must not be reduced by repairs. 516 XIX. ELECTRICITY (b) Good lighting should be provided for repair work. (c) When changing parts of flameproof electrical equipment use may be made only of spare parts made to the same specifications. (d) If machines, transformers, lamps and tools are so altered that they no longer conform t o the certificate of the testing station in so far as flameproofness is concerned, they must be returned to the station for a new test and certificate. I n the case of repairs to windings, in addition to an insulation test, a heating test must be undertaken. Equipment of which the flameproof protection has been altered must not be re-employed until it has been re-authorised by the competent naining authorities (14). Note : Under section 273 of the Dortmund ^Regulations of 1 May 1935, electrical equipment of all kinds underground must be examined yearly by experts recognised by the Divisional Mining Office. NETHERLANDS "General Operating Regulations 46. For the operation of electrical installations in the underground workings the provisions of sections 47 to 94, inclusive, shall apply. 47. I n the provisions of this part— (a) 'authorised person' and 'authorised personnel' shall mean expert or adequately instructed persons capable of carrying out electrotechnical operations as referred to in section 60 (1) ; (b) 'foreman' shall mean an authorised person who is responsible for the direction of electrotechnical operations on the spot ; (c) 'responsible expert' shall mean an expert person other than a foreman, who bears the responsibility for the direction of electrotechnical operations. 48. (1) Where desirable in the interests of safety there shall be provided a -wiring plan or an equivalent schema that, as far as possible, is up to date and clear, together with a clear horizontal plan of the electrical installations showing in outline— (a) the kinds of current and voltages ; (b) the number, the kind and the power of the dynamos, generators, converters, transformers, rectifiers and batteries ; (c) the method of disconnecting and connecting the different parts of the installation ; (d) the kind of conductors and the method of laying them ; (e) the copper cross-section of the conductors ; (f) the rated capacity of the fuses and the overload circuit breakers ; (g) the number, the kind and the power of the motors, together with the total power of the lamps and other current-consuming appliances, per group. (2) The provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply to single-unit substations which, owing to the arrangement of the component parts, can be adequately comprehended without a schema. 49. At the approaches to electric rooms or locked electric rooms and a t all places where contact with the electrical equipment can cause danger, for example a t parts under high tension or in damp rooms where there are uninsulated live parts, suitable and clearly legible warnings shall be placed a t appropriate places. Warnings for high tension shall bear a red zigzag. 50. Electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances, conductors, accessories of conductors, guards, earth connections, warnings, wiring plans and the like, shall be properly maintained. 8. OPERATION AND MAINT ENANOS 517 61. Insulation defects shall be searched for and remedied as promptly as possible. 52. (1) I n order to ascertain whether parts of electrical installations are or are not live, use shall be made of suitable voltmeters, current detectors or the like. (2) The protection of the person using high-tension current detectors and switch poles shall not be ensured by the provision of an earth wire. 53. At least once a year the good working order of the main switch shall be verified by means of an earth connection test ; the earth connections operating in conjunction with fuses or overload circuit breakers shall be tested at least once a year by measuring the resistance. 64. For the purpose of extinguishing any transformer fire that may break out in the immediate vicinity of the rooms where oil-filled transformers are installed, there shall be a bucket or a pail filled with sand and placed outside the rooms. 55. For the purpose of extinguishing any oil fire that may break out in the immediate vicinity of oil-filled switches with an oil content exceeding 100 litres, there shall be a bucket or pail filled with sand ; if the oil-filled switches are installed in separate rooms then the bucket or pail filled with sand shall be placed outside these rooms. 56. If the electrical installation is designed for a load exceeding 150 kW, during operation it shall be under the supervision of a person specially appointed for the purpose who can promptly reach any place where he is required. 57. For electric welding and the changing of welding electrodes use shall be made of efficient insulating gloves. 58. Keys and the like which must be used to open doors giving access to locked electric rooms shall be in the possession only of the persons authorised for the purpose ; they shall be so kept that they cannot fall into the hands of unauthorised persons. 59. (1) Every subordinate person concerned with operation shall be bound to report immediately to his superior all incidents and circumstances that can cause danger. (2) Every responsible person concerned with operation shall be bound, in the case of incidents and circumstances that can cause danger, to take, or cause to be taken, immediately all necessary measures for eliminating the danger. 60. (1) Work consisting in laying, extending, renewing, altering, repairing, maintaining and examining electrical installations shall be done only by personnel adequately acquainted with the wiring of the installation or the part concerned. (2) Work consisting in the repair, maintenance and examination of electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances, conductors and accessories of conductors, shall be done only by expert personnel. (3) The provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply to electrical installations where, owing to the absence of a source of current or other means of supply, they cannot become live. 61. At places where there is a special risk of accidents occurring on work on electrical installations, a placard on which first aid in electrical accidents is described in an easily understandable manner and, if necessary, explained by illustrations, shall be posted up in such a manner that it can be easily consulted. 62. At places where there is a special risk of accidents occurring on work on electrical installations or electrical appliances, and in all rooms where there are live parts of electrical installations for high-tension alter- 518 XIX. ELECTRICITY nating current or three-phase current, whether or not they are insulated, there shall be at suitable points clearly legible notices mounted on stout material and reproducing sections 46 to 94, inclusive or a suitable extract thereof. Supplementary Operating Regulations for Work in Parts of the Underground Workings Referred to in Ohapters V, VI and VII of Orders V and VI 74. Without prejudice to the provisions of Chapters I, I I and I I I , the provisions of sections 75 to 80 inclusive shall apply to work in parts of the underground workings referred to in Chapters V, VI and VII of Orders V and VI. 1 75. (1) Work on uninsulated parts of electrical installations shall be done only if t h e parts have been made dead. (2) The changing of lamps under tension shall be prohibited. (3) The opening, dismantling or the like of the housing or casing of electric machines, transformers, switchgear, appliances and wiring accessories shall be undertaken only after it has been ascertained t h a t the part of the electrical installation to which the said components belong is dead. 76. Electrical installations or parts thereof that for the purpose of the work referred to in section 75 have been switched off shall not be switched on until after it has been ascertained that the installation or parts thereof no longer present a danger of explosion. 77. The testing of the insulation, the examination of parts of the installation to ascertain whether they are live, the earthing and short circuiting of parts that have been made dead, the taking of measurements, the elimination of residual charges and all other operations in which sparks may occur shall be carried out only after it has been ascertained that at the place in question there is no danger of explosion. 78. Devices for releasing pressure in semi-pressure-resisting constructions and also the level of the oil of oil-filled transformers and appliances in the parts of the underground workings referred to in Chapters VI and VII of Orders V and VI shall be regularly verified at adequately frequent intervals. 79. Special tools t h a t muBt be used for the opening or unscrewing of electrical equipment of a construction immune from temporary risk of firedamp or of a construction proof against firedamp, or of a construction that is at least equivalent, shall be exclusively in the possession of authorised persons ; they shall be so kept that they cannot fall into the hands of unauthorised persons. 80. If, in parts of the underground workings where the firedamp content in the air current in normal operating conditions is kept below 1.5 per cent. b y volume, this percentage is exceeded, the electrical installation shall be immediately switched off, in so far as it is not constructed in conformity with the provisions of Chapter VII of Orders V and V I . " (IGR VII) 1 Chapters I, II and III comprise respectively general operating provisions, supplementary operating provisions for work on or in the vicinity of low-tension electrical installations, and supplementary provisions for work on or in the vicinity of high-tension electrical installations. Order V contains installation rules for low-tension equipment underground ; and Order VI, installation rules for high-tension equipment underground. Chapters V, VI and VII of these orders comprise provisions concerning electrical installations in parts of the underground workings, respectively, where there is a dust-explosion risk, where the firedamp content of the air current is normally below 1.5 per cent., and where the firedamp content of the air current is normally above 1.5 per cent. 8. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 519 UNITED KINGDOM "131 (h) The person authorised to work an electrically driven coal cutter or other portable machine shall not leave the machine while it is working, and shall, before leaving the working place ensure that the pressure is cut off from the flexible trailing cable which supplies such coal cutter or other portable machine. Trailing cables shall not be dragged along by the machine when working. (i) Every flexible cable shall be examined periodically (if used with a portable machine, at least once in each shift by the person authorised to work the machine), and if found damaged or defective it shall forthwith be replaced by a spare cable in good and substantial repair. Such damaged or defective cable shall not be further used underground until after it has been sent to the surface and there properly repaired." (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "Article VIII. Electricity 4. Power circuits (h) All power circuits and electric equipment shall be de-energised before work is done on them ; provided, however, that employees may, where necessary, repair energised trolley wires if they wear insulated shoes and lineman's gloves. 11. Electrical inspections, (a) Electric equipment and •wiring shall be inspected by a competent person at least once a month and more often if necessary to assure safe operating conditions, and any defect found shall be corrected promptly." (FMC 1953) New Mexico "1706. Repairs, renewals, or extensions of electrical apparatus and circuits shall not be made while such apparatus or circuits are live unless conditions make it absolutely necessary, in which case the utmost precaution shall be taken when working on them." (A 16.3.1933) Pennaylvaaia " 7 1 . No man shall be placed in charge of an electrically operated coalcutting, loading or drilling machine in any gaseous portion of a mine who is not a competent person, capable of determining the safety of the roof and sides of the working place and detecting the presence of explosive gas. 72. I n any gaseous portion of a mine an electrically operated coalcutting, loading or drilling machine shall not be brought within the last break-through next the working face, until the machine operator shall have made an inspection for gas in the place where the machine is to work, unless such examination is then made by some other competent person authorised or appointed for that purpose by the mine foreman. If any explosive gas is found in the place, the machine shall not be taken in. 73. No electrically operated coal-cutting, loading or drilling machine shall be continued in operation in a gaseous portion of a mine for a longer period than half-an-hour without an examination as above described being made for gas, and if gas is found the current shall a t once be switched off the machine, and the trailing cable shall forthwith be disconnected from the power supply. 520 XIX. ELECTRICITY 74. The person finding gas shall at once report the fact to the fire boss or mine foreman, and the machine shall not again be started in such place until the fire boss, or a person duly authorised by the mine foreman, has examined it and pronounced it safe. 75. The person in charge of a coal cutter or drilling machine shall not leave the machine while it is working, and shall, before leaving the working place, see t h a t t h e current is cut off from the trailing cables. 76. I n any gaseous portion of a mine, if any electric sparking or arc be produced, outside of a coal-cutting or other portable motor, or by the cables or rails, the machine shall be stopped, and not be worked again until the defect is repaired, and the occurrence shall be reported to an official of the mine." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) 9. ELECTRICAL STATT CANADA Alberta " 4 1 . (1) No person shall be granted a certificate of competency as a mine electrician unless— (a) he is a t least 21 years of age ; and (b) he has had a t least two years' electrical experience in a mine ; or (c) he has had a t least four years' practical electrical experience at other electrical work, together with six months' electrical experience in a mine ; or (d) he is the holder of a degree or diploma from a recognised electrical school approved by the board and two years' practical electrical experience, six months of which shall have been in a mine. (2) The board m a y from time to time prescribe the division of mine electricians' certificates into classes or grades, and prescribe the work which may be performed by each class or grade. 42. (1) No first-class, second-class or third-class certificate of competency and no certificate of competency as a mine surveyor or as a mine electrician shall be granted to any person who does not produce to the board satisfactory evidence of his sobriety, experience and general good conduct. (2) A first-class, second-class or third-class certificate of competency or a mine electrician's certificate of competency shall not be granted to any person who does n o t produce to the board a certificate from a recognised ambulance society, showing that he has taken a course in first aid and ambulance work, fitting him to give first aid. (3) The holder of a mine electrician's certificate who, at the time this Act is assented to, is not the holder of a first-aid certificate from a recognised ambulance society, shall within two years produce evidence to the board that he is the holder of such certificate, and failure to produce such evidence may result in the cancellation by the Minister of his mine electrician's certificate. 50. (1) Where electricity is used in or about any mine exceeding in the aggregate IS kW, a competent person shall be appointed as mine electrician, who shall be subject to the authority of the manager and, in his absence, the overman, and who shall have charge of all electrical machinery and apparatus in or about the mine. (2) In the case of any mine using in the aggregate 15 kW or more, a person shall not be qualified to act as a mine electrician unless he is the holder of a certificate of competency as a mine electrician, or a provisional certificate as a mine electrician granted by the Chief Inspector. 9. ELECTBICAL STAFF 521 (3) The Chief Inspector may grant a provisional certificate to a person with electrical knowledge to act a t a designated mine as mine electrician for such time and under such conditions as he may prescribe, and the Chief Inspector may in his discretion at any time cancel such provisional certificate and require the owner, agent or manager of such mine to appoint a person as the mine electrician who is the holder of a certificate of competency as a mine electrician. 61. Upon the recommendation of the Chief Inspector the Minister may, by writing given under his hand, grant an exemption in respect of all or any of the provisions of section 50 and either absolutely or upon such terms and conditions as the Minister may impose. 52. Where a certificated mine electrician is required to be employed at any mine, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall send to the inspector of the district wherein the mine is situated and the electrical inspector a written notice of such electrician's appointment, giving the name, address and number of his certificate, within 14 days after the date of his appointment. 53. The preceding sections 50 to 52 shall not apply to electricians attending to lamp-charging sets on the surface, electric signalling, telephones, or lighting on main intake travelling or haulage roads underground, provided such power does not exceed 15 kW." (A 1945) "1 (o) Every person appointed to work, supervise, examine or adjust any apparatus shall be competent for the work that he is set to do. No person except an electrician, or a competent person acting under his supervision, shall undertake any work where technical knowledge or experience is required in order adequately to avoid danger. (1) An electrician shall be appointed in writing by the manager of the mine to supervise the apparatus. If necessary for the proper fulfilment of the duties, detailed in the succeeding paragraphs of this regulation, the manager shall also appoint in writing an assistant or assistants to the electrician." (Electricity Regulations) GERMANY On 28 July 1938, the Dortmund Divisional Mining Office issued the following Provisions for the Supervision of Electrical Equipment Underground by Electrical Engineers, Supervisors with Electrical Training, and Electricans. "Both the installation, and the minding, care and maintenance of electrical equipment underground, and especially the flameproof installations in mine places with a firedamp risk, require carefully selected electrical engineers, supervisors, and electricians with sufficient electrical training. This requirement is based on the one hand on purely operational considerations, and on the other hand on safety considerations. Mines in which electrification is allowed under a comprehensive general authorisation of the mining authorities, and mines in which the electrical equipment is, to a large extent, flameproof, shall have an electrical engineer t o take responsibility for the installation and supervision of t h e entire electrical arrangements underground, and to direct the electrical supervisors and electricians. The engineer shall either have taken an engineering diploma in mining or electricity in a technical school, or successfully passed through the electrical foremen's class of a mining school or the electrical faculty of a mechanical engineering school, provided that the special capacities of the two latter have been demonstrated to the district inspector. This electrical engineer shall either be recognised by the district 522 XIX. ELECTRICITY inspector under sections 73 and 74 of the General Mines Act 1 for his particular scope of activities or his name shall be notified to the district inspector under section 76 (2) and (3)a of the Act, with a strict definition of the scope of his activities. Electrical supervisors shall be recognised by the district inspector under sections 73 and 74 of the General Mines Act. They shall demonstrate their suitability either (a) by submitting an examination certificate of the electrical foremen's class of a mining school, or of the electrical faculty of a mechanical engineering school, provided that, in the opinion of the district inspector, the mining knowledge of a person who has passed through the latter school suffices ; or (b) by furnishing evidence of special knowledge and experience acquired by study and practice while working. I n the latter case an examination shall be passed at the mining school of the Lower Rhine-Westphalia district, and the result of the examination shall be notified to the district inspector with the application for recognition as supervisor. Electricians are persons who have either passed the journeymen's examination for electricians, or in underground and workshop operations of a mine have received electrical training, especially with flameproof electrical plant and equipment. Trained electricians who have not taken their journeymen's examination in the mine workshop of a mine where the electrical equipment is flameproof, shall have passed through the electrical workshop of the mine before being appointed underground. Electricians shall demonstrate the sufficiency of their electrical training before appointment by passing an examination before competent electrical experts recognised by the Divisional Mining Office after they have received the necessary mining training by means of a course at a mining school in the Lower Rhine-Westphalia district, or by means of a special mining course given by a recognised training instructor of the mine and, in consequence of the examination they have passed, their name has been notified to the district inspector. Electricians shall be at least 20 years old and have been employed a t least six months underground in hard-coal mines. The direction and supervision of electrical operations underground in two or more mines may be entrusted to one electrical engineer with the approval of the district inspector. The number of electrical supervisors and electricians to be appointed shall depend on the extent of the electrical installations of the mine. I n mines in which electrification has been authorised under a comprehensive general authorisation of the mining authorities, and those in which electrical equipment is to a large extent flameproof, there shall be a t least one electrical supervisor available for each shift. For the rest, the number of electrical supervisors and electricians shall be fixed by the mines according to the requirements of operation and safety. I n t h e appointment of electrical engineers, electrical supervisors and electricians, mines shall be guided on the one hand by the technical competence of these persons, and on the other hand by their character, since the safety of operation—especially as regards flameproof electrical equipment—depends on the irreproachable and conscientious work of these persons no less t h a n on the soundness of the installations themselves. However, a well-trained electrical personnel with a proper sense of responsibility cannot be assembled and maintained unless capable and conscientious technicians, and especially electricians, have chances of promotion in their employment." Note : The Dortmund Regulations of 1 May 1935 contain the following provisions : "274. (1) Only technically trained persons (electricians) shall be employed for work on electrical equipment underground and on the surface. (2) An official shall be appointed to supervise the entire electrical installation." 'See Chapter XXI, Division 1. 'See Chapter XXI, Division ?. 523 9. ELECTRICAL STAFF SOUTH AFRICA (For cancellation or suspension of certificates Chapter X X I , Division I.) Mechanical and Electrical of competency see Engineers At every mine having plant developing from prime movers more than 250 horsepower or on which any unit of the plant is developing more than 75 horsepower, all boilers, engines and other machinery must be under the general charge of a certificated engineer. At every mine having plant developing not more t h a n 250 horsepower, all boilers, engines and other machinery must be placed under the general charge of a competent person. Any appointment made under the above provisions must be reported to the Inspector of Mines of the district within three days. The Government Mining Engineer may require the appointment of more then one engineer if he considers it necessary. The mine overseer may, to an extent to be clearly defined in writing by the manager, exercise control over the running of underground machinery, but the erection or re-erection of such machinery must be under the control of the certificated engineer, who must be more particularly responsible for the proper arrangement of all haulage and winding machinery and ropes in connection therewith and the connections between such ropes and any conveyances (165). The Commission of Examiners for mechanical and for electrical engineers' certificates of competency consists of an Inspector of Machinery (Chairman), an Inspector of Mines, and at least two certificated mechanical engineers and at least ono certificated electrical engineer. An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination unless he has satisfied the Commission that he is 23 years of age, t h a t he is of a sober and generally good character, and that he has had at least nine years of practical experience acceptable to the Commission and appropriate to the certificate for which he wishes to qualify. An applicant who can satisfy the Commission that he holds certain specified degrees, diplomas or certificates may be exempted from part of the nine years of experience. A certificate may not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that, to the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the candidate possesses a sufficient knowledge of the design, construction, erection, operation and maintenance of machinery, apparatus, and plant, and of the Mines and Works Act and Regulations (305). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM See Chapter X X I I , Division 2. UNITED STATES Federal "16. At a mine where electricity is used underground for generating power, the lessee shall appoint a man to be in charge of the electrical equipment who is fitted for his position by ability, training, and experience and is familiar with the hazards of mine gases and coal-dust and with the operation and maintenance of the equipment in his charge." (R 23.12.1937) 34 52é XIX. ELECTRICITY New Mexico "1701. Each operator at whose mine electricity is used for power shall employ a competent electrician who shall have charge of the electrical apparatus in and about the mine, or mines. Nothing in this section shall prevent the electrician from performing other duties." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 1 1 . At every mine where electricity is used below ground for power, there shall be employed a competent mine electrician, who shall have full charge of the electrical apparatus in the mine but shall be subject to the authority of the mine foreman." (A 9.6.1911, art. XI) An Act of 25 June 1937 prescribes that after two years from the coming into force of the regulations it will be unlawful to employ as chief mine electrician, in any gaseous bituminous coal mine using approved electrical equipment, any person who has not passed an examination proving (a) his fitness and competency to examine electrical equipment and maintain it in safe condition, and (b) his general knowledge of the installation and use of electricity and the dangers incident to its use in coal mines. Examinations are conducted by the Mine Foremen's Examining Board and certificates of competency are issued by the Secretary of Mines on the board's recommendation (1). I t is the duty of the mine electrician to assist the mine foreman in carrying out all the provisions of the bituminous mining laws bearing on the installation and use of electricity in bituminous coal mines (2). CHAPTER XX MACHINERY AND PLANT 1. GENERAL BELGIUM "18. Stationary engines that are not of an approved type shall n o t be installed at places where an emanation of firedamp is to be feared or in the neighbourhood of such places. 19. The installation of stationary engines and the creation of stores of combustible oil for such engines shall be subject to the conditions laid down 1respectively by the sections relating to the installation of locomotive sheds and by the section relating to the creation of stores of combustible oil for the locomotives 1 in so far as they are applicable. The engines shall be installed in special chambers well ventilated b y a current of pure air returning directly to the upcast shaft without passing by any active workplace." (RO 19.5.1952) CANADA Alberta "73. (1) No machinery, equipment, tool or appliance operated otherwise than by hand and no explosive or machinery shall be taken into any mine or used underground in any mine unless such machinery, equipment, tool, appliance or explosive is of a kind and description approved by the Director of Mines. (2) The Director of Mines may if he thinks fit upon application being made to him for the purpose, issue a special permit authorising the applicant to install and use below ground for demonstration or experimental purposes at such time, during such period or periods and subject to such conditions as he may prescribe, any specified machinery, equipment, tool, appliance or explosive which is not of a kind or description which has been approved by the Director of Mines. (3) Any such machinery, equipment, tool or appliance may be operated at the working face by a demonstrator who is not the holder of a miner's certificate if the demonstrator is accompanied by and is under the direction of a person who is the holder of a miner's certificate, and not otherwise, and whilst the demonstrator is at the working face he shall obey the directions of the holder of the miner's certificate accompanying him. 149 Rule 2. (a) All gears shall be kept securely cased or guarded and every fly-wheel and all exposed and dangerous parts of the machinery used 1 See Chapter VIII, Division 4. 526 XX. MACHINERY AND PLANT in or about any mine shall be kept securely fenced for the preventing of accidents. (b) When any case, guard, fencing, or protective device has been removed for doing repairs or for any other purpose, it shall be replaced before any operation of the machinery has been resumed." (A 1945) " 1 3 . No gasoline-driven engine shall be used underground in any mine, and n o internal-combustion engine shall be used underground in any coal mine, except only when authorised by the Director of Mines in writing, and on such terms as he may prescribe." (R 1945) FRANCE "99. The provisions of sections 11 to 18 x shall apply to engine-rooms and machine shops underground. The provisions of sections 12 ( 1 )2,17 and 18 shall apply to all other underground machines." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "278. The use of internal-combustion engines underground shall require the authorisation of the Divisional Mining Office. 315. Pneumatic picks shall be held or supported by special devices so far as the work allows." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "156. Suitable precautions shall be taken in the installation of mines both above and below ground, and of sinking pits, as regards the prevention of accidents through— (a) machines, machine parts, transmissions, tools, boilers, tanks and other equipment ; (b) falls of persons and falling or flying objects." (MR 1939) JVoie ; The Inspector-General has issued regulations as follows : No. 66. (a) machines, machine parts, engines, tools, boilers, tanks and other appliances ; (b) cranes, winches and other hoisting machines ; (c) boilers, tanks and other appliances. No. 58. Shifting of coal-cutting machines. SOUTH AFRICA Machinery in mines is subject to the general regulations applying to machinery in all industrial undertakings—namely, the Mines and Works Regulations of 11 August 1937 (Chapters XVI and XXI). 1 These sections deal with surface installations ; section 11 is concerned with engine rooms ; 12 with transmissions and working machines generally ; 13 with abrasive wheels, fly-wheels and other appliances rotating at high speed ; 14 with passenger and goods elevators (lifts) ; 15 with hoisting appliances ; 16 with groups of machines, etc., having a common control; 17 with the maintenance and repair of machines; and 18 with tight-fitting clothes for machine attendants. * This subsection deals with projecting and other dangerous machines and parts of machines and transmissions. 1. GENERAL 527 UNITED KINGDOM All parts and working gear, whether fixed or movable, including the anchoring and fixing appliances of all machinery and apparatus used as, or forming part of, the equipment of a mine, and all foundations in or t o which any such appliances are anchored or fixed, must be of good construction, suitable material, adequate strength and free from patent defect, and must be properly maintained. Provision may be made by regulations— fa) for imposing such additional requirements with respect to the construction, installation, maintenance, use, testing, repair, adjustment, alteration and examination of such machinery or apparatus as appears to the Minister to be expedient in the interests of the safety or health of persons employed at mines ; and fb) for prohibiting the installation at mines of machinery or apparatus constructed in contravention of the regulations (81). As a general rule every fly-wheel and every other dangerous exposed part of any machinery used as or forming part of the equipment of a mine must be securely fenced. I t is the duty of the manager to ensure that fencing is constantly maintained and is kept in position while the parts required to be fenced are in motion or in use, except where such parts are exposed for an examination or adjustment which it is necessary to carry out while they are in motion or use and all such conditions as may be prescribed are complied with (82). No internal-combustion engine, steam boiler or locomotive may be used below ground otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of regulations or with the consent of the Minister or an inspector (83). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Federal "77. Non-permissible internal-combustion locomotives, engines, pumps, hoists, and other such machines shall not be used in a mine on leased lands without the written consent of and under conditions imposed in writing by the district mining supervisor. No gasoline or internal-combustion engine shall be used in a mine not continuously ventilated by a fan ; nor shall such equipment, unless approved as permissible, be used where the ventilating current passes over the engine into any working place. Gasoline or other highly flammable fuel used in such equipment when taken into a mine must be in tight containers to replace the empty containers of the respective engine, and in no event shall such flammable liquid be poured from one container into another in a mine. 101. All dangerous parts of machinery used in and about a mine, such as fly-wheels, gears, belts, and exposed moving parts that are likely to cause injury, shall be appropriately guarded to prevent injury t o attendants or other persons." (R 23.12.1937) "Article IX. Safeguards for Mechanical Equipment i. Face equipment, (a) The cutter chains of naming machines shall be locked securely by mechanical means or electrical interlocks while such machines are parked or being trammed. 528 XX. MACHINERY AND PLANT 7. Post-mounted drills, purchased after the effective date of this code, shall be equipped with automatic stop-control safety switches or shall be equipped with properly adjusted friction or safety clutches." (FMC 1953) New Meneo "1803. No fuel-burning locomotive or engine of any kind shall be permitted underground without a written exemption issued by the mine inspector. 1804. All fly-wheels, gears, belts, and all exposed moving machinery parts t h a t are liable to cause injury, or dangerous parts of machinery used in and about a mine shall be appropriately guarded to prevent injuries to attendants or other persons . . . ." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania "4. All machinery in and about the mines shall be properly guarded, so as to protect operatives and others from injury." (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) 2. BOILEKS AND PRESSURE PLANT 1 BELGIUM Steam Apparatus The use of steam apparatus in the underground working of mines is subject to previous authorisation by the Chief Inspector of thernining district Authorisations are subject to any conditions that may be considered necessary from the point of view of safety and health, independently of the general provisions of the present regulations, which also apply to duly authorised installations (4). Authorisation may be withdrawn if the mine operator does not comply with the statutory conditions or those prescribed by the Chief Inspector of the mining district or if he refuses to satisfy the requirements that the Chief Inspector is a t all times empowered to lay down if he considers it necessary (15). (HO 30.5.1919) Air Receivers The use of air receivers is regulated by a Royal Order of 6 September 1919. Under this order the use of any air receiver of more than 1 m 3 capacity in mines must be notified in advance by the mine operator to the Governor of the province. The order also lays down requirements relating to the material, construction, testing and inspection of receivers. GERMANY Steam Apparatus The installation, operation, and supervision of steam vessels is subject t o the general regulations on these matters, except that the district inspector takes the place of the local police authority and the Divisional Mining Office takes the place of the central police authority (279). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 1 In this division only general provisions concerning the use of boilers and pressure plant are summarised. A number of regulations contain detailed provisions relating to the design, installation and operation of boilers and the qualifications and duties of boiler attendants. These provisions have been omitted. 2 . BOILERS AND PRESSTTBE PLANT Compressed-air 529 Equipment "275. For compressors that compress air for underground workings, the following shall apply : (a) For greasing piston compressors use shall be made only of pure mineral oil with a flash-point 40°C above the temperature of the compressed air, but at least 200° C. (b) Piston compressors together with all their accessories shall be regularly opened and, if necessary, cleaned after every 5,000 hours of operation. 276. Low-pressure air receivers shall be subjected to a hydraulic pressure test before being taken into use. The test pressure shall be 50 per cent., but at least one atmosphere, higher than the working pressure." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) SOUTH AFRICA Boilers in mines are subject t o the general regulations applying t o boilers in all industrial undertakings—namely, the Mines and Works Regulations of 11 August 1937 (Chapters X V I I , XVIII, X I X , X X I and X X I I ) . UNITED KINGDOM All apparatus containing or producing air, gas or steam at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure must be so constructed, installed and maintained as to obviate any risk from fire, bursting, explosion or collapse, or the production of noxious gases. Regulations may prohibit the installation at mines of such apparatus at places of such description as may be prescribed, and require reports to be made on results of examinations thereof. The Minister may at any time require any such apparatus to be examined by a person nominated by him, and the manager must give the necessary facilities for the examination (84). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Illinois All boilers in and about coal mines must be kept in good order and must be thoroughly examined by a competent person not in the mine operator's employ, at least every six months, and oftener if the mine inspector so requires (10 (i)). (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania All boilers in and about mines must be kept in good condition and be examined by a competent person every six months (6). No boiler may be placed or allowed to remain inside any mine without t h e consent of the inspector. Boilers allowed in mines must be installed in a fireproof building within 50 ft. of the bottom of an upcast shaft of not less than 35 ft.a in cross-sectional area (8). (A 9.6.1911, art. VIII) CHAPTER XXI MANAGING OFFICIALS 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT BELGIUM All workings, whether on the surface or underground, of a mine or for opening up a mine, must be placed under the authority of a responsible manager (directeur). The name of this official must be notified to the Chief Inspector of t h e mining district by the mineowner or his authorised representative. The duty of this official is to supervise observance of the laws and regulations for the enforcement of which the Mines Administration is responsible. H e must order and supervise the execution of all measures found necessary for ensuring the safety of the workers and working (1). Work that is completely foreign to the operation of mines such as building construction, the erection of machines and boilers, the laying of industrial sidings, etc., is not subject to the provisions of the preceding section (9,). I n the case of the opening up of new mines, before the working of them is begun in any way, the concession holders or their authorised representatives must notify to the Mines Administration the names of the responsible contractors, a n d the provisions of section 1 then apply to them (3). (RO 15.7.1919) CANADA Alberta Under section 35 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945, the LieutenantGovernor in Council may appoint a board of examiners consisting of— (a) the Director of Mines or a District Inspector nominated from time to time by the Director of Mines ; (b) two managers ; and (c) two working miners who are holders of miners' certificates. I t is the d u t y of the board to provide for the examination of applicants for first-class, second-class and third-class certificates of competency and mine electricians' and mine surveyors' certificates of competency, and to decide as to the qualification of holders. Where there is a reciprocal arrangement, the Chief Inspector may issue certificates without a written examination to British subjects who are holders of certificates granted in the United Kingdom, in any other province of Canada, or in any other British Dominion, if the board reports t h a t the standard of training and examination required for the granting of such certificates is equivalent to that required for the granting of corresponding certificates under the Act, and that after an oral examination they are satisfied with the candidates' qualifications. The provisions concerning owners or agents, managers and overmen are as follows : "Owner or Agent 56. (1) Any owner or agent taking part in the technical management of any mine shall be the holder of a first-class certificate of competency 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT 531 for the province, and subject to the same responsibilities and penalties under this Act as the mine manager. (2) The owner or agent of a mine shall not interfere in the technical management of the mine in any way calculated to bring about any breach of any of the provisions of this Act, or of any of the regulations made hereunder. (3) Immediately upon the appointment pursuant to this Act of a person to be manager, assistant manager or overman of a mine, or to perform temporarily the duties of manager or overman, the owner or, if an agent has been appointed, the agent, shall send to the Director of Mines and to the Inspector of the District, notice of the name and address of that person, and the number and class of certificate held b y him, and if he fails to do so he shall be guilty of an offence under this Act. Manager 57. (1) Every mine shall be under one manager who shall be the holder of a first-class certificate as mine manager for the province unless otherwise provided for in this Act, who shall be responsible for the control, management and direction of the mine, and the owner or agent of every mine shall appoint himself or some other person to be manager of such mine. (2) If any mine is worked without there being such a manager for the mine as is required by this section, the owner and agent shall each be guilty of an offence against this Act. (3) If the person appointed to be manager of a mine, by reason of his death, resignation or otherwise, ceases to be manager, nothing in this section shall prevent the mine being worked for a period (not exceeding 30 days), until a new manager is appointed, if in the meantime a person holding a first-class or second-class certificate of competency under this Act is temporarily appointed to perform the duties and exercise the powers of manager. (4) In case one or more seams are being worked from separate openings, then notwithstanding that they are ventilated by a common system of ventilation or each by separate fans, the Director of Mines may in his discretion order that the workings be under one manager and one or more assistant managers as he may deem fit, and his decision in the matter shall be final. (5) No person being the manager, overman or examiner a t any mine shall act as the overman or examiner of any other mine. (6) No person who is the manager of any mine, other than a small mine, shall act in the same mine in any other capacity unless specifically authorised in writing by the Director of Mines. (7) In every mine in which more t h a t 50 men are employed in a 24-hour period there shall be an overman appointed who shall not be the manager. 58. (1) Every mine shall at all times whilst being worked be under the daily personal supervision of the manager, who shall be in daily attendance at the mine while same is working, and such manager shall not assume the duties of an agent at any other mine. (2) No mine shall be deemed to be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Coal Mines Regulation Act unless the mine manager or the assistant manager visits every working district once in every 14 days. (3) In the event of the absence for a period of not more than 30 days of the manager on leave or from sickness or other temporary cause, such daily personal supervision as is required by this section to be exercised by the manager, shall be exercised by a person holding a first-class or secondclass certificate of competency under this Act. (4) Any person performing the duties of a manager shall have the same responsibility, and shall be subject to the same liability, as if he had been duly appointed as the manager. 532 XXI. MANAGING OFFICIALS (5) Any one person shall not be the manager of more than one mine a t the same time unless written permission has been granted to him by t h e Director of Mines so to act, and then only in the event t h a t the mines are operated by the same owner or company. 59. (1) No person shall be qualified to be appointed or to be manager or assistant manager of any mine except a mine worked by removing the overlaying strata or a small mine unless he is for the time being the registered holder of a first-class certificate of competency under this Act. (2) A mine in which not more than 30 persons are employed underground in the space of a 24-hour day shall be exempt from the provisions of this Act in so far as it relates to the appointment of a manager, unless the Director of Mines, by notice in writing served on the owner or agent, requires the same to be under the control of a manager ; but the operations underground shall be under the daily charge of a person holding a secondclass certificate under this Act. Overman 60. (1) The underground workings of every mine shall so long as it is being worked be under the control and daily personal supervision of an overman, and t h e owner, agent or manager shall appoint him in writing and notice of t h e appointment shall be sent to the Director of Mines and District Inspector. (2) If more t h a n one shift is worked in any mine in any one 24-hour day, the underground workings shall be in the continuous charge of an overman during each underground shift of more than 50 men, and such overman shall not perform any other duties if such duties interfere with the due performance of the duties imposed upon him by this Act. (3) No person shall act or be permitted to act as overman in any mine unless he is the holder of a first-class or second-class certificate of competency granted under this Act, except in the absence of the overman for a period of not more than 30 days on leave or from sickness or other temporary cause in mines where there are no other persons available who are the holders of first-class or second-class certificates of competency employed at the mine to replace him ; such daily personal supervision may with the consent of the District Inspector be exercised by an examiner who is the holder of a third-class certificate of competency and employed at the mine. (4) I n a mine other than a small mine, the overman is prohibited from performing the ordinary duties of an examiner or shot-lighter except with the written approval of the District Inspector. (5) Any person employed as an overman under this Act shall devote his whole time t o the supervision of the mine or part thereof and the fulfilling of his statutory duties, but nothing in this section shall prevent him from doing such acts as are necessary for the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein. (6) I n the case of a small mine the overman may also be the manager, unless and until the Director of Mines by notice in writing addressed to the owner or agent of the mine, and delivered at the office at the mine, requires that the duties of manager and overman shall be discharged by separate persons. (7) I n the case of mines in which not more than ten men are employed underground in the space of a 24-hour day, the overman may be a person who is the holder of a third-class certificate to whom the Director of Mines has issued a provisional certificate authorising such person to act as overman for the time and at the mine specified in the provisional certificate. (8) I n the case of mines in which not more than five men are employed underground in the space of a 24-hour day, the overman may be a person who has a miner's certificate with five years' underground experience and who is a British subject, to whom the Director of Mines has granted a 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT 533 provisional certificate authorising him to act as overman for the time and a t the mine specified in the certificate. (9) The overman shall under the general direction of the manager, if any, have the general control and supervision of all the underground operations at the mine and the officials and men engaged therein. (10) The wages of any person employed as an overman shall not depend upon the amount of any coal or other mineral gotten by him." (A 1945) Under section 106 of the Act the Minister may cause inquiries to be held if representations are made to him that the holder of a certificate, other than a miner's certificate, is unfit to discharge his duty by reason of incompetency, misconduct, drunkenness or gross negligence. If as a result of the inquiry the person in question is found unfit to discharge his duty, his certificate may be cancelled or suspended. GERMANY The operation of mines may be carried out only under the direction, supervision and responsibility of persons of recognised competence for these purposes (73). The names of these persons (manager, overman, technical supervisor) must be notified by the mineowner to the mining authorities, with particulars of the duties of each ; they are bound to give proof of their competence for the duties entrusted to them and, if so requested, undergo an examination by the mining authorities. They are only allowed to assume the duties entrusted to them after the mining authorities have recognised their competence (74). If an undertaking, or a part of an undertaking, is managed or supervised by a person who has not been officially recognised, the mining authorities may require his immediate removal and, if necessary, close the undertaking until a person approved as competent has been appointed (75). (A 24.6.1865) Provisions relating to the competence of supervisory officials are contained in administrative regulations of 13 October 1909 issued under the General Mines Act. Récognition of the competence of all supervisory officials is a matter for the district inspector, and is always limited to the field of activity to be assigned to the supervisory official in question. This field of activity may be defined in terms of space or of occupation, but it must be so exactly defined that no doubt can arise as to the demarcation of the field of activity of each official. The district inspector must satisfy himself that the supervisory official has the necessary technical, commercial, and moral qualifications for his post. Technical and commercial competence may ordinarily be considered as satisfactory if— (a) the official has passed an examination for subordinate rnining officials (Bergreferendare) or for a diploma in mining ; (b) if the certificate of an approved rnining school attests the official's competence for the duties to be assigned to him ; (c) if the official has already been authorised to perform similar duties in a similar mine and the authorisation has not lapsed. I n all other cases, the official must pass a special examination. A special examination may also be required in the eases mentioned under (a), (b) and (c) above if special circumstances make this necessary, for example, when an official who has been employed only in coal mines with little or no firedamp seeks a post in a very fiery mine. An official may also be required to complete a suitable probationary period. 534 XXI. MANAGING OFFICIALS A supervisory official may be disqualified if his credentials are found to be false, if he is guilty of repeated or gross breaches of the mining regulations, or in any other way shows t h a t he is clearly lacking in the qualities required for the performance of his duties. SOUTH AFRICA The manager must be the holder of a mine manager's certificate issued in accordance with the regulations. If no such certificated manager is obtainable any other competent person may, with the approval of the Inspector of Mines, be appointed as manager for not more than three months. These requirements do not apply to a mine in which not more than 50 persons are employed at any one time below ground unless the Inspector of Mines requires the appointment of a certificated manager. Two or more mines may not be worked under one manager except with the permission of the Government Mining Engineer. The Government Mining Engineer may require the appointment of more than one manager where, in his opinion, the size of a mine renders such an appointment necessary. Each such manager must be appointed for a particular portion of the mine which must be under his control and responsibility. Joint control of any mine or any portion of a mine must in no case be exercised by two or more managers. No owner working a mine on his own account or in partnership may manage the mine except with the written permission of the Inspector of Mines (153). No mine may be worked without a certificated manager for more than one month except as provided for in section 153 (154). The manager of a fiery mine must reside on the mining property or in the immediate neighbourhood of the mine and must not have any employment that will necessitate his frequent absence from the mine (155). Where in the regulations no particular person is referred to as being responsible for compliance with any requirements the manager is deemed to be responsible. The manager m a y appoint one or more persons who must be holders of a mine manager's certificate to assist him in the management, and such persons have the same responsibility under the regulations as the manager for such portion of t h e mine as is specified in their letter of appointment. The appointment of such persons, however, does not relieve the manager of his personal responsibility under the regulations. A copy of every letter of appointment in respect of appointments under this provision must be forwarded to the Inspector of Mines (157). The Commission of Examiners for a mine manager's certificate of competency consists of an Inspector of Mines (Chairman), an Inspector of Machinery, and a t least three certificated mine managers (296). An applicant m a y not be accepted as a candidate for examination unless he has satisfied t h e Commission t h a t he is 23 years of age, that he is of a sober and generally good character, that he is the holder of a permanent blasting certificate issued under the regulations, and that he has had at least five years of mining experience, four of which must be underground experience and include at least six months of service as a shift boss or equivalent service. His experience must further include six months in the class of mine which the Commission regards as appropriate to the certificate for which the candidate wishes t o qualify. Applicants who can satisfy the Commission t h a t they hold specified degrees or certificates may be exempted from part of the five years' mining experience (297). A certificate m a y not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that, to the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the candidate possesses a sufficient knowledge of mining, mine ventilation, mechanical 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT 535 and electrical engineering, mine surveying, geology and the Mines and Works Act and Regulations (298). The holder of a mine manager's certificate for non-fiery coal mines may qualify for a mine manager's certificate for coal mines if he can furnish proof that he has had six months' satisfactory experience in fiery mines (299). Suspension and Cancellation of Certificates If at any time the Government Mining Engineer is satisfied that the holder of a mine manager's, mechanical or electrical engineer's, mine surveyor's, or mine overseer's certificate has been guilty of gross negligence or misconduct or non-compliance with the regulations, he may forthwith suspend or cancel such certificates or submit the matter for inquiry, and report to the respective Commission of Examiners appointed under the regulations, and on the recommendation of such Commission may suspend or cancel the certificates (327). If in the opinion of an Inspector of Mines a winding engine-driver is guilty of gross inattention or negligence or of any misconduct, or suffers from any physical infirmity likely to be detrimental to the efficient discharge of his duties, the inspector may suspend his certificate or recommend the Government Mining Engineer to suspend or cancel it. An appeal lies with the Government Mining Engineer (328). Similarly, a lamp-man's or blasting certificate may be suspended or cancelled by an Inspector of Mines subject to the right of appeal t o the Government Mining Engineer (329). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM As a general rule, no mine may be worked unless there is a sole manager of the mine duly appointed, and having such qualifications as are required under the Act (2). No person may be the manager of a coal mine at which more than 30 persons are employed below ground, unless he is the holder of a valid firstclass certificate of competency, has attained the age of 26 years, and satisfies such other conditions as may be prescribed. No person may be the manager of a coal mine at which more t h a n 14 but less than 30 persons are employed underground unless he is the holder of a valid first-class or second-class certificate of competency, has attained the age of 23 years, and satisfies such other conditions as may be prescribed. An mspector may, however, require t h a t the manager shall be the holder of a first-class certificate and be 26 years of age. In the case of a coal mine at which not more than 14 persons are employed underground, an inspector may require the manager to be the holder of a valid first-class or second-class certificate, be 23 years of age and satisfy such other conditions as may be prescribed (4). No person may, without the approval of an inspector, be manager of more than one mine unless the total number of persons employed at all the mines of which he is manager does not exceed 1,000 and the surface entrances of all the shafts and outlets in use at all such mines lie within a circle whose radius is two miles. Where a person is manager of two or more mines, an inspector may require t h a t the manager of certain of these mines shall not also be the manager of certain others (5). Eor any mine there may be one or more undermanagers and in certain prescribed conditions a mine may not be worked unless there is at least one undermanager. The jurisdiction of an undermanager may be limited to part of the mine but in the case of a mine in which there must be at least one under- 536 X X I . MANAGING OFFICIALS manager, the mine may not be worked unless every part of the mine below ground is within the jurisdiction of an undermanager. I t is the d u t y of an undermanager, to the extent of his jurisdiction, to supervise all operations carried on and, to the best of his ability, to execute and enforce the provisions of the Act and orders and regulations made under it. No coal mine of which the manager must be the holder of a valid firstclass certificate of competency, may be worked unless the undermanager is the holder of a valid first-class or second-class certificate of competency, has attained the age of 23 years, and satisfies such other conditions as may be prescribed (6). No mine m a y be worked unless daily personal supervision over it is exercised by t h e manager or, in his absence, by a person qualified to be an undermanager, but not for more than 72 days or such longer period as an inspector m a y allow. No mine in which there must be an undermanager may be worked unless daily personal supervision is exercised by each undermanager or, in his absence, b y a person qualified to be an undermanager (8). The appointment of a manager or undermanager or a person temporarily replacing a manager or an undermanager or a surveyor must be immediately notified to the district inspector (15). First-class and second-class certificates of competency must be granted by the Minister on the recommendation of the Mining Qualifications Board (147). The Board consists of a chairman and from seven to ten other members appointed by t h e Minister and includes persons having experience respectively of mining, education and administration (148). The Board must make rules specifying the qualifications required of persons for the grant of certificates, the manner in which the possession of such qualifications is to be ascertained, and particulars of examinations (149). (A 1954) Note : The composition and functions of the Mining Qualifications Board are defined in the Coal Mines (Mining Qualifications Board) General Regulations, 1950, made on 16 January 1950. TOOTED STATES Federal "12. (a) Superintendents, foremen, assistant foremen, mine examiners, fire bosses, hoistmen, electricians, and foremen of rescue and first-aid work must be qualified for and experienced in the duties of their respective positions and must b e certified by competent state authority, or, in the absence of state certification requirements, appointments to such positions shall be subject to the approval of the district mining supervisor, who shall require the highest qualifications in vogue in the mining region concerned for similar positions. (b) I n the absence of personnel qualified as mentioned in this section, the duties of such positions may be performed by others on written consent of the appropriate state official, or, should no state official have jurisdiction over mine officials, on written consent of the district mining supervisor. 13. (a) The lessee shall appoint for any mine employing more than five men underground on any shift a qualified mine foreman, who shall visit and inspect from time to time all accessible parts of the mine, and who shall be in responsible charge of the mine underground. (b) If 25 men or less are employed underground on any shift, the superintendent may serve also as mine foreman, provided he is qualified to do so under the applicable state regulations. 1. QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT 537 (c) If more than 75 men are employed underground on any shift, the lessee shall appoint at least one experienced assistant mine foreman, with qualifications and duties similar to those of foreman, and an additional assistant mine foreman for every additional 75 men or fractional part of that number." (R 23.12.1937) "Article XII. General Safety Conditions 1. Duties, qualification, and certification of persons employed underground. (a) Each mine shall be supervised by a mine foreman. Such mine foreman shall possess a proper certificate of competency issued by the state in which the mine is operated. I t shall be his duty to see t h a t the provisions of this code and applicable federal and state laws t h a t pertain to his duties and the health and safety of the employees are complied with fully." (FMC 1953) Illinois Applicants for certificates of competency as mine managers must produce satisfactory evidence that they are citizens of the United States, at least 24 years of age, have had at least four years' practical mining experience, and are of good repute and temperate habits. They must pass examinations as to their experience in mines, the management of men, knowledge of mine machinery and appliances, use of surveying and other instruments used in mining, properties of mine gases, principles of ventilation, first aid, mine rescue methods and appliances, and the statutory duties and responsibilities of mine managers (2 (d)). The provisions concerning the qualifications and examinations of secondclass managers are on similar lines t o those for mine managers. Secondclass managers may not be employed as such in mines employing more than 10 men (2 (e)). I t is unlawful for the operator of any coal mine to have in his service as mine manager at his mine any person who does not hold a certificate of competency issued by the Department of Mines and Minerals : Provided, that whenever any exigency arises by which it is impossible for any operator to secure the immediate services of a certificated mine manager, he may place any trustworthy and experienced man of the mine inspection district in charge of his mine to act as temporary mine manager for a period not exceeding seven days, and with the approval of the state inspector of the district, for a further period not exceeding 23 days (3 (d)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico The mine operator must at all times during the operation of the mine have a person on the ground with final authority over all branches and phases of the operation of the mine. The owner or operator may himself have charge of the mine provided that he can satisfy the relevant statutory requirements (602). The state mine inspector, with the gratuitous assistance of local mining operators, must within one year from the passing of the Act determine the qualifications of men to act as mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine examiners and shotfirers, and after the year has elapsed no mine operator may employ any man in any of these positions unless he has been qualified by the state mine inspector for such position (801). Certificates of competency for the positions above-mentioned are divided into two classes, for gassy mines and non-gassy mines respectively. Certificates for non-gassy mines are not valid for gassy mines (802). Every person desiring to secure a mine examiner's permit and not already in such position or not holding such certificate from another state must first serve as shotfirer for six months ; similarly six months as mine examiner 538 XXI. MANAGING OFFICIALS is required before examination for mine foreman's or assistant mine foreman's position. Any person not employed in the capacity of mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine examiner, or shotfirer and not holding a certificate from another state who desires examination for such position must have at least two years' experience in and about coal mines to participate in the mine examiner's examination and at least four years' coal-mine experience to participate in the foreman's or assistant foreman's examinations (803). Applicants for the above-mentioned posts must satisfy the mine inspector that they are physically fit and 21 years of age or over. They must undergo written and oral examinations concerning the provisions of the New Mexico mining law, t h e use of safety lamps, coal-mine ventilation, coal-mining methods, and general problems of coal-mine safety (804). Any certificate of competency may be revoked by the mining inspector if the holder wilfully or persistently fails to perform his duties or has been found to be incompetent (805). All underground operations in coal mines must be under the charge of a duly qualified foreman subject to the supervision and control of the operator (806). The mine foreman must have full charge of all inside mine workings and of all persons employed therein, in order t h a t all the provisions of this Act so far as they relate to his duties are complied with, and the regulations prescribed for each class of workmen under his charge carried out in the strictest manner possible. The mine foreman or an assistant mine foreman must be on d u t y a t all times during the working shift or shifts (807). I n case of the necessary temporary absence of the mine foreman, the operator may deputise a competent person, holding a foreman's permit, if one is available, who shall for the time being perform all his duties. I n case of the death or resignation of a mine foreman the operator must appoint a competent person, holding a foreman's permit if such qualified man be available, and if not he may temporarily appoint any other competent man, but must immediately notify the mine inspector, who may assist him in securing a suitable man who has a foreman's permit. If no suitable man can be found the temporary man may serve with the approval of the mine inspector until the next examination (808). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 1 . I n order t o secure efficient management and proper ventilation of the mines, to promote the health and safety of the persons employed therein, and to protect and preserve the property connected therewith, the operator or the superintendent shall employ a competent and practical mine foreman for every mine where five or more persons are employed, who shall be under the supervision and control of the operator or the superintendent. The mine foreman shall have full charge of all the inside workings and the persons employed therein, subject, however, to the supervision and control of the operator or the superintendent, in order that all the provisions of this Act so far as they relate to his duties shall be complied with, and the regulations prescribed for each class of workmen under his charge carried out in the strictest manner possible. If the mine is generating explosive gas in quantities sufficient to be detected by an approved safety lamp, the mine foreman must possess a first-grade mine foreman's certificate. If the mine is non-gaseous, the mine foreman must possess either a firstgrade mine foreman's certificate or a second-grade mine foreman's certificate. When the mine workings become so extensive that the mine foreman is unable personally to carry out the requirements of this Act pertaining to his duties, he shall have the right to employ a sufficient number of competent persons to act as his assistants, who shall be under his instructions and the operator's or t h e superintendent's instructions in carrying out the provisions of this Act. If the mine is generating explosive gas in quantities sufficient 2 . POWERS AND DUTIES 539 to be detected by an approved safety lamp, the mine foreman's assistants must possess first-grade assistant mine foreman's certificates. If the mine is non-gaseous, the mine foreman's assistants must possess either a first-grade assistant mine foreman's certificate or a second-grade assistant mine foreman's certificate. I n case of the necessary temporary absence of the mine foreman, he m a y deputise his work, for the time being, to his assistant, who shall perform all the duties of the mine foreman." (A 9.6.1911, art. IV) Examining boards in the various districts for mine foremen, assistant foremen and fire bosses consist of a mine inspector, a miner and an operator or superintendent (1). Applicants for certificates of qualification as mine foreman, assistant mine foreman and fire boss must be of good moral character, of known temperate habits, at least 23 years of age and have had an aggragate of at least five years' practical experience after 16 years of age as miners or mining engineers inside the bituminous mines of Pennsylvania. Candidates possessing an approved rnining education benefit from some relaxation of this provision. There are two classes of certificate : certificates of first grade which entitle the holders to act in fiery mines, and certificates of second grade which entitle the holders to act only in non-fiery mines (6). I t is unlawful for any operator, manager or superintendent to employ as mine foreman or assistant mine foreman any person who has not obtained the proper certificate of qualification. In an emergency, however, the mine foreman may temporarily appoint a competent person or persons to act as assistant mine foreman or fire boss (10). (A 31.5.1923) Under an Act of 3 June 1943, every mine foreman, assistant mine foreman or fire boss represents the Commonwealth in the coal mine in which he is employed and must be deemed an officer of the Commonwealth in enforcing the provisions of the mining laws and performing his duties under these laws (1). Upon complaint of any mine inspector that a mine foreman, assistant mine foreman or fire boss has failed or refused to perform any statutory duty, or has interfered with the safe and lawful operation of any mine, the Secretary of Mines or a deputy secretary may, after hearing the case, suspend his certificate for not more than one year, or revoke it absolutely. If he considers it advisable, the Secretary of Mines may suspend a certificate forthwith as a temporary measure until the hearing of the case has been completed (2). 2. P O W E R S A N D D U T I E S CANADA Alberta "Manager and Assistant Manager 150. (1) I t shall be the duty of the manager to carry out and, to the best of his ability, enforce the provisions of this Act and regulations or any order in force under this Act and regulations including those relating to the use and storage of explosives, and it shall be the duty of all persons employed in or about any mine to comply with the provisions of the Act, regulations or orders made thereunder. (2) The manager shall— (a) appoint in writing such number of qualified and competent persons to be officials, as will be sufficient to secure a thorough supervision of all operations in or about a mine and the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, and the regulations and orders made thereunder ; 35 540 X X I . MANAGING OFFICIALS (b) assign their duties to the several officials of the mine and shall, to the best of his ability, see that each official understands and carries out and enforces the provisions of this Act and regulations and orders made thereunder, which relate to the duties which are assigned to him ; (c) attend to and cause to be carefully investigated any representations or complaints that may be made to him as to any matters affecting the safety or health of persons in or about the mine ; (d) appoint the stations at the entrance to and inside the mine beyond which workmen shall not pass until an inspection has been made ; (e) make provision for the adequate supply of all material and apparatus required for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act and for insuring the safety of the mine and persons employed therein and, if h e is not the owner or agent of the mine, he shall report in writing t o the owner or agent when anything is required for the aforesaid purpose that is not within the scope of his authority to make provision for ; (f) determine and report in a notice which shall be kept posted at the pit-head or mine entrance the times of entering and leaving the mine of the various shifts and also the number of persons allowed to ride on a cage at one time ; (g) in case he is also the overman, carry out the duties imposed by this Act and the regulations on the overman ; (h) appoint such persons as may be necessary for the keeping of a proper record of the number of persons going below ground and returning therefrom daily, and for directing at the surface the lowering and raising of men to and from the mine, and for the keeping of a register to be kept in proper form of the time at which men are lowered into and raised from the mine, and the cases in which any man is below • ground for more than the time fixed by this Act ; (i) be responsible for seeing that all the requirements of this Act and of all regulations and orders made pursuant thereto are carried out and for the safe operation of the mine. (3) The assistant manager shall be under the direction and control of the manager, and he shall have the same powers and duties as the manager, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities and liabilities as the manager. Overman 151. The overman shall— be subject to the control of the manager and shall direct and supervise all work underground, and shall have the same responsibility and be subject t o the same liabilities as the manager for any orders issued by him without the consent of the manager ; (b) examine all working places in the mine as often as possible, particularly with reference to safety and proper working, and generally he shall exercise t h a t direction over the workmen and work that will conduce to their safety and the best interests of the mine ; (c) see that all roadways, headings, airways and breasts are kept as straight as possible and that all pillars and stumps are of uniform and sufficient thickness ; (d) see that all stoppings are properly built and kept in good repair ; (e) immediately after it has come to his notice, cause all dangerous places to be made secure ; (f) see that all doors are hung in such manner that they will close of their own accord and he shall see that all doors not in actual use are taken off their hinges and shall not allow any door to be propped or fastened back or opened except for the passage of persons, animals, cars or locomotives ; (a) 2. POWERS AND DUTIES 541 (g) not allow a trapper while on duty to leave any door under his charge under any pretext whatever ; (h) see that all entries are driven to the proper height and width, that all roads are kept properly cleaned and as well drained as possible and in a safe condition for all animals ; (i) see that all horses and mules under his charge are not overworked or unnecessarily whipped or abused by the drivers, and that the stableman properly attends to his duties ; (j) see that no coal or other material is lost by premature or improper drawing of pillars or stumps, and that the coal is properly recovered ; (h) see that all tools and materials furnished to the workmen are properly used ; (I) examine, and initial daily at the mine, all report books in the department under his charge and see that all reports are properly recorded therein ; (m) see that all airways and all accessible old workings are inspected once at least in every week and that reports of such inspections are recorded immediately in a book kept a t the mine for that purpose, and that the same are signed by the person or persons making the inspections." r (A 1945) GERMANY The responsibility of the supervisory staff is defined as follows in the General Mines Act (76 and 77) : (1) Every supervisory official who has assumed the management or supervision of the undertaking is responsible, within the range of duties assigned to him, for conformity with the plans of operation and for the observance of all orders and regulations contained in the Act, or issued in pursuance of it. (2) The mineowner, or his statutory representative, the persons entrusted by him with the management of the mine and thex persons placed over the supervisory officials mentioned in sections 73 and 74 are responsible, in addition to the persons specified in paragraph (1), in the following circumstances : (a) in so far as they have had to do with arrangements in the undertaking, the carrying out of which they knew, or must have known, to be a t variance with the plans of operation or orders and regulations contained in the Act, or issued in pursuance of it ; (b) in so far as by acts and omissions they have made it impossible for the supervisory officials placed under their orders to perform the duties assigned to them by the Act or by orders and regulations issued in pursuance of it ; (c) if they have become aware of an act or omission of the persons placed under their authority and have allowed it to pass, although they knew t h a t it was at variance with the plans of operation or the orders and regulations contained in the Act, or issued in pursuance of it ; (d) if they have failed to take the necessary care in the direction of the supervisory officials placed under their authority, having due regard to their actual position in the undertaking and the practical possibilities. (3) The names of the persons mentioned in paragraph (2) must be notified to the mining authorities, with an indication of their duties. The supervisory officials mentioned in sections 73 and 741 are further bound to accompany the inspection officials on their official visits of inspection to the mine, and on request to give them information on all matters pertaining to inspection by the mining authorities. (A 24.6.1865) 1 See Division 1 of this chapter. 542 XXI. MANAGING OFFICIALS SOUTH AFRICA Every mine must be under a manager who is responsible for the control, management and direction of the mine. The manager must (1) take all reasonable measures to enforce the mining regulations ; (2) appoint such persons as may be necessary to assist him in enforcing the regulations ; (3) provide for the safety and proper discipline of the mine employees ; and (4) report breaches of the regulations as soon as possible to the Inspector of Mines, or take such disciplinary steps as the inspector may require or approve (156). I n addition t o these general duties, and the particular duties specified in various provisions of the mining regulations, the manager is also entrusted with certain duties in respect of shotfiring (measures against fumes and dust), the proper maintenance of mining equipment, the provision of waiting stations underground, the employment of inexperienced workmen, and the districts t o be supervised b y gangers or miners. H e may not allow any ganger or miner to be in charge of more workmen or more workplaces or more equipment t h a n he can properly supervise. Further, he must prevent, by such means as the Inspector of Mines has approved, persons from proceeding to their working places until they have been instructed t o do so by the ganger or miner responsible for the safety of these places, and he must satisfy himself that this requirement is being strictly observed. As regards incompetent or inexperienced persons, he may not allow any such person to b e employed on dangerous work or work upon the proper performance of which the safety of persons depends (158). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM The manager must appoint a sufficient number of competent persons to secure thorough supervision of all mining operations and the enforcement of mining regulations (35). H e must h a v e investigations made into any complaints affecting the safety or health of persons employed (36). He must see t h a t a sufficient supply of proper materials and appliances is always provided for the purpose of carrying out the statutory requirements and ensuring the safety of the mine and persons employed in it (38). He is also responsible for certain duties in connection with underground stations, lamp stations and man-winding (37 and 39). (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Illinois The mine manager's duties include the following : (1) to visit each working place at least once a fortnight ; (2) to provide a suitable system for checking the entrance and departure of each employee ; (3) to have the underground workings examined by a certified mine examiner before the beginning of a shift ; (4) to examine the mine examiner's report, and, if working places are reported dangerous, to prevent the men from entering them until they have been warned and instructed not to work in such places until the danger has been removed ; (5) if there is a night shift mining coal, to have the working places of the shift examined a s to safety before the beginning of a shift ; (6) to furnish sufficient and suitable mine supplies ; 2. POWERS AÍTD DUTIES 543 (7) to superintend the ventilation arrangements and take air measurements ; (8) to have the means of egress examined a t least once a week ; (9) to appoint persons to examine the winding equipment ; (10) to see that the top and bottom landings are attended and lighted during man-winding ; (11) to supervise and to issue instructions concerning the storage and handling of explosives ; (12) to see that dusty haulage roads are regularly and thoroughly sprayed, sprinkled, or cleaned (19). The mine manager has powers— (1) to instruct employees as to their respective duties and to require of all employees obedience to the provisions of the mining law ; (2) to prescribe special rules concerning the proper storage and handling of explosives in the mine and concerning the time and manner of placing and discharging the blasting shots ; (3) in mines in which the works are so extensive that all the duties devolving upon the mine manager cannot be discharged by one man, competent persons may be designated and appointed as assistants to the mine manager, and exercise their functions under the mine manager's instructions (20). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico The mine foreman must devote the whole of his time to his duties, and either he or the assistant foreman or foremen must visit each working place as often as necessary, and not less than once daily. He is responsible for the safety of the men and the carrying out of all provisions of the mining regulations. I n particular, he is responsible for certain duties in connection with ventilation and air measurements, testing for gas and the general safety of airways and other roads (809). The mine foreman must give prompt attention to the removal of all dangers observed or reported to him, and, if the danger cannot be removed at once, he must have every person endangered warned, and fence off the places concerned (810). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania The duties of the mine superintendent are set out in very great detail in Article I I I of the Act of 9 June 1911. They include the provision of mine supplies, the examination of the mine registers, the provision of danger signals, the provision of rules a n d the posting up of notices, the removal of dangerous accumulations of water, the maintenance of barrier pillars, the provision of safety devices on haulage inclines and the reporting of new development work to the inspection authorities. Extracts from the provisions concerning duties of a general character will be found below ; other provisions, are dealt with in the appropriate chapters. " 1 . I t shall be the duty of every superintendent, on behalf and a t the expense of the operator, to keep on hand a t each mine at all times a sufficient quantity of all materials and supplies required to preserve the health and safety of the employees, as ordered by the mine foreman and required by this Act. If for any reason the superintendent cannot procure the necessary materials or supplies as aforesaid, he shall at once notify the mine foreman, whose duty it shall be to withdraw the men from the mine or portion of mine, until such materials or supplies are received. The superintendent shall, at least once every week, read, examine carefully, and countersign all reports entered in the mine record book by 544 XXI. MANAGING OFFICIALS the mine foreman and, if he finds on such examination that the law is being violated in any particular, he shall order the mine foreman to stop said violation forthwith, and shall see that his order is complied with. 3. The superintendent of every mine shall provide a sufficient number of danger signals, upon request of the mine foreman, which the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman shall distribute in the mine at places convenient for the use of t h e fire bosses in the fulfilment of their duties. Danger signals in all mines shall be uniform, and of a design approved by the Secretary of Mines. All danger signals shall be kept in good condition, and no defective signal shall be allowed to remain in any mine. 4. The superintendent shall keep on hand at the mine a supply of the printed rules and notices and record books required by this Act, which shall be furnished through the inspector of the district on request of the superintendent in writing. The superintendent shall see that said rules and notices and record books are delivered to the proper persons at the mine, and t h a t they are properly cared for, and he shall also see that the rules and notices are posted in conspicuous places at or near the entrance to the mine and kept in such condition that they will always be legible." The mine foreman's duties are similarly regulated by article IV of the Act. He is responsible more particularly for supervising the ventilation arrangements, travelling ways, timbering and drainage. He also exercises general supervision over coalgetting and shotfiring. The following are extracts from the general provisions of article IV. " 2 . The mine foreman shall devote the whole of his time to his duties in the mine when the mine is in operation, and shall keep a careful watch over the ventilating apparatus, the ventilation, airways, travelling ways, timbering, and drainage, and shall see that all stoppings along airways are properly built, as provided for in section 5 of article I X of this Act. 1 9. The mine foreman shall direct that the coal is properly mined before it is blasted. 'Properly mined' shall mean that the coal shall be undercut, centrecut, overcut, or sheared by pick or machine, and in any case the cutting shall be as deep as the holes are laid. In mines generating explosive gas, in quantities sufficient to be detected by an approved safety lamp, when the coal seam is 5 ft. 6 in. or more in thickness, 'properly mined' shall mean that in all entries less than 10 ft. wide, wherein the coal is undercut or overcut, it shall be sheared on one side as deep as the cutting before any holes are charged and fired, or the coal shall be blasted in sections by placing the first hole near the centre of the coal seam. He shall direct that sprags be set as often as necessary, but at a distance not exceeding 7 ft. apart, under or upon the breast or undermined, centremined or overmined coal. The mine foreman shall direct at what hours blasting shall be done in the mine, and a notice of the time shall be posted at a conspicuous place at the mine, and a copy of the notice shall be kept on file at the mine office : Provided, however, that in districts in which it has been the common practice to blast coal from the solid, said practice or method may be continued, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained. 10. The mine foreman shall give prompt attention to the removal of all dangers reported to him by his assistants, the fire boss, or by any other person working in the mine, and in case it is impracticable to remove the danger at once, he shall notify every person whose safety is menaced thereby to remain away from the portion where the dangerous conditions exist. He or his assistant shall once each week travel and examine all the air courses and roads and all the openings t h a t give access to old workings or 1 See Chapter XI, Division 1. 2. POWERS AND DUTIES 545 falls, and make a record of the condition of all places where danger has been found, with ink, in the book provided for that purpose. I n all mines the mine foreman shall employ a sufficient number of assistants to ensure a visit to each working place during each shift either by himself or by his assistants, while the employees are at work and, in all mines or portions of mines in which fixe bosses are not regularly employed, the mine foreman shall, if in the judgment of the inspector of the district the roof conditions require extraordinary supervision, employ a sufficient number of assistants to ensure two visits to each working place during each shift either by himself or his assistants while the employees are at work in such mines or portions of mines, and in all mines the interval of time between visits shall be arranged so as to secure the most efficient and effective supervision. In addition thereto the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman shall give special care, oversight and attention to the men drawing pillars, particularly when falls are thereby being made. The mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman under instructions from the mine foreman shall direct that the holes for blasting shall be properly placed, and shall designate the angle and depth of holes, which shall not be deeper than the undercutting, centrecutting, overcutting, or shearing, and the maximum quantity of explosives required for each hole, and the method of charging and tamping. Instructions shall be given the men by the mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, or fire boss or other authorised person as to when, where, and how timber shall be placed, so as to avoid accidents from falls and also in a general way how to mine coal with safety to themselves and others. He shall also see that the roof and sides of all passageways over or through which men are transported in a car or cars shall be examined by a competent person or persons within three hours before the appointed time for the day shift to enter the mine. At the end of each shift each assistant mine foreman shall make a report in a book provided for that purpose, giving the general condition as t o safety of the working places visited by him, and shall make a note of any unusual occurrence observed by him during the day. The mine foreman shall read carefully the daily report of each assistant mine foreman and shall sign the report with ink daily. 15. When operations are temporarily suspended in a mine the superintendent and the mine foreman shall see that danger signals are placed across the mine entrances, which signals shall be sufficient warning for persons not to enter the mine. If the circulation of air through the mine be stopped each entrance to said mine shall be fenced off in such a manner as will ordinarily prevent persons from entering said mine, and a danger signal shall be displayed upon said fence at each entrance. The mine foreman shall see that all danger signals used in the mine are in good condition, and if any become defective he shall notify the superintendent. 20. The mine foreman shall employ a sufficient number of fire bosses in order that each mine can be examined in accordance with the provisions of sections 1, 2, and 3, of article V of this Act. 1 The mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman shall see, as often as practicable, that the fire boss has left his mark in places examined or reported as examined." Other provisions of article IV are dealt with in the appropriate chapters. 1 These sections set out the duties of Are bosses. CHAPTER XXII APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF VARIOUS GRADES OF MNEWORKERS 1. MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF PERSONNEL BELGIUM Detailed regulations concerning the medical supervision of the personnel are contained in Chapter I I of General Regulations of 25 September 1947 concerning the hygiene and health of workers in mines and underground quarries. This supervision comprises a medical examination on engagement, periodical medical examinations of young persons under 21 years of age, and special medical examinations for the detection of occupational diseases among workers liable t o contract such diseases. Medical examinations on engagement are compulsory— (a) for all young persons who seek any employment whatever in a mine ; (b) for all young persons who, when in the employ of a mine, seek any employment for which the special examinations for the detection of occupational diseases are compulsory ; (c) for all persons, irrespective of age, on their transfer to any employment for which t h e special examinations for the detection of occupational diseases are compulsory; (d) for coal-mine workers who seek to be engaged as rescuers or guides. I n the case of young persons under 21 years of age, whatever the nature of the employment t h a t they are seeking, and in the case of all persons whatever their age, who seek employment in the underground workings of coal mines, the examination must be supplemented by a radiological exploration of the thorax with a view to the prophylaxy of pulmonary tuberculosis, unless such exploration has been made during the preceding twelve months and the examining doctor has been informed of the results. CANADA Alberta "11 (2) A person who has not been previously employed in a mine in the province shall not be employed in a mine unless and until he has furnished his employer with a certificate in a form satisfactory to the Workmen's Compensation Board, completed by a duly qualified medical practitioner as to the condition of his eyesight and that he is physically fit to work in a mine and such medical certificate shall be kept in the mine office. (3) Any person not employed in a mine within six months preceding his re-employment shall require to be examined by a duly qualified medical practitioner as t o his physical condition and eyesight, who shall furnish a certificate in a form satisfactory to the Workmen's Compensation Board, and such medical certificate shall be kept in the mine office." (A 1945) 1. MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF PERSONNEL, 547 FRANCE " 313. (1) No worker shall be employed underground unless he has been previously examined by the mine doctor and found fit." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY " 308. (1) The mineowner shall employ persons with physical or mental infirmities only on work on which they can endanger neither themselves nor others. (2) If so required by the Divisional Mining Office only such persons shall be employed on particular kinds of work as are shown by medical certificate to be free from such infirmities. Persons who are no longer fit for certain kinds of work shall no longer be employed on them. (3) Underground, only such persons shall be employed as are found by medical examination to be fit for work in dusty air without any restriction. The fitness of all persons employed underground for work in dusty air shall be controlled by periodical examinations. Measures for the carrying out of this requirement shall be determined by the Divisional Mining Office." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued directives (dated 1 July 1953) concerning medical examinations. NETHERLANDS "191. (1) A person under the age of 20 shall not perform any work in the underground workings unless the mine manager is in possession of a certificate which shall not have been delivered more than a month before his engagement, and which shows that the physical condition of the person is such as to permit of his working without harmful consequences. (2) The certificate shall have been delivered by a medical practitioner appointed by the Minister after consultation with the mine manager, and shall be in a form specified by the Minister. (3) The certificate shall be kept with the Register of Personnel. (4) The certificate may be issued for a trial period ; in this case the work referred to in subsection (1) shall only be allowed until the expiry of the period specified in the certificate." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA Detailed requirements concerning medical examinations and certificates are laid down in the Silicosis Act of 1946 and in the regulations under the Act. The Act provides that a person other than a Native shall not work in a dusty occupation in a scheduled or registered mine unless he holds a current initial or periodical or special statutory medical certificate which authorises him to perform the work in question at a mine of a class t o which the mine in question belongs (50). An owner of a scheduled or controlled registered mine may not permit a Native to perform any work in any dusty occupation unless the Native has, within a period of 15 days preceding the commencement of such work, undergone a statutory medical examination and has been found t o be free from tuberculosis and from silicosis (52). Every owner of a scheduled mine and every owner of a controlled registered mine of a class defined by the Minister must employ in a full-time 548 X X n . VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS capacity one or more approved medical practitioners, according to the number of Native labourers, to examine medically Native labourers employed a t the mine (54). The period of validity of an initial or a special certificate is one year, and the period of validity of a periodical certificate is as a rule one year if the holder has worked at a dusty occupation in scheduled or registered mines for less than six years, and six months if he has so worked for six years or more in the aggregate (47). The regulations under the Act specify how the medical examinations are t o be conducted. UNITED KINGDOM Regulations may— (a) require persons employed or seeking employment in mines to submit themselves for medical examination ; and (b) prohibit the employment— (i) in a particular capacity or particular work at all mines or at mines of any class, of a person as to whom it is determined, upon his being medically examined in accordance with the regulations, that, by reason of his physical or mental condition, he is unfit for employment in that capacity or work at all mines or a t mines of t h a t class, as the case may be ; (ii) in particular parts of, or places in, all mines or naines of any class, of a person as to whom it is so determined that, by reason aforesaid, he is unfit for employment in those parts of, or places in, all mines or mines of t h a t class, as the case may be (92). (A 1954) The medical examination of coal miners is dealt with in the Coal Mines (Medical Examinations) General Regulations, 1952, effective 10 December 1952. The general effect of the regulations is to require medical examination of new entrants into the coal-mining industry in South Wales and Monmouth and of new entrants under the age of 21 in other parts of the country. Medical examinations must be made at the mineowner's expense by a medical practitioner approved by the Ministry of Fuel and Power. The medical certificate may specify the conditions or limitations as regards the nature of the work on which the person examined may be employed, and may state t h a t a further examination is required after a specified period. No person who fails without reasonable cause to submit himself for medical examination may be employed in or about a coal mine until he has been medically examined, and no person may be employed in a particular capacity if he has been certified unfit for employment in that capacity. Certificates of fitness must be issued both to the person concerned and to the manager of the mine concerned, and prescribed particulars of persons liable to examination must be kept in a register at the mine. 2. SUBORDÍNATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS BELGIUM "72. At every pit of a fiery mine there shall be a head overman (chefmineur) responsible for the daily supervision of the ventilation and lighting installations, as well as work done with powder and other explosives. The head overman shall be assisted by a number of overmen (portons) and deputies (examiners) (surveillants) according to the extent of the workings, the n a t u r e and quantity of gas, and the degree of safety of the ventilation system. 2. SUBORDINATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 549 73. The head overman, overmen and deputies shall be entered as such by the mine management in the staff register. They shall in no case have any financial interest in the performance of the work for the supervision of which they are responsible. 74. Under the responsibility of the head overman and the overmen, the deputies shall be responsible in their own districts for the following : (a) they shall not allow the whole or part of any shift to go to any workplace, especially after holidays and idle days, until they have satisfied themselves that the air there is pure, that the ventilation is sufficiently active, that everything is in order, and that there is no apparent cause of danger for the workers ; they shall see that the regulations concerning the use of explosives are complied with ; they shall carefully inspect the airways and have them kept in good condition ; (b) throughout working hours they shall exercise strict supervision, at the working faces and along the most frequented roads, over the handling of lamps, the hewing and stocking of coal, the opening and shutting of doors, and, in brief, everything t h a t is of essential importance for the safety of the mine in so far as concerns ventilation and lighting ; (c) they shall report with a view to prosecution and punishment any person offending against the rules of caution and subordination ; they shall take the same action in respect of any workman carrying a pipe, matches, lighter, or any other lighting device in workings where the use of safety lamps is compulsory ; (d) they shall have work stopped and shall cautiously direct the withdrawal of the workers in the cases provided for in section 5 1 1 or whenever the ventilation is disturbed." (R 28.4.1884) CANADA Alberta "Examiners 61. (1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall appoint one or more examiners in writing, to make such inspections and carry out such duties as to the presence of gas, ventilation, state of roof and sides, and general safety and such other duties as are required by this Act and the regulations made thereunder ; and such examiners shall be the holders of first, second or third class certificates under this Act. (2) In case it is necessary on account of the size of the mine or other circumstances that whilst it is being normally operated there should be more than one examiner in the mine at the same time, the owner, agent or manager of a mine shall divide the mine into districts and shall provide t h a t whilst it is being normally operated there shall be one examiner for each such district on each shift, within which the examiner shall discharge the duties imposed upon him by this Act ; and every district shall be of such size that the examiner can properly discharge such duties. (3) The manager or overman of a small mine may act as an examiner at that mine, unless the size of the mine and the other circumstances are such that he cannot properly discharge all his duties as manager or overman and examiner. (4) The Director of Mines may in case of grave emergency issue a provisional third-class certificate to any person he deems qualified to act as an examiner. 62. (1) The size of a district of a mine assigned to any examiner shall not be so largo as to prevent him from carrying out his inspection duties in a thorough manner. 1 See Chapter XII, Division 1. X X I I . VARIOUS GRADES OP MINEWORKERS 550 (2) Every examiner shall devote his whole time to his inspection duties under this section, except where the duties assigned to or undertaken by him, in addition to his inspection duties, are not such as to prevent him carrying out such inspection duties in a thorough manner, but this provision shall not prevent the examiner being employed in measuring the work done by persons in his district or in firing shots in his district, nor shall this provision apply in respect of any mine in which the total number of men employed underground a t one time does not exceed 30. (3) Where any question arises as to whether any additional duties are such as to prevent any examiner carrying out his duties in a thorough manner, the Inspector of the District shall decide the question, and his decision shall be final. 152. The examiner shall— fa) be subject to the orders and control of the overman whose instructions shall not conflict with this Act ; (b) when making his inspection before work commences, chalk his initials and date of inspection at the face or every working place in the district under his charge and shall see that all entrances to any place which may be found unsafe are fenced off a t such a distance from the point of danger as will prevent any person inadvertently approaching the same ; (c) make all inspections required by this Act of the airways in the mine, and if, on making any inspection, he becomes aware of anything requiring attention, he shall report the same to the manager or overman immediately ; (d) keep a careful watch over all working places in the district under his charge and in the event of danger he shall withdraw all persons who may be exposed to such danger and immediately fence off the place and report the same t o the manager or overman and shall also make and sign a report of the danger in a book kept at the mine for that purpose ; (e) before commencing his shift read the reports of the last preceding inspection and insert his initials thereto and note if gas or any other dangerous condition has been reported to be present in any part of the district under his charge ; (f) see t h a t the provisions of this Act are strictly observed and shall report any non-observance of the same to the manager or overman immediately after it comes to his attention." (A 1945) FRANCE No one m a y be employed as an overman or a foreman in a mine, whatever his title may be, unless he has worked for at least three consecutive years as a miner, carpenter, timberer or engineman (25). (D 3.1.1813) GERMANY Supervisory Officials 1. Supervisory officials within the meaning of the present regulations are those mentioned in section 73 1 of the General Mines Act. 2. In the absence of any supervisory official on whom specific duties are laid by the present regulations, other supervisory officials, approved as such by t h e District Mining Office, must be available as substitutes. 3. The manager may delegate only certain duties laid upon him by the present regulations to other supervisory officials if the District Mining Office has approved their competence for these duties (330). 1 See Chapter XXI, Division 1. 2. SUBORDINATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 551 The range of duties of supervisory officials must not be too great for them to fulfil their safety duties (331). When assigning duties to the workers, the supervisory officials must instruct them in any special dangers and the means of overcoming them unless the chargeman hewer is responsible for this (332). 1. In every shift the shift overman must visit all occupied working places at least once. If he is prevented from so doing by exceptional circumstances, he must see that the visit is made by another suitable person. 2. Workplaces in which only one man is employed must be visited by a supervisory official at least twice in every shift. There must be an interval of a t least two hours between the two visits (333). So long as any workers are underground at least one supervisory official must be present at the shaft or be within call by telephone (334). Chargemen (For every working place and for every shift (Drittel) a suitable hewer must be appointed as chargeman. I n his absence a substitute must be appointed. For long working faces a sufficient number of chargemen must be appointed to ensure the proper performance of safety duties (338). The chargeman must see that his working party complies with the provisions of the present regulations and with the instructions of supervisory officials. The members of the working party are required to obey these instructions (339). Working Instructions Anyone who receives working instructions in virtue of the present regulations must obey them (340). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Note : For regulations concerning the competence of supervisory officials see Chapter X X I , Division 1. SOUTH AFRICA (For suspension or cancellation of certificates see Chapter X X I , Division 1.) Mine Overseers The owner or agent must provide the mine manager with the necessary means, and afford him every facility for complying with the regulations (159). The manager may appoint one or more competent persons as mine overseers to assist him in the control, management and direction of the underground workings. Where the number of persons employed underground exceeds 300 at any one time, the appointment of such persons is compulsory. No such person may be appointed unless he is a holder of an approved certificate. Such person has all the duties and responsibilities of the manager so far as all the underground workings assigned to him are concerned, b u t his appointment does not relieve tne manager of any personal responsibility under the regulations (160). The Commission of Examiners for a mine overseer's certificate of competency consists of an Inspector of Mines (Chairman), an Inspector of Machinery, and at least two certificated mine managers (300). 552 XXII. VARIOUS GRADES OP MINEWORKERS An applicant may not be accepted as a candidate for examination unless he has satisfied the Commission that he is 22 years of age, that he is of a sober and generally good character, that he is the holder of a permanent blasting certificate issued under the regulations, and that he has had at least four years of practical underground experience satisfactory to the Commission. This period must include at least six months of service as a shift boss or equivalent service. I t must further include six months of experience in the class of mine which the Commission regards as appropriate to the certificate for which the candidate wishes to qualify. Applicants who can satisfy the Commission that they hold specified degrees or certificates may be exempted from part of the four years' experience (301). A certificate may not be issued unless the Commission is satisfied that, to the extent indicated in the syllabus for the examination, the candidate possesses a sufficient knowledge of mining practice, shaft practice, ventilation, gases, dust control, underground machinery, mine plans and the Mines and Works Act and Regulations. The holder of a mine overseer's certificate for non-fiery coal mines may qualify for a mine overseer's certificate for coal mines if he can furnish proof that he has had six months' satisfactory experience in fiery mines (302). Shift Bosses I n every mine in which more than 300 persons are employed underground, one or more competent persons, who must be holders of blasting certificates and have had n o t less than two years' practical experience underground in mining, must be appointed to act as shift boss during each working shift. Each shift boss must take charge during the shift of a section of the underground workings. He must take all reasonable measures to ensure the proper observance of the requirements of the regulations by the gangers or miners working under him and must as soon as practicable report any contraventions to the manager or overseer. The appointment of any shift boss does not relieve the manager or overseer of any personal responsibility under the regulations. At least once during his shift the shift boss must inspect every portion of his section of the mine in which persons are working or through which they may pass, and must ascertain the conditions as regards ventilation, sanitation, gases, hanging wall, footwall and sides and generally the safety and health of persons. At the completion of the shift each shift boss must enter in a special register particulars of breaches of regulations, notices and any safety instructions given during the shift. These entries must be examined and countersigned by the manager or overseer at least once a day and must be open to inspection by any official of the Mines Department and any scheduled person employed underground in the mine. A shift boss or other official of a t least equal rank must be present underground at blasting time (161). Mechanical and Electrical Engineers At every mine having plant developing from prime movers more than 250 horsepower or on which any unit of the plant is developing more than 75 horsepower, all boilers, engines and other machinery must be under the general charge of a certificated engineer. One or more certificated engineers may be appointed to posts, such as underground, sectional or assistant engineer, to assist the certificated engineer in general charge. 2. SUBORDÍNATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 553 At every mine having plant developing not more than 250 horsepower, all boilers, engines and other machinery must be placed under the general charge of a competent person. Any appointment made under the above provisions must be reported to the Inspector of Mines of the district within three days. The Government Mining Engineer may require the appointment of more then one engineer if he considers it necessary. The mine overseer may, to an extent to be clearly defined in writing by the manager, exercise control over the running of underground machinery, but the erection or re-erection of such machinery must be under the control of the certificated engineer, who must be more particularly responsible for the proper arrangement of all haulage and winding machinery and ropes in connection therewith and the connections between such ropes and any conveyances (165). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Provision may be made by regulations— (a) for imposing requirements concerning the carrying out of inspections for securing the safety and health of the workmen by competent persons having such qualifications as may be prescribed ; (b) giving certain persons immediate charge of workmen and of the operations carried on by them ; (c) prescribing any duties to be discharged by such persons ; (d) requiring or authorising the formation of mine districts for the purpose of discharging the duties of such persons. I t is the duty of the mine manager to secure that the number of persons appointed to carry out these requirements is sufficient (12). I t is the duty of the mine manager to appoint, in addition, such number of officials, technicians and other competent persons as is sufficient to secure the adequate inspection of the mine, the thorough supervision of all operations at the mine and the carrying on of the undertaking in conformity with the provisions of the Act and orders and regulations under it. Regulations may require the manager to appoint such persons and prescribe their qualifications and duties (13). I t is the duty of the mine manager to ensure to the best of his ability that every person appointed by him under the preceding provisions of the Act, or regulations under such provisions, understands his duties under such provisions of the Act (14). (A 1954) Deputies For every mine there must be appointed by the manager in writing one or more competent persons (deputies) each of whom, in his district and during his shift, must be in charge of all workmen and of all operations in progress in the district and make such inspections and carry out such other duties with regard to gas, ventilation, support of roofs and sides and general safety as are required by the Coal Mines Act and the mine regulations. Subject to certain exceptions, a deputy must devote his whole time to these duties. No deputy may perform any duty himself, or knowingly permit any work by any workman under his charge, if this would prevent or delay the due performance of any duty or work necessary for safety (1). The manager must define the limits of each district to be in the charge of a deputy so that every place in the mine in which mineral or stone is being worked is included in some such district and no district is of such 554 XXn. VAKIOUS GRADES OF MINEWOBKEKS a size as may prevent the deputy concerned from carrying out all his duties in a thorough manner or from making the pre-shift inspection within a period of one-and-a-half hours. The Divisional Inspector may object to the limits of any deputy's district and, if the manager does not redefine the limits to the inspector's satisfaction, the matter must be settled by the prescribed procedure (2). For the purpose of the pre-shift inspections, the manager must appoint a station at one entrance to each deputy's district (meeting station) and no workman m a y pass beyond the meeting station or enter any district unless it has within the previous eight hours been examined as required in section 5 and has been reported to be safe. The Divisional Inspector may object to the situation of any meeting station on the ground t h a t it does not provide adequately for the safety of the workmen and, if the manager does not appoint another meeting station to the inspector's satisfaction, the matter must be settled by the prescribed procedure (3). The manager must keep in the mine office one or more plans on a scale not less than 6 in. to 1 mile showing the limits of each deputy's district and each meeting station and must keep the plans up to date within seven days (4). Within the two hours immediately before the commencement of work in any shift during which workmen are to enter any deputy's district, the deputy for t h a t district and t h a t shift or for the preceding shift must himself ascertain, by inspection of every part that has to be ventilated, the condition of every such p a r t in so far as concerns gas, ventilation, state of roof and sides and general safety (pre-shift inspection). If, however, workmen are continuously in any district inspections of that district need not be made more frequently than once in every eight hours. The deputy making any pre-shift inspection must have with him a locked flame safety lamp and an electric safety lamp or one safety lamp combining the two, each such lamp being of a type approved for the purpose by the Minister of Fuel and Power and no other light may be used by him during the inspection. On the completion of each pre-shift inspection, the deputy must, without delay, record in a special book a full and accurate report of the inspection (pre-shift report). The report must specify the condition of roof and sides and of the ventilation in the district and whether or not there has been found therein any noxious or inflammable gas or other sources of danger. If any are found, particulars must be given. Also, on the completion of the pre-shift inspection the deputy must cause all requisite instructions relating to safety to be given at the meeting station to the workmen who are to enter the district (5). Each deputy's district in which there are workmen at work must be inspected by t h e deputy a t least twice during each shift and no place where workmen are a t work may remain uninspected for more than four hours. If any part of the district remains without any workmen being at work in it for two hours or more after a pre-shift inspection, no workman may enter t h a t part unless the part has been inspected within the previous two hours and the workman has received from the deputy all requisite instructions relating t o safety. The inspections here in question must be similar t o pre-shift inspections, except t h a t they need not extend to any idle development working properly marked as such and that deputies need not make special reports on them. Subject to certain conditions such inspections may also be pre-shift inspections of t h e district for the purposes of the succeeding shift (6). The deputy must take all reasonable steps to ensure that all equipment, apparatus and plant in use in his district are maintained in good order and safe condition, and t h a t if any equipment, apparatus or plant is found by or reported t o him to be in an unsafe condition it is not used while in such a condition (7). Where sheets or ducts are required to be used for the ventilation of any 2. SUBORDINATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 555 working place the deputy must ensure t h a t they are so placed and maintained that an adequate amount of air reaches the place. (8). The deputy must ensure that every place in his district which, by reason of the presence of gas or for any other cause, is dangerous, is kept so fenced off at each approach that it cannot be inadvertently entered, and that each fence is marked with a danger sign provided by the owner (9). The deputy must keep a record of the names of the workmen under his charge in his district during his shift, and take all reasonable steps to ensure that every such workman understands and carries out his duties under the Act, the regulations of the mine and any order made under the Act and also every direction given to him with a view to safety (10). At the end of a shift in any district the deputy or a person duly appointed by him must, unless there is any person then in the district for the succeeding shift, ensure that the ventilation is taking its proper course and, except for what is necessary for the safety of the mine, that all lights are extinguished and all power is cut off. The deputy must not leave the mine at the end of any shift if there are to be workmen at work in his district during the succeeding shift until he has conferred with the deputy succeeding him and has given to t h a t deputy all information which he then has which is necessary for the safety of persons employed in the district. This, however, does not apply if the interval between the end of one shift and the beginning of the next exceeds one hour (11). The deputy must as soon as practicable after the end of his shift record in a special book a report (general report) on the performance of all his duties during the shift and on anything known to him which has occurred which is material to the proper working of the mine or the safety and health of persons employed in his district (12). If any way or part of a way affording means of egress from a deputy's district to the surface for the purposes of section 36 of the Act * is not ordinarily used for travelling, each deputy regularly assigned to be in charge of that district must forthwith make himself acquainted with t h a t way or that part and must thereafter travel the whole of it once at least in every month (13). If a deputy leaves the district while workmen are still at work therein he must appoint a competent person to exercise control in it on his behalf, but no such appointment may relieve the deputy of his duties with regard to inspections and reports (14). Subject to certain exceptions, no person may qualify to be a deputy unless he is the holder of a first or second class certificate of competency under the Act or of a deputy's certificate granted to him by the Minister of Fuel and Power after receipt of a report by the Mining Qualifications Board that he possesses the qualifications required under the Act, and has within the last preceding five years obtained certificates, duly granted, that he is able to make accurate tests for inflammable gas and, in so far as concerns his hearing, to carry out his duties efficiently and is proficient in first aid. Rules made by the Mining Qualifications Board must require an applicant for a deputy's certificate either (a) to have reached the qualifying standard in a written examination and in a practical test and to have had not less than four years' practical experience below ground in a mine, of which not less than 18 months was at the face, and attained an age not less than 23 years ; or (b) to have reached the qualifying standard in the practical test and to have had not less than five years' practical experience below ground in a mine of which not less than two years was at the face and attained an age not less than 25 years (15). Inspections by competent persons appointed by the manager for the purpose and qualified to be deputies must be made (a) to the extent 1 36 The Coal Mines Act, 1911. X X I I . VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS 556 n e c e s s a r y for a t h o r o u g h e x a m i n a t i o n of t h e i r condition, of w o r k i n g places n o t w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s of a n y d e p u t y ' s district, a t t h e beginning of each shift d u r i n g w h i c h a n y w o r k m a n is t o b e a t t h e p l a c e a n d in a d d i t i o n a t least o n c e d u r i n g e a c h shift, of e v e r y place n o t w i t h i n a n y d e p u t y ' s district where p e r s o n s r e g u l a r l y p a s s , a t i n t e r v a l s n o t exceeding 24 h o u r s , a n d of every a i r w a y a t i n t e r v a l s n o t exceeding seven d a y s ; a n d (b) t o t h e e x t e n t necessary t o e n s u r e t h a t i t is fit a n d safe for t r a v e l l i n g , of e v e r y r o a d or p a r t of a r o a d n o t o t h e r w i s e subject t o inspection, a t i n t e r v a l s n o t exceeding seven d a y s . T h e w o r k i n g places in q u e s t i o n a r e all places a t which a n y w o r k m a n is w o r k i n g m i n e r a l or s t o n e for t h e p u r p o s e of r e p a i r i n g , restoring or e n l a r g i n g r o a d s or of p r e p a r i n g a c c o m m o d a t i o n r e q u i r e d for t h e working of t h e m i n e , w i t h d r a w i n g e q u i p m e n t , p l a n t o r s u p p o r t s i n p r e p a r a t i o n for t h e a b a n d o n m e n t of t h e place concerned, or w o r k i n g w h e r e p e r s o n s d o n o t r e g u l a r l y p a s s (16). S u b j e c t t o c e r t a i n e x c e p t i o n s n o p e r s o n m a y be qualified t o b e a p p o i n t e d o r t o be a n u n d e r g r o u n d official superior t o t h e d e p u t i e s b u t inferior t o t h e m a n a g e r o r u n d e r m a n a g e r in a n y m i n e unless h e is (a) t h e h o l d e r of a first or s e c o n d class certificate of c o m p e t e n c y ; (b) n o t less t h a n 24 y e a r s of a g e a n d t h e holder of a d e p u t y ' s certificate t h a t h e h a s t h e qualifications r e q u i r e d u n d e r section 15 (4) (a) of t h e A c t 1 a n d h a s h a d n o t less t h a n o n e y e a r ' s experience as d e p u t y ; (c) n o t less t h a n 27 y e a r s of age a n d t h e h o l d e r of a d e p u t y ' s certificate t h a t h e h a s t h e qualifications r e q u i r e d u n d e r s e c t i o n 15 (4) (b) of t h e A c t x a n d h a s h a d n o t less t h a n two y e a r s ' e x p e r i e n c e a s a d e p u t y (18). All officials a p p o i n t e d u n d e r section 18 m u s t b e a p p o i n t e d b y t h e m a n a g e r i n w r i t i n g (19). E a c h official a p p o i n t e d m u s t b e responsible for t h e o b s e r v a n c e of all safety r e q u i r e m e n t s r e l a t i n g t o h i s d u t i e s a n d for t h e safe p e r f o r m a n c e of a n y o p e r a t i o n w h i c h h e h a s b e e n a p p o i n t e d t o supervise. E a c h official m u s t (a) d u r i n g h i s shift confer w i t h t h e d e p u t y i n c h a r g e of e a c h d i s t r i c t t o w h i c h h i s d u t i e s r e l a t e a n d w i t h e a c h o t h e r official t h e n performing d u t i e s i n or responsible for a n y such district or for a n y o t h e r p a r t of t h e m i n e t o w h i c h h i s o w n d u t i e s r e l a t e ; (b) a t t h e e n d of h i s shift give t o a n y p e r s o n succeeding h i m i n t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of h i s d u t i e s all i n f o r m a t i o n w h i c h h e t h e n h a s which is n e c e s s a r y for safety ; a n d (c) w i t h i n 24 h o u r s of t h e e n d of h i s shift e x a m i n e a n d c o u n t e r s i g n a n y general r e p o r t which includes m a t t e r s r e l a t i n g t o t h e p e r f o r m a n c e of h i s d u t i e s in so far a s i t r e l a t e s t o t h o s e m a t t e r s (20). (R 11.5.1951) Mechanics Appointment of Mechanics and and Electricians Electricians. F o r e v e r y m i n e t h e m a n a g e r m u s t a p p o i n t in w r i t i n g a c o m p e t e n t p e r s o n t o b e t h e m e c h a n i c a l engineer or t h e m e c h a n i c in charge a n d a s m a n y c o m p e t e n t p e r s o n s t o b e m e c h a n i c s a s m a y b e r e q u i r e d t o supervise o r effect t h e p r o p e r installation, e x a m i n a t i o n , t e s t i n g a n d m a i n t e n a n c e of t h e m e c h a n i c a l p l a n t a t t h e m i n e . A t a n y m i n e a t w h i c h t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of p r i m e m o v e r s exceeds 75, t h e m a n a g e r m u s t e n s u r e t h a t a m e c h a n i c is in charge w h e n e v e r a n y p r i m e m o v e r is b e i n g u s e d in t h e m i n e for a n y p u r p o s e specified in i n s t r u c t i o n s given b y t h e m a n a g e r ( 1 ) . F o r e v e r y m i n e a t w h i c h electrical e n e r g y is u s e d t h e m a n a g e r m u s t a p p o i n t in w r i t i n g a c o m p e t e n t p e r s o n t o b e t h e electrical engineer or t h e electrician i n c h a r g e a n d a s m a n y c o m p e t e n t p e r s o n s t o b e electricians a s m a y b e r e q u i r e d t o supervise or effect t h e p r o p e r installation, e x a m i n a t i o n , t e s t i n g a n d m a i n t e n a n c e of t h e electrical p l a n t a t t h e m i n e . A t a m i n e a t w h i c h t h e t o t a l n u m b e r of electric m o t o r s exceeds 75 t h e 1 See section 15 above. 2 . SUBORDINATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 557 manager must ensure that an electrician is in charge whenever any electric motor is being used in the mine for any purpose specified in instructions given by the manager (2). A copy of any instruction given under the preceding regulations must be kept at the office of the mine and be available to the Divisional Inspector at any time on request. If the Divisional Inspector is of opinion that a mechanic or electrician ought to be in charge whenever a prime mover or electric motor is being used in the mine for a purpose not specified in instructions given b y the manager, he may require the manager to give instructions accordingly and, subject to the right of appeal, the manager must do so (3). Duties of Mechanics, Electricians and Other Persons Concerned with Mechanical or Electric Plant. I t is the duty of the mechanical engineer or mechanic in charge a n d the electrical engineer or electrician in charge, as the case may be, to ensure that the mechanics or electricians supervise or effect— (a) the installation of all mechanical or electrical plant at the mine; (b) the examination and testing of all such plant before it is p u t into use after installation, reinstallation or repair ; (c) the maintenance in safe working condition and in accordance with the regulations of the mine of all such plant at the mine ; and (d) the systematic examination and testing of all such plant a t the mine in accordance with the scheme therefor for the time being in operation (5). The manager must ensure that there is at all times in force a scheme in respect of all mechanical plant at the mine and, if electrical energy is used, a scheme in respect of all electrical plant, and any such scheme must provide for the systematic examination and testing of all mechanical or electrical plant, as the case may be, to ensure proper maintenance thereof. Any such scheme must specify the intervals within which all mechanical or electrical plant must be examined and tested, and the nature of the examination and testing to be carried out on each occasion. The schemes for a mine or copies thereof must be kept at the office at the mine and made available to the Divisional Inspector at any time on his request. If the Divisional Inspector is of the opinion that amendment of a scheme is necessary to ensure the proper maintenance of the mechanical or electrical plant at the mine, he may require the manager to remedy the defect and, subject to the right of appeal, the manager must amend the scheme accordingly (6). Persons other than mechanics and electricians may be instructed in writing by the manager to carry out certain duties relating to— (a) the installation, repair, examination or testing of mechanical or electrical plant ; or (b) the operation of any machinery or electrical plant. No person may be instructed under this regulation to carry out any duty for which technical knowledge and experience are necessary to avoid danger except under suitable supervision by a mechanic or electrician. No such duty on any conductor or in proximity to an exposed conductor working at a potential exceeding 25 volts may be commenced until an electrician has ensured that the conductor has been made dead and has taken any necessary steps to ensure that it will remain dead until he is satisfied that it is safe to restore the electrical energy (7). No person whose duties include the operation of any electrical plant supplied with energy by means of a flexible trailing cable may at any time either leave the plant while it is working or leave the working place, except to cut off the current, without ensuring that the cable has been made dead, unless his instructions expressly authorise him to do so. 558 XXII. VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS A person whose duties include the operation of any electrical plant supplied with energy by means of a flexible trailing cable must ensure before using the cable that so much of it as is accessible is examined, and subsequently ensure that any further parts which become accessible are examined, and m a y not use any cable which is found to be damaged or defective (8). A mechanic, a n electrician or a person instructed under regulation 7 must stop forthwith the use of any plant when it appears to him that it may be in a dangerous condition, and must cut off the supply of power thereto or make dead the circuit or part of a circuit in which it is connected, and take any other necessary action to avoid danger. Unless the plant has been repaired by a person authorised to repair it, it may not be used again until a mechanic or an electrician is satisfied that it is safe to use it. A mechanic, a n electrician or a person instructed under regulation 7 must report forthwith to the appropriate official anything which in the course of his duties seems capable of affecting the safe use of any plant and which it is n o t part of his duties to prevent or remedy (9). No person m a y interfere with any machinery or operate any machinery required by general regulations or by the manager to be operated in compliance with signals or which, if not so required, is capable of developing more than 10 horsepower, except mechanics, persons duly appointed and instructed and, in emergency, for the purpose of cutting off the supply of mechanical energy. No person m a y interfere with any electrical plant or operate any such plant which works at a potential exceeding 25 volts except the electricians, and persons duly appointed and instructed, in emergency, for the purpose of cutting off the supply of electrical energy (10). The mechanics and electricians must record in books to be kept at the mine for the purpose— (a) any action taken by them in pursuance of regulation 9, or by any persons in emergency under regulation 10; (b) particulars of the examinations and tests of any mechanical or electrical plant carried out or supervised by t h e m ; and (c) any other information for which provision is made in the books (11). Qualifications of Mechanics and Electricians. After 31 December 1955 no person may be qualified to be the mechanical engineer or mechanic in charge or the electrical engineer or electrician in charge unless— (a) he is a t least 23 years of age and is the holder of a valid mechanical engineer's certificate or electrical engineer's certificate or a mechanic's certificate, Class I , or electrician's certificate, Class I ; or (b) he is t h e holder of a service certificate showing that during a period of at least six months between 1 April 1955 and 31 December 1955 he performed certain specified duties. After 31 December 1956 no person may be qualified to be a mechanic unless he is the holder of— (a) a valid mechanical engineer's certificate or mechanic's certificate ; or (b) a certificate showing that during a period of at least six months between 1 October 1955 and 31 December 1956 he performed certain specified duties, and a certificate granted by the Mining Qualifications Board attesting that h e has sufficient knowledge of the elementary principles of mechanical engineering. After 31 December 1955 no person may be qualified to be appointed to be an electrician unless he is the holder of— (a) a valid electrical engineer's certificate or electrician's certificate; or 2. SUBORDINATE SUPERVISORY OFFICIALS 559 (b) a service certificate showing that during a period of a t least six months between 1 October 1954 and 31 December 1955 he performed certain specified duties. Small mines may be exempted from the provisions of this regulation (12). After 31 December 1958 no person may be qualified to be the mechanical engineer or mechanic in charge or the electrical engineer or electrician in charge unless— (a) he is at least 25 years of age and is the holder of a valid mechanical engineer's certificate or electrical engineer's certificate ; or (b) he is the holder of a service certificate showing t h a t during a period of at least 18 months between 1 January 1957 and 1 January 1959 or during a period of at least two years between 1 October 1954 and 1 January 1959 he had performed certain specified duties. After 31 December 1958 no mechanic or electrician may be qualified to take charge a t the mine when the mechanical engineer or mechanic in charge or electrical engineer or electrician in charge, as the case m a y be, is not on duty unless he is at least 23 years of age and is the holder of a certificate required under the first paragraph of regulation 12. Exemptions from the provisions of the first two paragraphs of this regulation may be allowed for small mines (13). (R 6.5.1954) UNITED STATES Federal "14. (a) The lessee shall appoint a sufficient number of fire bosses or mine examiners, certified by the state, to examine every underground working place and nearby open place within three hours prior to the entrance of any shift of miners, and to determine if every place is free from a dangerous quantity of flammable or noxious gas, if the air is properly coursed, and if the roof and other conditions are safe for the workmen, and they shall record the date of examination at each working place. (b) The fire bosses or mine examiners shall also examine every accessible part of the mine each third day, omitting Sunday, make the determinations mentioned in paragraph (a), and record the date of the examination at each place examined. Any place which has been undercut by a machine or in which the coal or roof has been blasted or has fallen shall be examined by a fire boss or mine examiner and determined to be safe before workmen are permitted to re-enter. (c) For every group of 75 men or fraction thereof employed underground in any gassy mine at least one fire boss or mine examiner shall be appointed, who shall be subjected to a physical and optical examination a t least once each calendar year. 15. (a) The fire bosses or examiners shall fence and mark off all dangerous places to warn men and prevent their entrance into such places, shall list on a blackboard or its equivalent at the entrance to the mine or entrance to each section of the mine the places therein which have been marked off, and shall station themselves at the entrance to such a section or near the mouth of the mine to warn miners who normally would work in places found dangerous and prevent them from entering until the dangerous conditions have been remedied under the supervision of a duly accredited mine official and the place has been declared safe. ( b) The reports of the fire bosses or mine examiners shall be assembled and copied once a day, in ink or indelible pencil, in a record book kept in the office of the mine and signed each day by the fire bosses or examiners and by the mine foreman. 560 XXII. VARIOUS GEADES Ol" MINEWORKERS (c) The foreman or an assistant foreman, if duly qualified in accordance with state regulations and if his other duties permit, may also serve as fire boss or mine examiner." (R 23.12.1937) "Article XII. General Safety Conditions 1. Duties, qualification, and certification of persons employed underground (b) The mine foreman may designate assistants who shall possess proper certificates of competency issued by the state in which the mine is operated, a n d may delegate to them authority and duties such as are specified in this code. (c) Each fire boss shall possess a proper certificate of competency issued by t h e state in which the mine is operated. He shall perform such duties as required by this code and applicable federal and state laws." (FMC 1953) Illinois A certificated mine examiner is required at all coal mines. There must be one or more additional certificated mine examiners whenever required in writing by state mine inspectors when the conditions are such as to make their employment necessary. Mine examiners must be a t least 21 years of age, of good repute and temperate habits, and possess at least four years' practical mining experience. They must pass an examination as to their experience in mines generating dangerous gases, their practical and technical knowledge of firedamp, t h e laws of ventilation, the structure and use of safety lamps, and the state laws relating to safeguards against mine fires. They must also have furnished satisfactory evidence t h a t they have completed a course of training in first aid and mine rescue methods as prescribed by the Department of Mines and Minerals of Illinois (2). The duties of the mine examiner include the following : (1) To examine the underground workings within eight hours preceding the beginning of the shift, or in gassy parts of mines within six hours. In gassy mines this period may be reduced by the state mine inspector. I n all mines where only closed electric lamps are used, examination must be made within four hours preceding the beginning of the shift. (2) To see t h a t the ventilation is effective, and to take air measurements. (3) To inspect all workplaces and roadways as to safety, especially as regards the roof and accumulations of gas. (4) To place a conspicuous mark on all dangerous places and to fence off gassy places. (5) To keep the entrance checks of all men whose working places have been found dangerous (20). I t is unlawful for the operator of any mine to employ as a face boss any person who does not hold a certificate of competency as a mine examiner or mine manager (3 (f) (1)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico The operator must appoint a sufficient number of mine examiners in underground coal mines to examine every working place and adjacent places within 12 hours of the beginning of the shift in non-gassy mines, and within four hours in gassy mines. The mine examiner must see whether every place is safe as regards gas, roof and other conditions (812). Examiners must mark and fence off all dangerous places, and station themselves a t or near the mouth of the mine to stop miners from entering 3. MISTERS 561 them until the dangers have been removed under their supervision or t h a t of a responsible mine official (813). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania See Chapter X X I , Division 1. 3. MINERS CANADA Alberta Section 36 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act provides that the Chief Inspector may appoint one or more Miners' Boards of Examiners either for the province or for any part of the province, and that the duty of the boards shall be to determine by examination as to the competency of applicants for a miner's certificate. Each board consists of an inspector, a mine manager or overman, and a miner who is the holder of a miner's certificate. No person may be granted a miner's certificate unless— (a) he is at least 20 years of age ; and (b) he has sufficient knowledge of the English language to enable him to give and understand working directions and warnings in English ; and (c) he has had at least 12 months' underground experience, six months of which shall have been at a working face ; and (d) he satisfies the Miners' Board upon examination that he is competent to have the charge of a working face (43). Every candidate for a miner's certificate must present a medical certificate, in a form satisfactory to the Workmen's Compensation Board, to the Miners' Board, certifying as to his physical fitness to do miner's work (44). Section 45 deals with the issue of provisional certificates. No person may work at the working face as a miner in any mine unless he is the holder of a miner's certificate granted under the Act, or is the holder of a first, second or third class certificate of competency under the Act (46). Skilled workers may do repair work a t the working face on equipment, even if they are not holders of a miner's certificate, but if the mine or the section of the mine in which repair work is required is not in normal operation, they must be accompanied at all times by a certificated person (47). The Director of Mines may suspend or cancel a certificate on being satisfied that the holder is incompetent or has been guilty of any dangerous practice or improper conduct, subject to the right of appeal to the Minister (48). GERMANY "Basic Training 324. Underground, the mineowner shall only employ such persons as have followed or are following a course of mining apprenticeship or instruction in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office. Training of Hewers 324a. (1) As hewers, with the exception of persons undergoing training (section 325 (1) (c)), only such miners shall be employed as possess a hewer's certificate. (2) The right to a hewer's certificate shall be acquired by passing the hewers' examination. 562 X X I I . VARIOUS GRADES OP MINEWORKERS 325. (1) Only such persons shall be allowed to take the hewers' examination a s — (a) are over 21 years of age ; ( b) have worked a t least three years underground ; and (c) during this time have been trained at least for the last year in coalgetting in hard-coal mines in accordance with a plan approved by the Divisional Mining Office. (2) Miners (hard-coal mines) may, as an exception to subsection (1) (a), be allowed to take the hewers' examination if they are over 20 years of age. 326. (1) T h e hewers' examination shall only be taken at the mine a t which the last three months of the hewers' training were passed. (2) The hewers' examination shall be conducted by the manager. An opportunity shall be given to a member of the works council (hewer) to be present at t h e examination. (3) Any person who fails the examination shall not take it again until he has had six months' further training. 327. If t h e apprentice passes the examination the mineowner shall give him a hewer's certificate of a type approved by the Divisional Mining Office. 328. (1) Miners who have obtained a hewer's certificate after systematic training in a hard-coal mine of another mining district may be employed as hewers. (2) Miners who are employed in hard-coal mines of another mining district as hewers, but do not possess a hewer's certificate issued after a period of systematic training, may obtain the certificate after undergoing three months' training as a hewer's apprentice in a hard-coal mine of the Dortmund Mining Division. (3) Miners who have been employed in other branches of mining (ore, salt, lignite, etc.) m a y obtain a hewer's certificate after they have been trained in a hard-coal mine of the Dortmund Mining Division as a hewer's apprentice for six months. (4) For t h e rest, the cases mentioned in subsections (2) and (3) shall be subject to t h e provisions of sections 325 to 327, mutatis mutandis. Other Training 329. If so required by the Divisional Mining Office, the mineowner shall assign only certain other kinds of work to persons who have been systematically trained for it. Director of Training 329a. (1) For the direction and supervision of training on the surface and underground, a t every self-contained mine employing more than 1,000 persons, a supervisory official shall be appointed as full-time training director. (2) With t h e authorisation of the District Mining Office a joint training director may b e appointed for a number of self-contained mines that are related administratively. (3) The mineowner shall see that a sufficient number of training and supervisory officials are available. 332. New workers who have never been employed in a hard-coal mine shall be attached to experienced men for a period to be determined by the manager. " (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 3 . MINEES 563 Note: The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued instructions (dated 27 May 1949) concerning the training and employment of new workers in hard-coal mines. NETHERLANDS "189 (2) Persons over the age of 60 who have never worked in underground workings shall not perform any work in such workings. 195. (1) Inexperienced persons shall not perform any work t h a t exposes them to danger unless suitable measures are taken for their protection. (2) Persons who work as independent hewers shall— (a) be at least 21 years of age ; (b) have served at least one year as a hewer's assistant under the supervision of an experienced hewer ; (c) have worked in another occupation for at least two years in the underground workings. (3) The Inspector-General of Mines may grant exemption from the provisions of subsection (2) (c)." (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM I t is the duty of the mine manager to secure that no person is employed at a mine in any work otherwise than under the instruction and supervision of some person competent to give instruction in and supervise the doing of that work unless the first-mentioned person has received adequate instruction in and, where necessary, training for the doing of that work and is competent to do it without supervision (88). (A 1954) " 1 . No person shall be employed in or about a mine on any work on which he has not been employed before the coming into force of these regulations, except under competent instruction and supervision, unless and until he has been adequately trained and is competent to do the work without supervision. 2. Without prejudice t o the generality of the provisions of the preceding regulation, no person who has not been employed on work below ground in a mine to which the provisions of either the Coal Mines Act, 1911, or the Metalliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872, apply, shall be employed in a coal mine on work below ground until— (a) such person has been employed about a coal mine on work above ground for at least such period as is necessary to enable him to receive training as mentioned in the next following regulation ; (b) such person has received such training during the period immediately preceding, as near as may be, the day on which he is first employed on work in a coal mine below ground ; and (c) there has been issued by a training officer appointed under these regulations a certificate (in the prescribed form) t h a t such person has duly received such training. 3. Except as otherwise provided in a scheme approved by the Minister in pursuance of regulation 10 of these regulations1 or in an exemption granted by the Minister in pursuance of regulation 16 of these regulations— (i) the training referred to in the preceding regulation shall comprise adequate instruction in safe and efficient methods of work below 1 Not reproduced. 564 XXII. VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKBRS ground and suitable physical training, given under and in accordance with a scheme approved by the Minister as aforesaid ; (ii) all such training as aforesaid shall be given in the course of the normal working hours (excluding overtime) during which the person being trained can lawfully be employed in or about a mine ; (iii) at least 264 hours shall be spent in such training as aforesaid, of which at least 132 hours shall be spent in practical instruction in and demonstrations of mining operations and at least 132 hours in attending classes in subjects relating to mining operations and other subjects of educational value and in physical training ; at least 66 hours of the time spent in practical instruction in and demonstrations of mining operations as aforesaid shall be spent in such instruction and demonstrations below ground in a suitable part of a mine; such instruction shall be given only at a place specified for the purpose in the relevant scheme approved by the Minister as aforesaid ; in reckoning such hours as aforesaid there shall be excluded the times properly and reasonably spent (whether above or below ground) at meals and in travelling ; (iv) in the case of any person who has not attained the age of 16% years on the day on which he first receives any training as required by these regulations, the training shall be spread as evenly as is practicable over a period of six months. 4. (1) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of regulation 1 of these regulations, no person who has not been employed on work at the coal face shall be employed, otherwise than at a training face, on such work until— (a) such person has been employed for at least 80 working days on work below ground in a coal mine ; (b) such person has spent at least 60 working days (whether or not part of such 80 working days as aforesaid) under the close personal supervision of a n instructor or supervising workman in training (which shall comprise adequate instruction and practical training) at a training face in performing safely and efficiently one or more of the following operations—that is to say : (i) the getting of coal, including the filling or loading of coal for removal from the coal face ; (ii) the building of packs or the withdrawal of supports from the waste, or, in a case in which packs are built and supports withdrawn from the waste in the mine in which such person is to be so employed, the building of packs and the withdrawal of supports from the waste ; (iii) the ripping of the roof or floor, including the building of roadside packs in a case in which such packs are built in the mine in which such person is to be so employed ; (iv) the shifting of mechanical conveyors and gate-end loaders ; (v) the use of machines for cutting coal or for getting and loading coal ; provided t h a t in a case in which a person is receiving such training in more than one of such operations the said minimum period of 60 working days shall be increased by 20 working days for each of such additional operations ; and (c) there has been issued by a training officer appointed under these regulations a certificate (in the prescribed form) that such person has duly received such training as aforesaid and is competent to be employed at the coal face ; so however that in the case of any mine in which the working is wholly by the method known as longwall and less than five persons are at any one time being trained as aforesaid, such practical training may be carried out at a part of a coal-production face set aside for training purposes (which 3. MINERS 565 part shall, for the purposes of these regulations, be deemed to be a training face) ; and in relation to every such case the provisions of this paragraph shall have effect subject to the following modifications : (i) for the words '80 working days' in subparagraphs fa) and (b) there shall be substituted the words '110 working days' ; (ii) the period to be spent in receiving training as specified in subparagraph (b) shall be increased by one-half, as applicable ; and (iii) the quantity of the work assigned to be done during every period of employment jointly by a supervising workman and a person under training whom he is supervising shall not be more than they can reasonably do, having regard to the requisite attention which must be given to training and to the experience of the person under training. (2) Every person receiving training shall be given adequate instruction in the use of all tools, appliances and materials necessary for performing safely and efficiently the operation in which training is being given and in the methods of safely and efficiently performmg the operation in respect of which he is receiving training. (3) References in this regulation to any operation shall be construed as including references to all such subsidiary and incidental work as is normally carried out in connection therewith in the mine in which the person is to be employed as aforesaid. 5. (1) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of regulation 1 of these regulations, the supervision to be provided in pursuance of that regulation— (a) for a person who has not been employed on work below ground in a mine to which the provisions of either the Coal Mines Act, 1911 or the Metalliferous Mines Regulation Act, 1872, apply and who is employed in a coal mine on work below ground otherwise than at the coal face, shall, during at least the first 20 working days of his employment below ground, be the close personal supervision of an instructor or supervising workman ; (b) for a person who is employed at the coal face on any of the operations specified in subparagraph (b) of paragraph (1) of the last preceding regulation on which he has not had the minimum training mentioned in t h a t paragraph, shall be the close personal supervision for a t least 40 working days of an instructor or supervising workman. (2) The instructor or supervising workman who is to give the supervision mentioned in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall be designated by name, either before or within four days after beginning to give the supervision, by the manager of the mine or a training officer appointed under these regulations and given written notification (in the prescribed form) by him of the person to be supervised and the work in which he is to be supervised ; provided that during the temporary absence for a period not exceeding three consecutive working days of any instructor or supervising workman designated to supervise any person, his duties may be performed by some other instructor or supervising workman, in which case the training officer shall as soon as is reasonably practicable be notified of the name of such other instructor or supervising workman. If the absence of such instructor or supervising workman exceeds t h a t period some other instructor or supervising workman shall be designated to give such supervision and shall be given such notification as aforesaid. (3) The designation of any instructor or supervising workman to give the supervision mentioned in paragraph (1) of this regulation may at any time be rescinded by the manager of the mine or a training officer appointed under these regulations, in which case another instructor or supervising workman shall be designated to give the supervision and the provisions of paragraph (2) of this regulation shall apply in respect of such designation. (4) Except with the written permission of an inspector of mines, no instructor or supervising workman shall give the supervision mentioned 566 XXH. VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS in paragraph (1) of this regulation to more than one person at the same time ; if such permission is refused the owner, agent or manager of the mine in which such supervision is being given may appeal to the Chief Inspector of Mines, who may either refuse or grant permission as he thinks fit. Any permission granted under the provisions of this paragraph may be granted subject to such conditions (if any) as the inspector or, as the case may be, the Chief Inspector thinks fit, and may be revoked or from time to time varied by an inspector of mines or by the Chief Inspector. 6. Nothing in regulation 2 of these regulations shall prevent a person being taken below ground for visits or demonstrations for training purposes, or for the purpose of being trained below ground at a place specified for the purpose of giving the instruction mentioned in regulation 3 of these regulations in t h e relevant scheme approved by the Minister in pursuance of regulation 10 of these regulations ; and nothing in regulations 2, 4 or 5 of these regulations shall affect the employment of any person as an official of a mine, or as a mechanic, electrician or other tradesman, or horsekeeper, or the employment of a person solely in surveying or measuring. 7. [Persons already receiving training.] 8. [Keeping of certificates and notifications.] 9. [Legal proceedings.] 10. (1) Before any person who in pursuance of these regulations is required to receive any training as specified in these regulations receives such training, or any part thereof, there shall have been submitted (after consultation with the appropriate local education authority in respect of the subjects in which attendance at classes is required and the conduct of such classes and in respect of physical training) to the Minister for his approval a scheme in relation t o the mine in or about which such person is employed setting out particulars of the manner in which such training requirements will be carried out ; and no such training shall be given (or, if it is given, shall n o t be regarded as training for the purposes of these regulations) except in accordance with the provisions of a scheme approved by the Minister (which as originally approved or subsequently varied in accordance with the provisions of this regulation is referred to in this regulation as an 'approved scheme'). (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of the preceding paragraph of this regulation, every scheme shall specify detailed particulars of— (i) the subject matter of and the time to be allocated to the class work, the practical instruction and the physical training required to be given in pursuance of these regulations before a person is employed in a mine on work below ground ; (ii) where and a t what times each kind of training is to be given, and the nature of the accommodation and equipment to be provided ; (iii) the nature of the arrangements to be made which will secure adequate correlation between the class work and practical training ; and (iv) the arrangements for training persons for work at the coal face. (3) The Minister may at any time revoke his approval of a scheme. (4) An approved scheme may at any time, with the approval of the Minister, be varied ; and the Minister may a t any time require an approved scheme to be varied as may be specified in the requirement. (5) A scheme approved by the Minister and variations thereof approved by the Minister or specified in a requirement given by the Minister shall come into force on such day as the Minister shall specify in relation thereto ; and an approved scheme shall remain in force unless and until the Minister revokes his approval thereof. 3. MINEES 567 11. (1) Every person who, on the day on which these regulations are made, owns a mine in or about which more than 250 persons are normally employed shall, within nine months from such day, unless the Minister otherwise permits, either submit to the Minister for his approval a scheme as mentioned in the last preceding regulation in relation to such mine or, if a scheme in relation to such mine has already been submitted to t h e Minister, notify the Minister thereof, specifying in such notification the name and address of the person who submitted the scheme together with sufficient particulars as will enable the Minister to identify such scheme. (2) I n the case of the transfer of the ownership of any such mine within such nine months as aforesaid, the scheme shall be submitted or, as the case may be, the notification made to the Minister (if it has not been submitted or made before the transfer) by the person acquiring the ownership of the mine. 12. The owner, agent or manager of every mine at which any person who is required by or under these regulations to receive training or supervision, or both, is employed shall make adequate arrangements for every such person to receive the requisite training or supervision, or both, and shall require him to receive it. 13. [Keeping of records.] 14. (1) Every person who carries on an undertaking comprising one or more mines shall, in accordance with the following provisions of this regulation, appoint in writing, and keep appointed, a training officer or training officers to superintend the carrying out of the foregoing provisions of these regulations in relation to the undertaking and shall notify in writing every such appointment to the Minister. (2) If the undertaking comprises a coal mine in or about which more than 1,000 persons are normally employed (in this regulation referred to as a 'large coal mine') or two or more large coal mines, a full-time training officer shall be appointed for each such mine comprised in the undertaking. (3) If the undertaking comprises both one or more large coal mines and also one or more other coal mines, in addition to the training officer appointed for each large coal mine a training officer shall be appointed for the other mine or mines and, if the number of persons normally employed in the undertaking in coal mining, excluding persons so employed in or about any large coal mines, exceeds 1,000, that training officer shall be a full-time officer. (4) If the undertaking does not comprise any large coal mines, one training officer shall be appointed for the undertaking, and, if the number of persons normally employed in the undertaking in coal mining exceeds 1,000, he shall be a full-time officer. (5) Where it appears to the Minister that, having regard to the special circumstances of any undertaking, it is expedient so to do, the Minister may require— (a) that one or more training officers, whether full-time or part-time, shall be appointed in addition to those required by the foregoing provisions of this regulation ; (b) that a full-time training officer shall in any particular case be appointed instead of a part-time training officer ; (o) that any particular part-time training officer shall devote not less than such time as may be specified in the requirement to the performance of his duties as such. (6) A training officer appointed in pursuance of this regulation shall not be treated as other than a full-time training officer by reason only that, in addition to his duties as such, he performs other duties relating t o the safety of persons employed in or about coal mines, or that, at any time while the number of workmen falling within subparagraphs (b) and (e) of paragraph (1) of the next following regulation employed below ground, 568 X X H . VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS whether at the coal face or not, in the mine, mines or undertaking for which he is appointed does not exceed 50, he performs other duties in relation to the mine, mines or undertaking. (7) Where in pursuance of this regulation a person appoints a parttime training officer, he shall notify to the officer in writing on what days or parts of days in each week the officer is to perform all or any of his duties as such ; a copy of every such notification, while it remains in force, shall be kept at every mine at which the officer to whom it relates is to perform his duties as such and shall be produced on demand to an inspector of mines. 15. (1) The duties of a training officer shall include— superintending the training and supervision carried out in pursuance of these regulations on the premises of the undertaking or at the mine or mines for which he has been appointed ; (b) keeping records of the training given on the premises of the undertaking or a t the mine or mines for which he has been appointed to every person in pursuance of regulations 3 and 4 of these regulations and making weekly reports to the manager of the mine at which such person is employed on the progress of every such person during such time as in pursuance of those regulations he is so training ; (c) keeping records of the supervision given on the premises of the undertaking or a t the mine or mines for which he has been appointed to every person in pursuance of regulation 5 of these regulations and making weekly reports to the manager of the mine at which such person is employed on the progress of every such person during such time as in pursuance of that regulation he is being so supervised ; (d) making recommendations to the manager of the mine as to the training of any person employed in or about the mine for employment on work of which he has had no experience ; (e) making to the manager of the mine quarterly reports in writing on the progress of every person employed in the mine on work below ground, whether a t the coal face or not, who has not had 18 months' experience of work below ground in coal mines until he has had such experience for 18 months ; (f) supervising the personal welfare, while they are at work, of persons employed in or about the mine who have had less than six months' employment in or about a mine." (a) (R 28.9.1945) UNITED STATES Federal "Article XII. General Safety Conditions 1. Duties, qualification, and certification of persons employed underground (d) Shotfirers, electricians, machine operators, pumpmen, and other persons whose duties include the testing for gas shall be qualified for their respective occupations under the laws of the state in which the mine is operated. In states which have no laws qualifying such persons, the mine foreman shall designate competent persons to perform such duties. (e) In states that require certification of miners, all miners shall secure such certificates in accordance with requirements. (f) The certificates of competency, as hereinbefore stated, shall be made a matter of record on the surface of the mine, and this record shall be available for inspection by interested persons. (g) I n the event that certified persons as provided for in this section are unavailable for employment, the operator shall have the right to employ 3 . MINERS 569 uncertified persons temporarily who in his judgment possess qualifications equal to those of certified persons, until such certified persons are available." (FMC 1953) Illinois No person may be employed or engaged as a miner in any coal mine in the state without having first obtained a certificate of competency from the Miners' Examining Board. A certified miner, however, may have one person working with him and under his direction as an apprentice (1). A first-class certificate of competency may be issued to any person who can produce evidence of having had not less than two years of practical experience as a miner or with a miner ; and to any holder of a second-class certificate of competency who can produce evidence that he has worked one additional year at or around the face while holding a second-class certificate of competency, and that he has devoted at least six months of such year to drilling holes and preparing shots under the direct supervision of a miner having a first-class certificate of competency. A second-class certificate of competency may be issued to any person who can produce evidence of having had not less than two years of practical experience in and around the face in mechanical-loading mines, at various jobs. In no case may an applicant be deemed competent unless he appears in person before the board and orally answers intelligently and correctly at least twelve practical questions propounded to him by the board pertaining to the requirements and qualifications of a practical miner (8). (A 1.6.1908) New Mexico See Chapter X X I , Division 1. Pennsylvania The mine foreman must see that no person is employed to work until he has given satisfactory proof that he can do the work allotted to him without endangering the lives of his co-employees, unless the said person is put to work with an experienced employee who must instruct him how to perform his work safely and properly (13). (A 9.6.1911 art. IV) " 1. Be it enacted, etc., t h a t from and after the effective date of this Act, no person shall be employed or engaged as a miner in any bituminous coal mine in this Commonwealth, except as hereinafter provided for, without first having obtained a certificate of competency and qualification from a miners' examining board appointed under this Act : Provided, however, that any miner holding such certificate may have a maximum of two persons working with him and under his direction as apprentices for the purpose of learning the business of mining, and such apprentice or apprentices shall be permitted to work under the direction of such miner, a t the face, without a certificate. For the purposes of this Act, in order to determine who shall be required to possess certificates the term ' miner ' shall mean only underground workers in bituminous coal mines, who cut, drill, blast or load coal or rock at the face of an entry, room, pillar or other working place, also timbermen and trackmen whose duties require them to set timbers and lay or repair tracks at the working faces, and motormen, except as hereinafter provided. 5 No person shall be qualified to take the examination unless he produces evidence of having had not less than one year's practical experience in the bituminous coal mines of this Commonwealth as a miner or who has served as a miner's apprentice for a period of not less than one year. A certificate 570 XXn. VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS shall not be granted unless the applicant appears in person before the board and answers orally, intelligently and correctly at least eight practical questions propounded to him. 6. No person shall, after the effective date of this Act, engage as a miner, as t h a t term is defined for the purposes of this Act, other than as an apprentice, in any bituminous coal mine in this Commonwealth without first having obtained a certificate of competency and qualification as provided for in this Act, except as hereinbefore stated ; nor shall any person, firm or corporation, or his or its agent, employ as a miner, other than as an apprentice, any person who does not hold such certificate, except as aforesaid. . . . " (A 29.4.1937) Duties of Miner " Rule 1. The miner shall examine his working place before beginning work, and take down all dangerous slate, or otherwise make it safe by properly timbering it, before commencing to mine or load coal. He shall examine his place to see whether the fire boss has left date marks indicating his examination thereof, and if said marks cannot be found it shall be the duty of the miner t o notify the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman of the fact. The miner shall at all times be careful to keep his working place in a safe condition during working hours. Should he a t any time find his place becoming dangerous from gas or roof or from any unusual condition that may arise, he shall at once cease working and inform the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman of said danger, b u t before leaving his place he shall put some plain warning across the entrance thereto to warn others against entering into danger. I t shall be the duty of the miner to mine his coal properly before blasting, and to set sprags while undercutting, centre-cutting or overcutting. After each blast he shall exercise care in examining the roof and coal, and shall secure them safely before beginning to work. The miner shall remain during working hours in the working place assigned to him by the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman, and he shall not leave his working place for another working platee without the permission of the mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, or fire boss, and he shall not wander about the hauling roads or enter abandoned or idle •workings." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) No person may henceforth be employed as a mining machine runner in any gassy bituminous mine, unless he has given evidence of his fitness and competency t o handle and use an approved safety lamp and his ability to determine the presence of explosive gas. Certificates of competency will be issued b y the Secretary of Mines. I n an emergency the mine foreman may deputise temporarily a competent person or persons to act as machine runners provided t h a t no certified machine runners are available in the mine (1). (A 25.6.1937) CHAPTER XXIII NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, Etc. BELGIUM In addition to fatal accidents and accidents resulting in one or more days' incapacity, which must be reported under the Workmen's Compensation Act of 24 December 1903, all accidents to steam apparatus and serious accidents in the mines covered by the Act of 21 April 1810 must be immediately reported to the competent officials. Serious accidents are defined as accidents that have caused or are likely to cause loss of life or permanent incapacity whether total or partial, and accidents that might imperil the safety of the workings or of the mine or of surface property. These provisions are without prejudice to those in the explosives regulations concerning accidents (5). (RO 20.12.1904) When any of the above-mentioned circumstances are reported to the mine inspector, he must, if he considers it useful, visit the scene of the accident or occurrence, investigate the causes and draw up a report. He may requisition men and material and give the necessary orders for the rescue of workers and the preservation of the mine. Rescue work and any work required to prevent new dangers must be carried out by the mine management subject to the supervision and approval of the mine inspector. I n the event of disagreement as to the measures to be taken the decision rests with the inspector (80). (R 28.4.1884) Note : A Ministerial Order of 21 April 1949 requires operators of mines and quarries to comply with a number of general recommendations concerning the compilation of accident records and the annual report of the chief of the Safety and Health Service. CANADA Alberta "80. In or about any mine, whether above or below ground, when— fa) loss of life occurs to any person, the owner, agent or manager shall immediately thereafter send notice of the death by telegram to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector and within 24 hours thereafter shall make a return in the form set out in this section to the Chief Inspector and to the District Inspector ; (b) serious personal injury occurs to any person, the owner, agent or manager shall within 24 hours thereafter make a return in the said form to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector ; (c) any personal injury whatever occurs to any person by reason of any explosive or any explosion whatever, the owner, agent or manager shall immediately thereafter send notice of the explosion by telegram to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector and within 24 hours thereafter shall make a return in the said form to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector ; 37 572 XXin. NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, ETC. (d) any personal injury, of which notice has been sent under this section, results in the death of the person injured, subsequent to the sending of the notice, then notice of the death by telegram shall be sent immediately t o the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector after knowledge of such death has reached the owner, agent or manager ; (e) any personal injury whatever occurs t o any person by electricity or by overwinding or by or from such other cause or means as the Director of Mines may designate, the owner, agent or manager shall within 24 hours thereafter make a return in the said form to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector ; (f) any injury is sustained by any person by reason of the breaking of any hoisting ropes, the owner, agent or manager shall within 24 hours thereafter make a return in the said form to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector ; (g) any explosion of gas or coal-dust occurs, or any explosives prematurely explode, or any gas is ignited, or any fire occurs, or any accident happens which might reasonably be expected to cause injury to any person, notice thereof in writing shall be sent to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector, by the owner, agent or manager immediately thereafter ; (h) loss of life or serious personal injury has immediately resulted from an accident, the place where the accident occurred shall be left in the same condition as it was at the time of the accident for at least three days after sending notice as aforesaid to the Director of Mines and to the District Inspector or until the visit to the place by an inspector, whichever event happens first, unless compliance with this provision would tend to increase or continue a danger, or would impede the working of the mine ; ft) any inflammable gas has been found in any mine in which safety lamps are not required to be used, the owner, agent or manager shall forthwith notify t h e Director of Mines and the District Inspector, using for that purpose the most expeditious means available." (A 1945) FRANCE When an accident resulting in loss of life or serious injury occurs in a mine, the manager or other official must immediately notify the mayor of the commune or the inspector of mines (11). The same obligation applies if an accident imperils the safety of the workings or of the mine as a whole or surface property or output (12). I n every case the inspector must visit the spot. He must draw up a report on the accident and state the causes. His report must be communicated to the prefect (13). As soon as the mayor and the other police officials have been notified of an accident, they must immediately notify the higher authorities. I n conjunction with the inspector of mines, they must take all suitable measures t o remove the danger, and for this purpose they may requisition men and material and give the necessary orders. The work required is placed under the direction of the inspector, or, in his absence, of other experts appointed b y the local authorities (14). (D 3.1.1813) I n the event of an accident in a mine the operator must notify the competent authorities, and then the procedure is t h a t laid down in the decree of 3 January 1813, the legislation concerning workmen's inspectors and the legislation concerning industrial accidents. The scene of the accident may not be disturbed before the inspector's visit. This provision, however, does not apply to rescue work, urgent consolidation work, or any work required to prevent the suspension of operations (D 14.1.1909) NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, ETC. 573 GERMANY As soon as a danger in connection with any of the matters mentioned in section 196 * supervenes in a mine, the manager, or, if he is prevented, the mine official representing him, must notify the district mining inspector (203). If an accident occurs at a mine either above or below ground and results in the death of or serious injury to one or more persons, the mine officials mentioned in section 203 must immediately notify the district inspector and the nearest police authorities (204). The district inspector orders the necessary measures for rescuing the injured or for circumscribing the danger. The mineowner must provide the men and material required for the execution of these measures. The owners of neighbouring mines are also required to assist (205). (A 24.6.1865) The manager must immediately report to the District Mining Office, even if no men are injured, unusual occurrences such as inrushes of water, rock-bursts, falls of ground, collapses of parts of the mine, outbursts of gas, explosions, fires underground and on the surface, as well as any extensive disturbances in haulage, travel, ventilation and pumping. The other supervisory officials must immediately report such occurrences to the manager (337). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "169. (1) Once every calendar week a report on accidents occurring to persons during the previous calendar week in connection with the operation of the mine shall be communicated by the raine manager or the master sinker to the Inspector-General of Mines. The form of these weekly reports shall be determined by Our Minister. (2) If the accident results in the death of a person or injury t h a t will presumably result in incapacity for work for six weeks or more, the InspectorGeneral of Mines and the workmen's examiner authorised to inspect the mine shall be so notified immediately. I n so far as is possible without risk, everything shall be left on the spot as it was until one of the officials of the State Mines Inspectorate has given permission to clear the place. The witnesses shall be made available a t the time indicated by the official of the State Mines Inspectorate. (3) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be immediately notified of all accidents occurring in the transport or use of explosives." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA Whenever an accident occurs at a mine which results in fatal or serious personal injury to any person, the manager must report it as soon as possible to the Inspector of Mines or, failing him, to the Inspector of Machinery (268 (1)). If any person is killed outright in the accident, the scene of the accident must not be disturbed before the arrival or without the consent of the Inspector of Mines or his deputy, unless such interference is unavoidable or failure to act would seriously prejudice the working of the mine (270). Whether personal injury is caused or not, certain accidents or occurrences as follows must be immediately reported to the Inspector of Mines : damage, defects or failure in various parts of winding installations and machinery ; extensive caving or subsidence ; accidental ignition or detonation of explo' See Chapter II, Division 3 (footnote). 574 X X m . NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, ETC. sives ; fires and spontaneous combustion ; flooding ; and gas or dust explosion (274). Every mine must keep a register in which all reportable accidents are recorded (275). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Notification Where an accident occurs a t a mine which causes the death of, or serious bodily injury t o , a person employed at the mine, notice of the accident in such form and accompanied by such particulars as may be specified by the Minister must forthwith be given by the manager to the district inspector and to any other prescribed person. When an accident causing serious bodily injury is notified and after notification results in the death of the person injured, notice of the death must be given t o the district inspector and to any other prescribed person by the manager so soon as the death comes to his knowledge (116). If the Minister is of opinion that any special class of occurrences at mines is of so dangerous a nature as to render it expedient that every case thereof should be notified, he may by order extend the provisions concerning notification to occurrences of that class whether death or serious bodily injury is caused or not (117). The Minister may by order apply the provisions concerning notification to the contraction by a person employed a t a mine of any such disease as may be specified in the order (118). As a general rule, the place where an accident or other dangerous occurrence has occurred at a mine must be left as it was immediately after the accident or other occurrence— (a) until the expiration of three clear days after notification, or (b) until the place has been visited by an inspector and inspected by a workmen's examiner, whichever occurs first (120). Investigations Where a reportable accident or other reportable occurrence takes place a t a mine the Minister may direct an inspector to make a special report on it (121). The Minister may direct a public inquiry to be held into a reportable accident or other reportable occurrence at a mine and of its causes and circumstances (122). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Federal The lessee must report promptly to the district mining supervisor by telephone or telegraph the occurrence of fatal accidents, serious outbursts of gas, explosions, inundations, fires, extensive squeezes, collapses of roof, or other serious conditions causing or threatening the loss of life or property (10). The lessee must report promptly to the district mining supervisor each accident resulting in the loss of more than one shift for the injured person (11). (R 23.12.1937) "Article X. Fire Protection and Mine Disasters 2. Mine accidents and disasters, (a) All mine accidents resulting in the death of one or more persons, mine fires other than minor fires that are extinguished promptly upon discovery, and mine explosions shall be NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, ETC. 575 reported immediately and by the quickest available means to the nearest office of the federal coal-mine inspector or other representative of the Health and Safety Division, United States Bureau of Mines. In the event of a mine disaster all facilities of the mine shall be made available for recovery operations. (b) No mine shall resume operations following a mine disaster until such mine has been inspected in its entirety by a federal coal-mine inspector and found by him to be in safe condition to operate. (c) Following a mine accident resulting in the death of one or more persons and following any mine disaster, the evidence surrounding such occurrence shall not be disturbed after recovery of bodies or injured persons until an investigation by federal coal-mine inspectors has been completed ; provided, however, that sufficient wreckage or debris may be moved to allow recovery work after disasters or continued general operation of the mine following fatalities not caused by mine fires or mine explosions. Article XII. General Safety Conditions 2. Reporting of injuries, production, and employment, (a) The management of each mine shall keep an accurate record of all accidents occurring at the mine that involve an injury to an employee (lost-time and no-lost-time accidents). A record of all accidents resulting in loss of time beyond the date of injury, together with the required employment and production data, shall be reported on forms 6-1420 and 6-1420A to the United States Bureau of Mines in accordance with instructions on such forms, except that an immediate report shall be made to the United States Bureau of Mines of any accident involving a fatality." (FMC 1953) Illinois Any loss of life or personal injury in or about a coal mine must be immediately reported to the state mine inspector. If there has been loss of life, and in any other cases when he considers it necessary, the inspector must immediately visit the scene of the accident and give every possible assistance to those in need. All coal-mine operators must keep for t h e information of the state mine inspector records of all deaths and injuries arising out of the regular occupations of the mine employees (25 (a)). The state mine inspector must make a personal investigation into the nature and cause of all serious accidents in mines under his supervision (25 (c)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico All fatal accidents and all accidents involving fire or explosion of dust or gases must be immediately reported to the state mine inspector. A full report on the accident must follow within ten days. The mine operator must keep a complete record of all accidents occurring at the mine (605). The operator must promptly report to the mine inspector the occurrence of inundations, extensive squeezes or caves, serious outbursts of gas and other serious conditions threatening to cause loss of life or property (606). " The mine inspector must be furnished with a written report on any compensable accident (607). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania The superintendent must notify the district inspector monthly of all lost-time injuries (1). (A 9.6.1911, art. XXIII) CHAPTER XXIV FIRST AID AND RESCUE 1. F I R S T A I D BELGIUM "Transport and First Aid 87. Employers, managers or directors of the undertakings referred to in section l 1 of t h e present order shall be bound— (a) To take the necessary measures so as to be able to transport without delay to a suitable room members of their personnel who are the victims of a n accident or a sudden indisposition in carrying out the contract of hire of service. This room shall be situated in the neighbourhood of the undertaking and sheltered from all harmful influences. I t shall be well heated during the cold season, well lighted and ventilated, and shall be provided with a bed or a stretcher together with two blankets and with t h e necessary means for washing the hands. ( b) To secure for the victims first aid and the promptest possible assistance of a doctor or a person capable of removing them from the danger of complications. (c) To have t h e m transported in case of need either to their home or to a hospital. First-aid Men 88. The heads of undertakings whose personnel usually amounts to at least 25 persons shall appoint a person capable of giving immediate aid a t any moment. 89. Any person who possesses a first-aid diploma or a certificate proving that he has attended first-aid courses organised by a body approved for this purpose by t h e Minister of Labour and Social Welfare may be considered t o possess the necessary qualifications for giving immediate aid. I n the case of a certificate, the Medical Inspector of Labour shall satisfy himself that the person appointed by the head of the undertaking is capable of giving first aid pending medical help. 90. Without prejudice to the provisions of sections 88 and 89 above, coal-mine operators shall organise courses for the persons in supervisory positions both underground and on the surface for the purpose of providing first aid for the sick and injured ; these courses may be held jointly for a number of coal mines. Boxes for First Aid and Other Equipment Necessary for Immediate Aid 91. The first-aid medical equipment shall comprise the following as a minimum : (a) A first-aid box No. 2 shall be provided at the surface in a suitable room. 1 These undertakings are mines and underground quarries and their ancillary installations on the surface. 577 1. ÏTEST AID (b) A first-aid box No. 3 shall be provided in the same conditions at every mine and so that it can be taken immediately to the underground workings in case of need. The contents of these first-aid boxes are specified in the appendix 1 to the present chapter. (c) At every landing in operation in coal mines and also underground or at the surface of other mines and underground quarries, there shall be provided two blankets and also a hurdle or a sheet with hand-bars that can serve as a stretcher for the transport of the injured; these appliances shall if appropriate be provided in such numbers that they are not more than one kilometre distant from the personnel at work. (d) Every employee appointed to supervise underground workings shall always carry a metal box or a waterproofed bag well closed that contains three cartridges of aseptic dressings and a tourniquet for arresting haemorrhage if need be. 92. When the mine entails special risks of accident—for example, electric shock, burns, immersion in water or explosion of gas, the competent Minister or his substitute may after consulting the Medical Inspectorate of Labour require the provision of other first-aid equipment than that specified in the preceding section and independently of it. Rest Room and First-aid Post 93. I n every mining undertaking where the largest shift usually amounts to 100 workers or more, underground and surface together, there shall be provided for the workers in the neighbourhood of1 the mine a rest-room satisfying the conditions laid down in the appendix to the present chapter. If the undertaking comprises a number of mines this rest-room shall not be more than two kilometres from any of them. 94. If the undertaking possesses an installation specially equipped for giving medical treatment to the victims and if the victims are bound to go there to receive immediate aid and subsequent treatment, this installation shall satisfy 1the conditions laid down under the heading 'First-aid Post' in the appendix to the present chapter. The rest-room referred to in section 93 above may, if appropriate, take the place of such first-aid post if, independently of the installation conditions t h a t it must satisfy, it satisfies those laid down in the said appendix in so far as concerns such posts." (RO 25.9.1947) CANADA Alberta "69. (1) Properly constructed ambulances or stretchers with splints, bandages, blankets and sufficient medical and other supplies necessary for the purpose of rendering first aid shall be kept at every mine ready for immédiate use in case of accident. (2) Such bandages, blankets, medical and other supplies shall be kept in a damp-proof container and the contents thereof shall be kept and maintained at all times in a clean and sanitary condition. 70. Unless there is a hospital at or within two miles from the mine, or a suitable ambulance properly maintained and available for service a t all times, or unless exemption has been granted by the Director of Mines in writing, there shall be provided and maintained at every mine in a convenient place at least two beds properly furnished and suitable for » Not reproduced. 578 XXIV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE the use of persons injured a t the mine until such time as such persons can be removed to a hospital." (A 1945) "20. (a) I n all mines where more than ten men are ordinarily employed underground, all overmen, examiners and driver bosses, when on duty, shall carry first-aid pocket kits to be supplied by the operator of the mine. (b) The owner, agent or manager shall furnish the necessary supplies in order to keep the kit replenished, and persons required by this regulation to carry such kit shall report to the manager when fresh supplies for same are required : Provided, however, where first-aid stations are established underground and where same in the opinion of the District Inspector adequately meet the requirements for supplying first aid he may, on the application of the manager of the mine, grant exemption in writing from the regulations requiring the carrying of first-aid pocket kits." (R1945) FRANCE "318. (1) Every mine shall be provided at every working level and at the surface with everything that is necessary for making small dressings. (2) Every pit or every working level serving workings in which more than 25 workers are employed in the largest shift shall be provided with at least one stretcher suitable for the transport of the sick and injured. (3) When the number of workers in the largest shift exceeds 100 a room shall be fitted out at the surface for receiving the sick and injured and for giving them first aid. (4) The transport of the sick and injured t o their homes or to hospital shall be ensured in a manner suited to their condition. 319. The operator shall take suitable measures to ensure that any person in danger of asphyxiation or a victim of electric shock shall receive the treatment prescribed in the instructions referred to in section 5 4 1 for the victims of electrical accidents. These instructions, with the addition of the words 'or asphyxiation' shall be posted at the same places as the other notices intended for the workers and also in the rooms of the supervisory staff." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY I n every independent pit there must be men who have been trained in first aid by a doctor (Heilgehilfen). I n every shift a first-aid man so trained must be immediately available. I n every overman's section underground and in every shift there must be men who have been trained in first aid (Nothelfer). Arrangements must be made for summoning a doctor immediately (266). At every independent pit there must be a first-aid room on the surface. I t must not be used for other purposes. In every overman's section underground at least one first-aid box must be kept in readiness ; it must be placed in charge of a specially appointed man (267). Above and below ground suitable stretchers in sufficient number and suitably distributed must be kept in readiness. Arrangements must also 1 Under section 54 the operator is required to post up at a conspicuous place In rooms using fixed electrical installations instructions on the first aid to be given to the victims of electrical accidents, these instructions to be drawn up in conformity with the wording specified by orders of the Minister responsible for electricity supply and accompanied by explanatory illustrations. 1. FIKST AID 579 be made for the immediate transport of the sick and injured by motor ambulance (268). Once a year the mineowner must call in an approved doctor to see whether the surface measures prescribed above are sufficient. His report must be communicated to the District Mining Office (269). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "173. (1) At places to be indicated by the mine manager in agreement with the Inspector-General of Mines, there shall be adequate and suitable dressings and first-aid equipment and stretchers for transport of the sick and injured and suitable premises for their provisional treatment ; further, some of the persons employed in the surface works shall be fully qualified to administer first aid in accidents, and one of these persons shall always be present. (2) During the working period the services of a t least one adequately qualified nurse shall be available and, failing exemption granted by the Inspector-General of Mines, the nurse or nurses shall live in the immediate vicinity of the mine. (3) Apart from the persons referred to in the preceding subsection, in the morning, afternoon and night shifts some of the persons employed in the underground workings shall have an adequate knowledge of first aid in accidents. (4) The provisions of the preceding subsections of this section shall not apply to mines that consist exclusively of shafts. (5) At places to be indicated by the mine manager in agreement with the Inspector-General of Mines and also at sinking pits, concise and clearly written first-aid manuals shall be available. (6) At every sinking pit there shall be a first-aid box or cabinet t h a t satisfies the requirements to be laid down by the Inspector-General of Mines." (MR 1939) Note : The Inspector-General has also issued the following regulations : No. 63. Dressings and accessories, stretchers and premises for first aid for injuries. No. 64. Places where stretchers, dressings and accessories must be kept. No. 65. First-aid box for shaft-sinking. SOUTH AFRICA At the head of every main travelling shaft or main adit except where the mine hospital is within 200 yd. of such shaft, an emergency station must be provided. Such emergency station or the mine hospital, as the case may be, must be provided with the equipment specified in the regulations. In every main travelling shaft, at suitable underground stations and not less than one for every six levels on which ordinary mining operations aro being conducted, and in any case not more than 3,000 ft. from any place where ordinary mining operations, other than main development or shaft sinking, are being conducted, there must be kept in a conspicuous and welllighted place a minimum of first-aid equipment as specified in the regulations. For each main travelling shaft or main adit one or more competent persons holding approved ambulance certificates must be appointed by the manager to take general charge of the upkeep of the apparatus and appliances provided both on the surface and at the underground stations of that shaft. 580 XXrV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE I n the case of coal mines and all mines where less than 300 persons are employed at one time the manager need not make such appointment and the mine overseer must then be responsible for the upkeep. Within six months after his appointment and at all subsequent times every mining official on any mine employing not less than 500 persons is required to be in possession of an approved ambulance certificate. Every underground mining official must be provided with and must carry with him during his hours of work prescribed first-aid dressings (277 (1) to (5)). When any person employed in or about a mine is injured the manager must make all reasonable arrangements to provide for prompt medical attention, and, if necessary, transport to the injured person's home or to hospital (279). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM I t is the duty of the manager to secure the provision at the mine of adequate facilities and equipment for the purpose of rendering first aid to persons employed a t the mine who, while so employed suffer bodily injury or become ill. Regulations may— (a) determine for mines of any class what are adequate facilities and equipment for first-aid purposes ; (b) require the attendance a t mines during working hours of persons trained in first-aid treatment, and the making and carrying out at mines of arrangements for conveying persons from the place where they were injured or became ill to the surface, and for conveying such persons to hospitals or to their homes (91). (A 1954) Under the Coal Mines General Regulations (First Aid) of 11 February 1930 adequate arrangements must be made at every mine, as prescribed in the regulations, for rendering first aid in cases of accident or illness (1). Surface Organisation At every mine where the total number of persons employed in any one shift exceeds 100 there must be provided and maintained in good order a suitable first-aid room (2). The first-aid room must satisfy certain requirements specified in the regulations and must also be equipped as specified in the regulations (3 and 4). It must be in charge of a competent person or persons appointed by the manager (5). At every mine where the total number of persons employed in any one shift does not exceed 100 and where a first-aid room is not provided, there must be provided and kept constantly available for use a suitable place under shelter at the surface of the mine where sick and injured persons can receive first-aid treatment and, when necessary, be protected from exposure until they can be removed in an ambulance. I n this shelter, or in some other place in or about the mine if more convenient, there must be provided and maintained in good order the equipment specified in the regulations. These arrangements must be placed in charge of a responsible person or persons appointed by the manager (6). Underground Organisation A sufficient number of the persons employed underground must hold approved first-aid certificates. As far as practicable each of these men must 1. FIRST AID 581 regularly work with the same group of workers. The number of first-aid men must not be less than one for every 50 persons employed a t any one time in any district of a fireman, examiner or deputy, and not less than one for every 30 persons employed elsewhere underground. A list of the firstaid men employed underground must be kept posted up in the first-aid room or elsewhere a t the surface of the mine (7). Dressings and antiseptics for use underground must be provided by the owner and distributed as prescribed in the regulations or otherwise as the Minister may approve (8). The equipment to be provided by the owner and maintained a t convenient first-aid stations underground is specified in the regulations. I t is the duty of the first-aid men underground t o see that the equipment specified is kept in good order and replenished when necessary (9). Regulations 7, 8 and 9 do not apply (a) to sinking pits or (b) to mines where the total number of persons employed underground is less than 30, unless in the opinion of the Divisional Inspector the surface organisation and equipment are not sufficient in themselves to ensure prompt first-aid treatment underground (10). Transport for Cases of Accident and Sickness The owner of every mine must make such arrangements as will provide an effective motor ambulance service for the transport of sick and injured workers to hospital or to their homes. As a general rule there must be a sufficient number of motor ambulances kept at all times in constant readiness and with a driver readily available at a base not more than ten miles by road from the mine and, if the total number of persons employed underground exceeds ten, in telephonic communication with the mine. At every shaft in which injured persons are raised and where the cage is not large enough to permit of a stretcher being laid flat, and a t every shaft where persons are raised otherwise than in a cage, and at every sinking pit, there must be provided and used a suitable jacket or attachment to minimise discomfort and prevent aggravation of an injury (11). General The manager of every mine or some other qualified person appointed by him must inspect at intervals not exceeding six months the accommodation, equipment and material provided a t the mine and the working of the mine first-aid and ambulance organisation ; and all defects and shortcomings must be remedied without delay (12). UNITED STATES Federal At every mine a standard first-aid outfit or its equivalent must be provided and maintained in good condition within 1,000 ft. of any group of five or more employees. Where more than 25 men are employed the lessee must provide, near the main exit of the mine, a first-aid room or station heated during cold weather and equipped with a standard first-aid outfit or its equivalent and other specified supplies and facilities (104). I n any mine in which more than 50 men are employed underground on any shift, the lessee must also provide a refuge and first-aid chamber underground either near the foot of one of the shafts or at another suitable place (105). At every mine the lessee must require his officiais to be trained in firstaid methods a n d must provide facilities for and encourage the training of other employees in first-aid methods (106 (a)). 582 XXIV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE The lessee must provide ambulance service t h a t will promptly be available in the event of serious injury to any employee (112). (R 23.12.1937) "Article XII. General Safety Conditions 4. First aid and medical care, (a) Each mine shall have an adequate supply of first-aid equipment, and such supplies shall be located on the surface, at the bottom of shafts and slopes, and a t other strategic locations near the working faces. The first-aid supplies shall be encased in suitable sanitary receptacles designed to be reasonably dust-tight and moisture-proof and shall be available for use of all persons employed at the mine. In addition to the material in the cases, splints, blankets, and properly constructed stretchers in good condition shall be provided. (b) When a disabling injury occurs underground, the injured person shall be brought to the surface without unnecessary delay. Prompt medical attention shall be provided in the event of any injury, and adequate facilities shall be made available for transporting injured persons to a hospital where necessary." (FMC 1953) Illinois At every mine the operator must keep in constant readiness first-aid and ambulance material as specified (26). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico At every mine the operator must endeavour to have all officials and employees trained in first-aid and there must be men trained in first aid at every operation, no matter how small. An average of 25 per cent, or more of all employees must be retrained in first aid yearly (1811). Every mining operation must have one or more first-aid cabinets as well as certain specified ambulance material (1812). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania (See also Division 2 of this chapter.) The operator or superintendent of every mine in which 50 or more persons are employed inside must provide and keep in good condition, at the principal entrance of the mine or at such other place as the superintendent or inspector may determine, ambulance material as specified. An ambulance need not be provided, however, if 90 per cent, of the workmen live within one mile of the principal entrance to the mine. Where two or more mines are within one mile of each other or where the ambulance is within one mile of each mine and the mines are in telephonic or telegraphic communication, only one ambulance need be provided (1). The ambulance must satisfy certain requirements as specified. Certain first-aid material, also specified, must be kept in a suitable room near the entrance t o or inside the mine (2). If necessary, injured persons must be provided with transport to their home or t o a hospital (3). (A 9.6.1911, art. XIII) 2. RESCUE BELGIUM "95. All coal-mining undertakings except those classified as non-fiery and employing fewer than 75 persons in the underground workings shall be 2. RESCUE 583 provided with depots of respiratory apparatuses which can be promptly employed in their various mines in case of accident. These respiratory apparatuses shall be of the closed-circuit type, i.e. with a supply of oxygen and a device for regenerating the exhaled air, and their charging capacity shall be sufficient to enable the wearer to remain uninterruptedly for a t least an hour-and-a-half in an irrespirable atmosphere. They shall be of a type approved by the Mines Administration. The number of these respiratory apparatuses shall be equivalent to one for every 200 workers employed simultaneously in the underground workings, but shall not be less than five and need not be more than ten in any mining undertaking. The above-mentioned respiratory apparatuses shall be constantly maintained in good working order. In every depot the necessary measures shall be taken so that all can be used simultaneously and at any moment for at least 48 hours. 96. The use of the respiratory apparatuses referred to in the preceding section shall be entrusted to experienced workers who are perfectly familiar with the underground workings and who shall be four in number for every apparatus required by the regulations. These workers shall as far as possible be divided among the various shifts and selected among the persons who live near the depots. Their names and addresses shall be posted up a t each of the mines where they may be called upon to serve. They shall be drilled periodically in the handling of the apparatuses. 97. The competent Minister may authorise neighbouring mines to establish a common depot of respiratory apparatuses as referred to in section 95 above. This common depot shall satisfy the following conditions : (1) The depot shall be under the direction of a managing official responsible to a supervisory committee and also to the Mines Administration. This official shall live in the immediate vicinity of the depot, see to the maintenance of the respiratory apparatuses and organise the drills referred t o in the last paragraph of section 96 above. He shall have under his orders two instructors capable of helping him in this task and of replacing him in case of need ; the instructors shall also live in the immediate vicinity of the depot. The managing official and the two instructors shall in turn remain in the depot. All three shall be capable of driving the motor car referred to below. The official in charge of the depot shall keep a special register in which he shall enter every month his observations on the condition of each of the respiratory apparatuses and on the quality and quantity of the stocks of all materials required for the use of these apparatuses. (2) The personnel of the depot shall also include 18 trained rescuers recruited exclusively among the supervisors of skilled workers of the mines in the district. These rescuers shall live in the neighbourhood of the depot and shall be divided into three groups each consisting of three teams of two men each. Each group in turn shall be on duty at the depot during two consecutive weeks ; during this time the rescuers in the other groups shall work in the mines. During each shift one of the teams of the group on duty shall remain at the depot ; during this time the said team shall be drilled in the use of the respiratory apparatuses under the direction of the managing official or of one of the instructors referred to above and shall help to instruct and train the guides referred to below. (3) The personnel of each mine shall comprise at least three guides ; one of them shall be present a t the mine during each shift. These employees, who are intended to serve as guides to the rescuers from the depot, shall be perfectly familiar with the topography of all the workings of the mine ; they shall be selected from among the members of the general supervisory staff. 584 XXIV. FIRST AID AND BESCTJE At least four times a year they shall be drilled at the depot in the wearing of respiratory apparatus after being completely instructed in the use of this apparatus. (4) The number of respiratory apparatuses shall be equivalent to one for every 200 workers employed simultaneously in the underground workings of the mines in t h e group, but shall not be less than ten and need not be more than twenty. Nevertheless t h e depot shall include in addition a sufficient number of reserve respiratory apparatuses for the purposes of the instruction and drilling of the rescuers. (5) At every depot a motor car shall be stationed, in running order and provided with t e n respiratory apparatuses in perfect working order. (6) The depot shall be connected to all the mines by telephone, and measures shall be taken so that calls can be made at any moment of the day or night." (RO 25.9.1947) FRANCE All shaft installations of mines employing over 100 men underground in the largest shift must be provided with rescue apparatus comprising portable breathing apparatus, individual equipment giving protection against carbon monoxide, and carbon-monoxide detectors. I n special circumstances these requirements may be applied to mines employing not more than 100 men (1). For fuel mines the quantity of each type of apparatus to be provided is specified in the regulations (2). If the mine h a s a central rescue station or is affiliated to a general rescue station, the quantity of apparatus to be provided may be reduced (3). The Minister of Public Works may decide t h a t two or more neighbouring shaft installations may be considered as one for the purposes of sections 2 and 3 (4). The operation of and the area served by the central rescue stations must be approved by the Minister of Public Works. Each of these stations must be provided with apparatus in quantities prescribed by the regulations (5). Each central rescue station must be placed under the immediate direction of an engineer or an inspector familiar with the use of the apparatus. H e must have a t his disposal a sufficient number of properly trained rescue men to despatch t o the mines affiliated, and at least ten. The rescue men must be familiar with all the rescue apparatus used in the mines afiñliated (6). Every central rescue station must comply with orders t h a t may be given by the Minister of Public Works with the object of removing defects in its functioning (7). Every depot for rescue apparatus must be provided with at least 1,000 m of portable telephone wire and at least two telephone sets, if necessary suitable for use in fiery mines (8). The rescue apparatus a t each shaft installation must be kept in a suitable depot. The installation and operation of this depot must form the subject of rules, which must be communicated to the inspector of mines (9). The handling and the use of the rescue apparatus must be entrusted to men possessing special qualifications. There must be at least two rescue men for every apparatus. The rescue men must be distributed as equally as possible among the different shifts. At least one-quarter of all the men directly concerned in underground work must be capable of helping in rescue work with rescue apparatus. The rules provided for in section 9 must fix the conditions for the keeping, testing, and use of the apparatus and for the training of the men who may have to use it (10). 2. RESCUE 585 Among the men appointed to use rescue apparatus, at least three must be familiar with first-aid methods. They must also be given instruction in the properties of harmful or inflammable gases and in rescue operations (11). (O 29.5.1929) "320. Every pit in which more than 100 workers are employed simultaneously in the largest shift shall have a rescue station equipped with rescue apparatus ready for immediate use, namely : (a) portable breathing apparatus enabling the wearer to remain at least one hour in an irrespirable atmosphere ; (b) detectors indicating any dangerous concentration of carbon monoxide, and individual protective appliances ensuring effective protection against this gas. 321. A ministerial order shall determine the general conditions for the organisation of rescue stations and the rules to be followed for the training of teams and the maintenance and use of the appliances. I t shall specify in what conditions a number of pits may be grouped together for the establishment of a joint station. 322. In large coalfields a ministerial order may require the installation of central rescue stations ; it shall determine their area of operation and the conditions of operation in liaison with the stations of the affiliated mines. 323. A pit in which not more than 100 workers are employed simultaneously underground in the largest shift may, if necessary, be required by ministerial order to assume certain obligations as regards rescue organisation." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "Rescue Organisation 260. Every self-contained mine shall have a rescue brigade familiar with the use of breathing apparatus. 261. (1) The rescue brigade shall have a mine rescue station with the necessary appliances and equipment (store-room for anti-gas appliances and practice-room) at its disposal. (2) Use shall only be made of anti-gas equipment of a type authorised by the Divisional Mining Office in consultation with the central mine rescue station (section 263 (1) first sentence). 262. A supervisory official, who shall be a member of the rescue brigade, shall be appointed in each self-contained mine to take charge of rescue arrangements. 263. (1) The mineowners of the district shall combine to maintain a central mine rescue station. Instructions issued by the Divisional Mining Office on the proposals of the central mine rescue station and in consultation with it shall apply to matters of mine rescue. (2) The members of the rescue brigade and the equipment attendants shall be provided with service instructions drawn u p by the central mine rescue station and confirmed by the Divisional Mining Office. Rescue Operations 264. Work in poisonous gases and foul air shall only be undertaken with anti-gas equipment and under the constant supervision of a trained leader. 265. The manager shall see that when a rescue brigade goes on duty, or soon afterwards, reserves of men and appliances are made available. If his own brigade is not sufficient for this purpose he shall immediately 586 XXrV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE summon help from the neighbouring mines indicated in the central rescue scheme. I n all cases he shall immediately notify the central mine rescue station." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) Note : The Dortmund Divisional Mining Office has issued very detailed instructions (dated 1 July 1953) concerning rescue organisation in hard-coal mines. They deal with the composition of rescue teams, the training and duties of the various members, the rescue station and rescue operations. NETHERLANDS "172. (1) A t places on the surface works of the mine to be indicated by the mine manager and approved by the Inspector-General of Mines, there shall be kept ready for use and in a clean condition an adequate number of suitable appliances that make it possible to penetrate into an atmosphere of asphyxiating or toxic gases and also an adequate quantity of suitable material requisite for the carrying-on of underground rescue operations. (2) The mine manager shall see that one or more rescue brigades composed of an adequate number of workers and one or more members of the supervisory staff are adequately experienced in the use of the rescue equipment referred t o in the preceding subsection and are periodically and suitably exercised in the use thereof under skilled direction. (3) Suitable premises t h a t can be filled with smoke or asphyxiating gases shall be available for the holding of drills. (4) The names, occupations and addresses of the members of the rescue brigade and also the time, duration and nature of the drills held shall be recorded in a register to be kept with the rescue equipment and regularly brought u p to date. (5) The Inspector-General of Mines shall be empowered in respect of particular mines to grant total or partial exemption from the provisions of the present section or to approve the co-operation of different mines, in so far as concerns the provisions of the present section, in the establishment of a common rescue organisation." (MR 1939) "Rescue Brigades 1. The membership of the rescue brigade may comprise officials and workers who have worked at least two years underground and have been pronounced medically fit. After adequate drills with rescue appliances in an asphyxiating atmosphere they may be ranked as trained members by the commander of the rescue brigade. 2. (1) At least five drills shall be held spread evenly over the year, and comprising two in an asphyxiating atmosphere, two in the mine and the remaining one at choice. (2) Once a year an emergency drill shall be held and immediate warning of it shall be given to the State Mines Inspectorate (Inspector-General of Mines and the inspectors of mines and technical mining officials concerned). In reckoning t h e number of drills, the emergency drill shall count as a drill in the mine for the persons concerned. (3) The Inspector-General of Mines may temporarily increase the number of drills at a mine if it appears to him that the rescue personnel are inadequately trained. 3. (1) The number of apparatuses, as far as possible of the same kind and construction, shall be— 5 if the largest underground shift is less than 400 men », », ,, j , ,, ,, / UU ,, 15 ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, ,, more ,, 700 „ . •1" ,» ,, 2. RESCUE 587 (2) Subject to a minimum of five apparatuses, the Inspector-General of Mines may require an increase in the number of apparatuses having regard to the extent of the underground workings or the danger inherent in the mine as regards firedamp or coal-dust. 4. (1) The number of men in the brigade shall be a t least three times the number of the apparatuses required, subject to a minimum of 18. (2) Every year the members of the brigade shall be medically examined as to their fitness. 5. The rescue personnel shall preferably be recruited from the underground officials and workers living near the mine. 6. The rescue personnel shall, as far as possible, be equally distributed over the three shifts. 7. The direction of the rescue organisation shall be entrusted to an official specially appointed for the purpose, to whom instructions, to be approved by the Inspector-General of Mines, shall be given. 8. (1) The command of the brigade shall be entrusted to an official specially appointed for the purpose, to whom instructions, to be approved by the Inspector-General of Mines, shall be given. (2) The commander of the brigade shall always have an up-to-date ventilation plan at his disposal. 9. Together with the required quantity of complete rescue appliances, in the rescue station or at another suitable place there shall be— (a) adequate spare parts of the appliances and one or more oxygen cylinders, if necessary with a reducing valve, for filling the oxygen cylinders of the appliances ; (b) for every apparatus : one filled oxygen cylinder for the apparatus, four potassium cartridges and three electric lamps ready for immediate use ; (c) a number of suitable fire extinguishers ; (d) two thermometers ; (e) adequate and suitable material for the quick placing of stoppings. 10. Every year before 15 December there shall be sent to the InspectorGeneral of Mines the general instructions concerning outbreaks of fire in the mine, and a rescue plan which, inter alia, shall indicate : (a) the number of workers underground and the number in the largest shift ; (b) the names of the person in charge in the event of a disaster, the director of the rescue organisation, the commander of the brigade and their substitutes, and the watchman at the rescue station ; (o) the number of shift overmen and of rescue personnel ; (d) the number, nature, times and duration of the drills ; (e ) kind and number of apparatuses ; (j) the inventory of the rescue station. 11. It shall be possible to determine the presence of members of the brigade (supervisors excluded) at the mine by tokens to be placed on the control board. 12. At the request of the mine manager, a number of winning areas or mines may, subject to specified conditions, be considered by the InspectorGeneral of Mines as one mine for the purpose of the present regulations." (IGR 62) SOUTH AFRICA The following regulations apply to all coal mines, but the Government Mining Engineer may exempt any non-fiery mine if he considers the regulations unnecessary for such mine. 38 588 XXIV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE No person, unless duly authorised, may enter a mine after an explosion of firedamp or coal-dust, or after the occurrence of a fire, for rescue purposes. There must b e organised and maintained competent rescue brigades as follows : one brigade where the total number of underground employees is more than 100 and two brigades where this number is more than 700. Such brigades, however, need not be organised if the owner or manager has the right of calling for brigades from a central rescue station. A group of mines belonging to the same owner, of which all the shafts or exits actually in use lie within a circle having a radius of two miles or such greater distance as may be approved b y the Government Mining Engineer may be treated as one mine for this purpose. A rescue brigade must consist of not less than five persons employed a t the mine, carefully selected on account of their knowledge of underground work, coolness and powers of endurance, and certified to be medically fit ; the majority must be trained in first-aid work. Each brigade must have a captain chosen from among its members. A brigade is not considered competent unless : (1) it undergoes a course of training approved by the Government Mining Engineer ; (2) it undergoes after the preliminary training at least one day's practice in every quarter with breathing apparatus, and in every year a t least two such practices take place at a mine ; (3) certain members of the brigade as specified have received instruction in the reading of mine plans, the use and construction of breathing apparatus, the properties and detection of poisonous or inflammable gases, and in mine rescue equipment. Arrangements must be made at every mine for summoning members of rescue brigades immediately their services are required. There must be provided and maintained at every mine sets of portable breathing apparatus at the rate of two sets for each brigade required. The apparatus must be properly maintained and stored. The apparatus need not be provided if the owner or manager of a mine has the right of calling for apparatus from a central rescue station that is in telephonic communication with the mine. Tracings of the workings of the mine must be kept up to date to within three months, be marked with certain indications as specified, and be in a suitable form for use by rescue brigades. At every mine t h a t has a rescue brigade certain equipment must be approved and maintained as specified in the regulations. At every central rescue station there must be kept and maintained certain equipment as specified in the regulations. Every central rescue station must be under the immediate control of a competent person and must always have a number of trained men within call. Every mine must adopt rules for the conduct and guidance of rescue workers, and if there is a rescue brigade at the mine the members must be thoroughly instructed in such rules (277 (6)). (R 11.8.1937) UMTED KINGDOM Regulations may require the making of such provisions as may be prescribed for the securing of the efficient conduct of such operations for the rescue of persons as it may be necessary to conduct at mines in consequence of the occurrence of outbreaks of fire, explosions, or other accidents of whatsoever kind. I n particular, regulations may make provision— (a) for the establishment and maintenance at mines of such organisations of persons a s may be necessary for the above purpose and the provision and maintenance at mines of suitable and sufficient apparatus for this purpose ; (b) for requiring owners of mines to provide and maintain stations (central rescue stations) for the purpose of providing facilities common 2. RESCUE 589 to a number of mines for the conduct of the above-mentioned operations and for the establishment and maintenance a t such stations of such organisations of persons as may be necessary for the purpose of conducting such operations, and the provision and maintenance thereat of suitable and sufficient apparatus for the purpose ; and (o) for securing the efficient training of the members of any organisations of persons maintained in pursuance of the regulations (72). (A 1954) Very detailed regulations relating to mine rescue are laid down in the regulations of 10 December 1928 amended by regulations of 8 July 1935, as follows : General Object of the Regulations I t is the duty of the owners jointly and severally of the mines to which these regulations apply to make adequate provision for the safe conduct of rescue and other necessary work in mines after an explosion or a fire or otherwise in an atmosphere which may be dangerous to life (1). Scope of the Regulations The regulations apply to all coal or oil shale mines in which more than ten persons are employed underground, but exemptions may be allowed, if the Minister considers them necessary, for mines in which not more than 100 persons are employed underground and mines which are outside a radius of 15 miles from a central rescue station (2). General Organisation There must be provided and maintained a t convenient centres sufficient central rescue stations fully equipped for rescue work and for the training of rescue workers. As a rule the radius of action of a station is deemed to be from 15 to 20 miles (3). Every central rescue station must be placed under the immediate control of a competent superintendent who has been fully trained in rescue work and, in the case of new appointments, has had five years' practical experience underground in a mine (4). Unless exempted by the Divisional Inspector the owner of every mine must affiliate the mine to a central rescue station in such a manner as to acquire the right of calling for and obtaining the full services of the station at any time. Every mine must be in telephonic conununication with its central rescue station (5). Sufficient rescue workers must be maintained and organised either by the provision of a permanent rescue corps at the central rescue station and of trained rescue workers at the mine, or by the provision of rescue brigades at the mine (6). As a general rule, the members of a permanent rescue corps must be continuously employed a t the station and in constant readiness there. Effective arrangements must be made at every mine for summoning other rescue workers immediately their services are required (7). Selection of Rescue Workers : Instruction and Practice The persons to be trained in rescue work must be carefully selected on the grounds of their coolness, powers of endurance, and general suitability for the work, and in the case of men from mines to be trained to co-operate with the permanent rescue corps, also on the ground of their knowledge of the mine. Every rescue worker must be medically re-examined every 12 months and may not continue to act unless he is certified as fit (8). 590 XXIV. FERST AID AND RESCUE At every central rescue station there must be a sufficient number of competent instructors to train rescue workers (9). Every person selected for training in rescue work must undergo the course of instruction and practices prescribed in the regulations or approved equivalent course. Rescue workers who have been certified as efficient must undergo further practices and instruction as prescribed in the regulations or approved equivalent practices and instruction (10). .Rescue Apparatus and Equipment At every central rescue station and at every mine employing 100 or more persons underground there must be provided and maintained in good order and ready for immediate use adequate and suitable equipment as specified in the regulations. The breathing apparatus, smoke helmets, and similar apparatus, electric safety lamps and flame safety lamps and first-aid boxes must be of officially approved types. As a general rule breathing apparatus for use in mine rescue work must b e obtained from a central rescue station and may not be kept in the mine. Every breathing apparatus and every flow-meter must be adjusted and tested periodically, and the purity of the oxygen used must also be tested ; in each case in the manner prescribed in the regulations or in any other manner prescribed by the Minister (11). Any accidents or dangerous occurrences from the use of breathing apparatus, smoke helmets or the like must be reported to the Divisional Inspector (12). Accommodation at Mines At every mine there must be provided and maintained a suitable room with sufficient accommodation for rescue workers and apparatus (13). General The owner, agent, or manager of every mine affiliated to a central rescue station must arrange for a responsible officer of the station, accompanied by a responsible officer of the mine, to inspect a t least once in every six months the accommodation, apparatus, and equipment provided at the mine for rescue work, training and practice ; defects and shortcomings must be reported to the mine manager (14). At every mine there must be kept in a form suitable for use by rescue •workers a sufficient number of clear and legible tracings of the mine workings up to date to within three months and bearing certain indications prescribed by the regulations (15). A code of signals for use in rescue work and training is also prescribed in the regulations (16). Rules for tho conduct and guidance of persons engaged in rescue work must be adopted a t every mine and must embody the uniform code annexed to the regulations (17). There are eight schedules to the regulations, as follows : (1) composition of permanent rescue corps and parties from the mines to co-operate with the corps ; composition of rescue brigades at individual mines ; (2) medical examination and qualifications of rescue workers ; (3) appointment of instructors, prescribed course of instruction and practices, practices and instruction after becoming efficient ; (4) apparatus and equipment to be kept at central rescue stations and every mine employing 100 or more persons underground ; (5) adjustment and tests of breathing apparatus ; 2. RESCUE 591 (6) code of signs for tracings of mine workings ; (7) code of signals for rescue operations ; (8) uniform code of rules for the conduct and guidance of persons employed in rescue work (duties of manager or principal officer for the time being a t the surface of the mine, captain or leader of a rescue brigade, members of rescue brigades). UNITED STATES Federal Where more than 50 persons are employed underground on any shift the lessee must keep and maintain at the mine in order and ready for use in an adequate room provided for the purpose specified breathing apparatus, supplies and equipment. Where the number of persons employed underground on any shift exceeds 100, additional breathing apparatus, supplies and equipment must be kept, maintained and periodically tested (107). The breathing apparatus specified in section 107 is not required if the lessee co-operates with a neighbouring mine or industrial works in the establishment of a joint rescue station within one hour's journey by rail or vehicle from the mine. Such joint station must be connected with t h e mine by telephone, be provided with specified breathing apparatus and adequate supplies ; and have constantly available means of transportation to reach the mine in one hour (108). The lessee must arrange for the training of employees in the use of mine rescue breathing apparatus, etc., so t h a t there will be a t least two teams of five men each for the first 50 men employed underground on any shift and an additional team of five men for each additional 100 men or less employed. Each team must be selected from men who have been certified by the U.S. Bureau of Mines as competent in first aid and rescue work, and must be trained in wearing apparatus in a smoke or gas chamber for a total of a t least two hours in every two months (109). (R 23.12.1937) Note : Specifications for self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus are contained in U.S. Code, Title 30, Chapter I, Subchapter B , Part 11. Illinois The general mining laws provide for the construction, equipping and maintenance of rescue stations at public expense. The department appoints a superintendent and one or more assistants for each station and is authorised to pay for such assistance as may be needed in giving instruction in first aid to the injured and similar technical subjects, and such other assistance as may be needed from time to time to carry on the work of the rescue stations properly. Mobile mine units and substations may be installed in connection with the stations. The department supervises the work of each station, purchases the necessary supplies and keeps a complete record of all operations and expenditure. Whenever the superintendent of a station is notified that an explosion or accident requiring his services has occurred, he must proceed immediately with suitable equipment and superintend the work of the rescue corps. New Mexico Each operator employing 50 or more men underground in any coal mine or group of coal mines must have and maintain in good working order certain breathing apparatus as specified for rescue purposes. Mines in the same neighbourhood may maintain a joint rescue station (1813). Each operator employing 50 or more men underground in any coal mine or group of mines must have two or more crews of five men each trained 592 XXrV. FIRST AID AND RESCUE in the use of oxygen breathing apparatus and gas masks. If the operator is affiliated to a joint rescue station a minimum of five men must be trained. Trained members of a rescue crew must undergo retraining every six months (1814). (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 1 . On and after the effective date of this Act, the Secretary of Mines, •with the consent of the Governor, shall appoint three first-aid and three mine rescue instructors to carry on the work of instructing mine employees how to care for persons injured in and about the coal mines of this Commonwealth, and t o train such other employees of the various coal companies, who may voluntarily seek training in the use of self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, first aid to the injured, and such other things or practices essential to the safe and efficient conduct of the work of first aid and mine rescue. 2. The Secretary of Mines, with the consent of the Governor, shall purchase, through the Department of Property and Supplies, three trucks equipped with the necessary breathing apparatus, gas masks, first-aid supplies, analytical apparatus, and such other chemical and scientific instruments commonly used and necessary in the work of first aid and mine rescue. One truck shall be used in the Anthracite Region and two in the Bituminous Region, 3. The persons appointed to the position of first-aid and mine rescue instructor shall not be under 25 or over 50 years of age on the date of their appointment. They shall be citizens of this Commonwealth and shall devote their whole time and attention to the duties of their office. They shall have a mine foreman's certificate, issued by the Department of Mines of this Commonwealth, and shall be in possession of a first-aid certificate issued by the Red Cross, or the Federal Bureau of Mines, or any other recognised authority on the subject of first aid. They shall also undergo an examination arranged and conducted by the Secretary of Mines. The examination, so conducted by the Secretary of Mines, shall pertain to the applicant's knowledge and experience in the use of such instruments and equipment as are commonly used in mine rescue work. 5. The persons so trained in the work of first aid and mine rescue, as described in section 1 of this Act, shall upon completion of a course of training and instruction, as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Mines, be granted a certificate of competency. Such certificate shall be issued by the Secretary of Mines upon written notice from the 'chief of crew' that the applicant has completed, in a satisfactory manner, the course of training and instruction prescribed by the said Secretary of Mines." (A 404—Effective 1.6.1945) CHAPTER XXV MINE SAFETY ORGANISATION BELGIUM Safety organisation in the individual mines, as well as regional safety organisation, was the subject of an Order of the Regent, dated 25 September 1947, applying to mines and underground quarries. The order reads as follows : "Chapter I. General Principles 1. I n every undertaking operating a mine or a n underground quarry a 'safety and health service' shall be organised. This service shall be supplemented by one or more 'Safety and Health Committees' in each undertaking employing at least 50 persons. The competent Minister may, after consulting the Mines Administration and the Medical Labour Inspectorate, extend the requirement to appoint a safety and health committee to undertakings employing less than 50 persons and specify the conditions attaching to such extension. Chapter II. Safety and Health Service 2. The safety and health service referred to in the preceding section shall be directed by a 'chief of the safety and health service' assisted, if appropriate, by one or more subordinates so t h a t the tasks entrusted to this service can be carried out completely and effectively at all times. The chief of the safety and health service and his subordinates shall be selected by the head of the undertaking from among the personnel that he employs. The head of the undertaking shall also appoint as substitute for the chief of the safety and health service a person capable of replacing the head of this service with the same efficiency in case of need. The names, Christian names and addresses of the chief of the safety and health service, of his substitute and their subordinates shall be inscribed at the foot of the working rules or annexed to them and brought t o the notice of the Chief Inspector of the Mining District and of the competent Medical Inspector of Labour. 3. The chief of the safety and health service, his substitute and their subordinates, if any, shall possess adequate knowledge of the legislation relating to safety, health and hygiene in workplaces applicable t o the undertaking in which they are employed, and also the necessary technical knowledge, appropriate to the nature of the undertaking, for studying the safety and health problems that arise therein. They shall possess the moral qualities indispensable to the performance of their duties. They shall be invested with the necessary authority for securing the application throughout the undertaking of such safety and health measures as they consider advisable. They shall be directly subordinate to the management of the undertaking. 594 XXV. MINE SAFETY ORGANISATION 4. The chief of the safety and health service, titular or substitute, and the subordinates, if any, shall have the following functions : (a) to make frequent and systematic inspections of the workplaces for the purpose of satisfying themselves of the enforcement of the regulations concerning safety, health and hygiene ; (b) t o take or to propose to the head of the undertaking such measures as they consider necessary for eliminating the causes of danger or nuisance t h a t they have observed or that have been reported to them ; (c) to examine the utility and to verify the efficiency of these measures ; (d) to give both to heads of departments and to supervisors (foremen, overmen, etc.) and also to the other workers in the undertaking, the orders, instruction or advice requisite for the carrying out of these measures ; (e) to employ all appropriate means of propaganda for instilling into the personnel the principles of safety and health and imbuing them with the safety spirit ; (f) to draw u p regular reports on— (i) safety and health conditions in the undertaking ; (ii) all the accidents occurring in the undertaking, whether or not they affect the safety and health of personnel, after collecting all information of use for this purpose. These reports shall indicate the actual or probable causes of the accident or unhealthy condition, and shall, if possible, enable conclusions to be drawn as to suitable means for preventing a recurrence. They shall be dated, numbered and signed and shall be kept at all times at the disposal of the officials responsible for supervising the enforcement of the present order. The functions of the chief of the safety and health service, titular or substitute, and the subordinates, if any, may be altered or supplemented by ministerial orders issued after consultation with the Mines Administration, the Medical Labour Inspectorate, and the Superior Health Council for Mines. 5. A complete annual report on the activities of the safety and health service, within the scope of its functions, shall be addressed by the head of the undertaking or his representative to the Chief Inspector of the Mining District and to the competent Medical Labour Inspector within the two months following the period to which it refers. Chapter III. Safety and Health Committee 6. Every safety and health committee shall comprise the following as effective members ; (a) members appointed by the management of the undertaking— the head of the undertaking or his representative ; the chief of the safety and health service or his substitute and, if appropriate, one or more of his subordinates ; one or more members of the supervisory staff ; the doctor and the social assistant of the medical service and of the social service if such services are organised by the undertaking ; if appropriate, technicians belonging to the undertaking or other members of the personnel ; (b) members representing the personnel of the undertaking— the workmen's inspector or inspectors of mines ; members of the personnel belonging to the undertaking other than those appointed under (a) above and elected by secret ballot by the personnel above-mentioned. The number of persons appointed under (b) shall be at least equal to the number of persons appointed under (a) above. 595 MINE SAFETY OKGANISATION Among these workers or employees there shall be one or more representatives of the young workers covered by the Health Protection Scheme for Adolescents organised under the provisions of Chapter I I of the Order of the Regent of 25 September 1947, issuing general regulations concerning hygiene and health measures in mines and underground quarries, whenever the undertaking employs at least 25 such young workers. The representatives of the young workers shall themselves be members of the personnel covered by the said scheme or shall not be more than 25 years of age. If they are less than 18 years of age they shall not belong to the safety and health committee but shall only be admitted to it in a n advisory capacity. 7. The chairman of the safety and health committee shall be the head of the undertaking or his representative, and the Secretary shall be the head of the safety and health service (titular or substitute) or one of his subordinates. In special cases the committee may request the presence a t its meeting of an official of the competent inspectorate who shall preside over the meeting. Similarly, this official may ex officio convene meetings of the committee and preside over them. 8. When the number of workers in the undertaking is at least 200 the safety and health committee may be divided into sections, to which shall be applied rules of procedure analogous to those drawn u p for the committee. As regards coal mines, the formation of a subsection or subsections for the underground workings shall be compulsory. 9. The safety and health committee shall meet at least once a month for the purpose of examining the reports of the chief of the safety and health service referred to in paragraph (f) of section 4 above and to discuss the action to be taken on them. I n the event of a serious accident the committee shall meet immediately. 10. The safety and health committee shall concern itself generally with all problems relating to the safety and health of the workers. I t shall employ all appropriate means of propaganda and, if need be, propose the necessary measures for instilling into the personnel the principles of safety and health and imbuing them with the safety spirit. I t shall also seek all means of embellishing the workplaces. 11. I n the case of disagreement in the safety and health committee concerning measures to be taken for ensuring safety and health in the undertaking, the committee may have recourse to the competent officials of the inspectorates. Conversely, at the request of one of these officials, the committee shall lend its aid in investigating causes of danger for the personnel or of unhealthiness of the workplaces, and shall take part in the study of preventive measures. 12. Every proposal of the safety and health committee for the amendment of the regulations in force relating to the protection of labour shall be forwarded, according to the circumstances, to the Chief Inspector of the Mining District or to the competent Medical Inspector of Labour. These proposals shall be transmitted to the competent central administration for submission to the Superior Health Council for Mines for its opinion. Chapter IV. Provincial Committees for Safety and Health 13. After consulting the administrations concerned and the Superior Health Council for Mines, the competent Minister may decide upon the formation of provincial committees for safety and health in mines and underground quarries, and settle the details of their formation. 596 XXV. MINE SAFETY ORGANISATION The provincial committees shall act in the capacity of advisory bodies to the competent inspectorates. Their task shall be— (a) to stimulate competition among the undertakings in their activities for the safety a n d health of the workers and the embellishment of the workplaces ; ( b) to act as safety and health committees for undertakings that have not formed their own committees because they employ less than 50 persons ; (c) to promote the application of suitable measures for making the workplaces more agreeable ; (d) to co-ordinate the activities of certain undertakings or groups of undertakings for the application of common or identical measures of safety, prophylaxis or embellishment, of recognised efficacy. Provincial committees may include a section for the health protection of the young workers, as prescribed in Chapter I I of the Order of the Regent of 25 September 1947 issuing general regulations concerning hygiene and health measures in mines and underground quarries, whenever the undertaking employs a t least 25 such young workers. This section, within the scope of the said protection, shall perform tasks identical with those of the above-mentioned committees as these tasks are defined above. The details of its formation, working and relations with the provincial committee shall be fixed by ministerial order." Note : A Ministerial Order of 29 May 1948 1 issues detailed rules for the organisation and functioning of safety and health services. Under this order the Chief Divisional Mining Engineer must specify for each raining undertaking the safety and health committee or committees, and the special sections if any, that are to be established and the number of persons who are t o constitute these committees and sections. Other matters dealt with in the order include election procedure and conduct of meetings. A Ministerial Order of 21 April 1949 contains general recommendations concerning the information to be furnished in the annual report of the chief of the safety and health service in mines and underground quarries. GERMANY "323a. (1) !For duties in connection with accident prevention and health protection on the surface and underground, at every self-contained mine a supervisory official shall be appointed as a full-time safety official. (2) With the approval of the District Mining Office the appointment of a safety official m a y be dispensed with if having regard to the nature and extent of the undertaking the appointment of a safety official does not appear to be necessary. The District Mining Office may also authorise the appointment of a joint safety official for a number of self-contained mines related administratively. (3) The safety official shall not be assigned other duties except with the authorisation of the District Mining Office." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) ' 1 Amended by a Ministerial Order of 18 Aug. 1948. CHAPTER XXVI MISCELLANEOUS 1. TELEPHONES BELGIUM "80A. Every pit in operation shall be equipped with an installation that allows conversations to be exchanged between the surface and each of the principal landings underground, that is to say, the landings where men and materials are ordinarily wound." (R 28.4.1884) CANADA Alberta "149 Rule 28. In all mines in which more than 30 men are employed below ground, telephone communication shall be provided— (a) between the top and the bottom of all shafts if over 100 ft. in depth ; (b) between the top and bottom of all slopes, if over 200 ft. in length, and at all landings on slopes ; (c) to and from the end of haulage roads if over 2,000 ft. in length." (A 1945) FRANCE "61 (3) In every pit employing at least 250 workers in the largest shift, telephones shall in addition be installed a t suitable points and at a distance not exceeding 1,000 m from any workplace not forming part of the preparatory or maintenance workings ; this distance shall be reckoned along the normal routes of access. The district inspector of mines may, as an exception, either raise this distance to 1,500 m or reduce it to 500 m. If safety so requires, he may require certain telephones to be attended or installed at points from which a call can be heard with certainty. He may also extend the measures provided for in the present subsection to pits employing less than 250 workers in the largest shift." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY All districts must be equipped with telephones. Exceptions may be allowed by the District Mining Office (334). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) 598 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS NETHERLANDS "59 (2) I n the underground workings there shall be telephonic connection at an adequate number of points with the surface works." (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM "103. Where in any mine not being a small mine the distance of the main haulage from the shaft exceeds 1,000 yd., efficient means of telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained between the end of the main haulage a n d the pit bottom and the surface." (H 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Federal "50. (a) The lessee shall provide and maintain a t each mine where more than 50 men are employed underground on any shift, or where 20 or more men are employed more than 1,500 ft. from the surface, a telephone system connecting with the hoisting engine-room, the ground landing of the shaft or slope or the principal mine exit of a drift mine, and such other points on the surface as may be advisable for the safety of the employees, and telephones shall be placed on each shaft or slope landing in use and at the inside siding of each of the main haulage roads. The underground telephones shall be so placed that no 20 men shall be more than 1,000 ft. from the nearest telephone station. A code of calls shall be kept at each telephone. (b) The telephones inside a mine shall be of standard underground type. The telephone wires shall be carefully installed and, should any power lines be on the entry, the telephone wires shall be installed along the side of the entry opposite the power lines. Only permissible telephones shall be used in gassy mines for the installation of new telephones and the replacement of existing telephones." (R 23.12.1937) "Article, VIII. Electricity 7. Communication systems, (a) Telephone service or equivalent two-way communication facilities shall be provided between the top and each landing of main shafts and slopes and in all mines between the surface and each working section that is more than 1,500 ft. from the main portal." (FMC 1953) Illinois " 5 . (a) There shall be a system of party line telephones which shall include one telephone on the surface not more than 200 ft. from the tipple, and one at the bottom of the hoisting shaft, or in slope or drift mines a t the first cross entries in operation ; and, in addition thereto, there shall be one telephone a t each inside parting. Telephone lines shall be constructed in a workmanlike manner and shall be repaired promptly when necessary." (A 8.3.1910) New Mexico "907. All mines shall establish underground telephones at suitable points or other -warning system approved by the state mine inspector to 2. MATCHES, SMOKERS' MATERIALS, LIGHTERS, ETC. 599 facilitate quick warning of underground employees in event of fire or other danger." (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " 1 . . . . I n all mines telephone connections shall be made from the surface to the main sections of the mine, when required by the inspector. All signalling apparatus and telephone connections shall be kept in good condition and shall be always available for service." (A 9.6.1911, art. V I I I ) 2. CARRYING OF MATCHES, SMOKERS' MATERIALS, LIGHTERS, E T C . BELGIUM "50. In fiery mines no one about to descend into the underground workings, and from the moment when the lamp has been handed to him, shall smoke or carry a pipe, tobacco, cigar, cigarette, lighter, match, or any other lighting device." ( R 28.4.1884) CANADA Alberta "131 (7) I n any mine or part of a mine in which safety lamps are used no person shall carry or have in his possession any lucifer match or apparatus of any kind for making a light or any pipe for smoking tobacco, or any tobacco for smoking in any form. (8) For the purpose of ascertaining whether any person is contravening any of the provisions of this section, the owner, agent or manager may appoint one or more persons to make such inspection as he deems necessary. (9) Any person or persons appointed for the purpose of searching workmen to ascertain if they are in possession of matches, or other prohibited articles or materials, shall before proceeding to carry out this duty, first submit themselves to search by some official appointed by the manager. (16) The owner, agent or manager of any mine in which the use of lights other than safety lamps is prohibited shall appoint one or more persons whose duty it shall be to search, for any article prohibited by this section, every person at the mine before he begins his first shift upon his being newly engaged at the mine, and any or all employees at any time upon being directed to do so by the manager of the mine or by the District Inspector." (A 1945) FRANCE "124. (1) I n workings where the use of safety lamps is compulsory it shall be prohibited to bring in any object that can produce a flame or sparks ; it shall also be prohibited to smoke in such workings and to bring in pipes, smoking tobacco and cigarette paper. (2) Sworn officials and supervisors shall be authorised to search the workers' clothes, baskets, bags, etc., before the personnel descend to see whether they are carrying any prohibited object ; the same searches for the same purposes may be made underground by supervisors whenever they have reason to suspect a breach of the prohibitions referred t o in the preceding subsection." ( R 4.5.1951) 600 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS GERMANY " 2 4 0 . (1) U n d e r g r o u n d , in p i t - h e a d buildings, a n d on t h e w a y from t h e b a t h s t o t h e shaft or a d i t , smoking a n d t h e c a r r y i n g of s m o k e r s ' m a t e r i a l s o r lighting devices shall b e p r o h i b i t e d . (2) S m o k i n g a n d t h e u s e of lighting devices shall also b e p r o h i b i t e d in the baths. (3) P e r s o n s e n t e r i n g t h e m i n e , irrespective of w h o t h e y a r e , shall be searched for s m o k e r s ' m a t e r i a l s a n d lighting devices." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 9 9 . (1) I n t h e u n d e r g r o u n d w o r k i n g s it shall be p r o h i b i t e d t o s m o k e a n d t o b r i n g i n or h a v e in one's possession t o b a c c o o t h e r t h a n chewing tobacco, smokers' materials, matches or lighters." (MR 1939) " S o long a s t h e u n d e r g r o u n d w o r k e r s a n d t h e u n d e r g r o u n d supervisory staff w e a r m i n i n g clothing, t h e y shall b e p r o h i b i t e d from s m o k i n g a n d c a r r y i n g or h a v i n g in t h e i r possession t o b a c c o o t h e r t h a n chewing t o b a c c o , s m o k e r s ' m a t e r i a l s , m a t c h e s or l i g h t e r s . " (IGR 7a) SOUTH AFRICA I n e v e r y fiery m i n e n o u n a u t h o r i s e d p e r s o n m a y h a v e in h i s possession o r t a k e i n t o t h e m i n e a n y c o n t r i v a n c e for opening t h e lock of a n y safety l a m p , a n d n o p e r s o n m a y t a k e i n t o t h e m i n e or h a v e in his possession a n y m a t c h o r a n y u n a u t h o r i s e d lighting device or a n y p i p e , cigar, c i g a r e t t e or t o b a c c o . T h e m a n a g e r m u s t a p p o i n t a b a n k s m a n or some o t h e r person w h o m u s t a s k e v e r y p e r s o n a b o u t t o e n t e r t h e m i n e w h e t h e r h e is in possession of a n y p r o h i b i t e d article a n d w h o is e m p o w e r e d t o search such p e r s o n s (76 (5) t o (7)). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM A p e r s o n w h o t a k e s or h a s in his possession below g r o u n d in a safety-lamp m i n e or t a k e s i n t o or h a s i n h i s possession in a safety-lamp p a r t of a m i n e a n y cigar or c i g a r e t t e , a n y p i p e or o t h e r c o n t r i v a n c e for s m o k i n g or a n y m a t c h or m e c h a n i c a l lighter is g u i l t y of a n offence. I t is t h e d u t y of t h e m a n a g e r of e v e r y safety-lamp m i n e a n d of e v e r y m i n e c o n t a i n i n g a s a f e t y - l a m p p a r t t o m a k e a n d ensure t h e efficient c a r r y i n g o u t of a r r a n g e m e n t s for searching p e r s o n s employed (66). A s a g e n e r a l rule, n o article designed or a d a p t e d t o p r o d u c e a n u n p r o t e c t e d flame or a n u n p r o t e c t e d s p a r k m a y be t a k e n or u s e d below g r o u n d i n a s a f e t y - l a m p m i n e or a s a f e t y - l a m p p a r t of a m i n e (67). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Federal " 6 3 . I f a m i n e h a s b e e n d e t e r m i n e d t o b e gassy t h e lessee shall n o t p e r m i t m e n t o e n t e r c a r r y i n g o p e n l a m p s , open lights, m a t c h e s , s m o k i n g m a t e r i a l , t o b a c c o , c i g a r e t t e s , or cigars . . . . " (R 23.12.1937) 3 . PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT "Article XI. 601 Miscellaneous 7. Arcs, sparks, and flames, (a) (Section 209 (h) (3)—Title I I . ) In a gassy mine smoking shall not be permitted underground, nor shall any person be permitted to carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters underground. (b) T h e i n t e n t i o n a l creation of a n y a r c , s p a r k , or o p e n flame, e x c e p t as p r o v i d e d i n section 209 (g) (6) of T i t l e I I 1 , shall be p r o h i b i t e d in all g a s s y mines." (FMC 1953) Illinois "23. (2) (a) I t shall b e unlawful for a n y p e r s o n k n o w i n g l y or negligently— T o use or c a r r y a n open light, p i p e , c i g a r e t t e , cigar or m a t c h e s in a m i n e , section of a m i n e or p l a c e w o r k e d b y t h e light of a safety l a m p . P r o v i d e d , however, t h a t it shall b e lawful t o h a v e a lighting device in a locked safety l a m p . I t shall b e unlawful t o u s e o r c a r r y a n open light or lighted p i p e , cigar or cigarette or fire in a n y f o r m w i t h i n 5 ft. of a n open p a c k a g e of explosive. T h e o p e r a t o r o p e r a t i n g a m i n e w i t h closed lights shall h a v e t h e r i g h t t o search t h e u n d e r g r o u n d employees if in his j u d g m e n t t h e y a r e violating t h i s law. W h e n prosecution is i n t e n d e d t w o witnesses shall b e p r e s e n t a t t h e t i m e of s e a r c h . " (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico " 1 4 1 7 . T h e o p e r a t o r shall n o t p e r m i t m e n in a n y u n d e r g r o u n d m i n e using permissible safety l a m p s t o c a r r y m a t c h e s , l i g h t e r s , c i g a r e t t e s or s m o k i n g tobacco i n t o or in such m i n e a n d shall cause m e n going u n d e r g r o u n d t o b e searched for t h e s e articles, a t least once a w e e k u p o n going o n s h i f t . " (A 16.3.1933) Pennsylvania " R u l e 32. N o p e r s o n shall c a r r y a n y m a t c h e s , pipes, or o t h e r s m o k e r s ' articles into a gaseous m i n e , or p o r t i o n of a gaseous m i n e w o r k e d exclusively w i t h a p p r o v e d safety l a m p s , or a p p r o v e d electric l a m p s , or b o t h , n o r s h a l l a n y p e r s o n h a v e a n y of said articles in his possession while in s u c h a m i n e " (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 3. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT CANADA Alberta " 1 4 2 . (1) I n a n y m i n e or a n y m i n e s in a n y district w h e r e in t h e opinion of t h e D i s t r i c t I n s p e c t o r t h e n u m b e r of a c c i d e n t s is excessive a n d w h e r e t h e y a r e of such n a t u r e or class a s could in h i s opinion be largely p r e v e n t e d b y t h e a d o p t i o n of h a r d h a t s or o t h e r forms of p r o t e c t i o n , he m a y if h e t h i n k s fit, issue a n order r e q u i r i n g t h e owner, a g e n t or m a n a g e r of a n y m i n e in his district t o equip t h e i r w o r k m e n w i t h a n y form of p r o t e c t i v e c l o t h i n g h e considers necessary t o r e d u c e accidents, u p o n such t e r m s a n d conditions a s h e m a y d e e m necessary, a n d m a y require t h e w o r k m e n so e q u i p p e d t o u s e t h e s a m e , a t such t i m e s a n d u n d e r such c i r c u m s t a n c e s a s h e m a y prescribe. 1 See Chapter XVI, Division 1. 602 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS (2) The owner, agent or manager of any mine, where the average of the seam of coal worked is less than 3% ft. in height, shall furnish to each workman, free of charge, who by reason of the height of the seam is required to work on his knees, a pair of suitable kneecaps or guards and as often as they require renewal due to ordinary wear and tear it shall be the obligation of t h e owner, agent or manager to supply and equip his workmen with kneecaps or guards. Any owner, agent or manager failing to supply this equipment and every workman who does not use the kneecaps or guards whilst working on his knees shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. (3) Should any dispute arise as to the applicability of this section to any mine the same shall be referred to the Director of Mines who shall decide the same and his decision shall be final." (A 1945) FRANCE "142. Save in exceptional cases, workers shall be prohibited from travelling and working without sufficiently strong boots. 143. Workers shall be bound to wear a hard hat in workings where this protection is deemed necessary by the operator or required by the district inspector of mines. The operator shall take all measures to ensure that his personnel can obtain such hats. 144. In every working where there is a danger of serious falls, the workers shall wear safety belts furnished by the operator, unless they are protected against this danger by some other suitable means." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "322. Underground, strong head covering and strong footwear shall be worn. 323. If during work there is a risk of persons falling, firm working platforms shall be used. If necessary the workers shall secure themselves with safety belts a n d life lines, which shall be provided by the mineowner." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "167. Workers who in the underground workings or during drilling are employed at places where water or oil is a nuisance shall be provided with suitable clothing." (MR 1939) " 6 . Workers employed in shafts, staple pits and raises and also workers employed at the landings of or under shafts, staple pits and raises, shall be provided with hard hats which shall be issued by or on behalf of the mine manager." (IGR 23) SOUTH AFRICA "22 (2) (a) No person shall work in a vertical or steeply inclined shaft or winze unless he wears a hard hat of a type approved by the Inspector of Mines. (b) No person in charge of other workmen in a vertical or steeply inclined shaft or winze shall allow any such workmen to work therein unless they wear such hard hats as aforesaid. 4. EMPLOYMENT OE WOMEN AND JUVENILES UNDERGROUND 603 (c) I n the case of a non-scheduled person such hat shall be provided by the manager free of cost." (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal "Article XI. Miscellaneous 8. Protecting clothing, (a) All persons shall wear protective hats while underground and also while on the surface where falling objects may cause injury. (b) Protective footwear shall be worn by employees, officials, and others while on duty in and around a mine where falling objects may cause injury. (c) All employees inside or outside of mines shall wear approved-type goggles or shields where there is a hazard from flying particles. (d) Welders and helpers shall use proper shields or goggles to protect their eyes. (e) Employees engaged in haulage operations and other persons employed around moving equipment on the surface and underground shall wear snug-fitting clothing. (f) Protective gloves shall be worn when material which may injure the hands is handled, but gloves with gauntlet cuffs shall not be worn around moving equipment. (g) Men exposed for short periods to gas, dust, fume, and mist inhalation hazards shall wear permissible respiratory equipment. When the exposure is for prolonged periods, other measures to protect workmen or to reduce the hazard shall be taken." (FMC 1953) Note: The Bureau of Mines has issued regulations concerning the specifications and testing of respiratory protective equipment. The regulations concerning self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus have been incorporated in U.S. Code, Title 30, Chapter I, Subchapter B, Part 11. These and other regulations also appear in the Schedules of the Bureau of Mines. New Mexico "1805. All underground workers and all persons allowed below the collar of the shaft shall be compelled to wear protective hats or caps. 1806. All underground workers shall equip themselves with goggles and shall wear them when starting machine drill holes, drilling hitches, breaking boulders, picking, barring down, blowing out holes, loading upper holes, pulling chutes, cutting samples, or doing similar work and as further directed by the operator." (A 16.3.1933) 4. EMPLOYMENT OF W O M E N AND JUVENILES UNDERGROUND BELGIUM Boys under 14 and women may not be employed in underground workings (33). (A 5.6.1911) 39 604 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS CANADA Alberta " 1 1 . (1 ) No male under the age of 17 years, and no female of any age, shall be employed or permitted to be in or about a mine for the purpose of employment, and every manager shall on the request of an inspector produce a copy of certificate of birth or an affidavit or statutory declaration made by some person having knowledge of the facts, setting forth the age of any boy employed in or about any mine. Provided always t h a t nothing herein contained shall prevent the employment of any person engaged in the performance of clerical work, or in performing domestic duties in any hotel, boarding house or residence in connection with a mine." (A 1945) FRANCE Girls and women may not be employed in the underground workings of mines (55). Public administrative regulations 1 will determine the special conditions for the employment of boys of from 13 to 18 years of age in underground workings (56). „ , „ _. . B x ' (Latour Code) GERMANY "311. (1) Young persons shall not be employed on a piece-rate basis Gedinge). (2) Young persons under 16 years of age shall not be employed underground." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) (im NETHERLANDS Young persons under the age of 16 years and women may not perform any work in the underground workings (189). Persons under 20 years of age may not be employed as repairers in shafts, man-winding staple pits and other staple pits, or at places in the underground workings where the temperature exceeds 30° C (192). (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA Boys apparently under the age of 16, and women may not be employed underground (8). (A 15.4.1911) UNITED KINGDOM A young person may not be employed at a mine to lift, carry or move a load so heavy as to be likely to cause injury to him (93). No female may be employed below ground at a mine. After such date as may be prescribed by order of the Minister in relation to mines of any class, no male young person who has not attained the age of 16 may be employed below ground in a mine of that class except for the purpose or receiving instruction of such description as may be prescribed <124>(A 1954) 1 These regulations are contained in a decree of 3 May 1893. 5. SHAFT MAINTENANCE AND BEPAIES 605 UNITED STATES Federal An Order of 1 August 1940 issued under the Pair Labor Standards Act of 1938 by the Children's Bureau of the Department of Labor declares that, with a few exceptions, all occupations in or about coal mines are particularly hazardous for the employment of minors between 16 and 18 years of age. The practical effect of this order is to exclude such minors from the occupations in question. Illinois No boy under the age of 16 and no women or girls may do any manual work in or about any mine (28). (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania No boy under the age of 16 and no woman or girl of any age may be employed in or about any mine and no boy under the age of 18 may be permitted to mine or load coal unless in company with an experienced person over 18 years of age (1). (A 9.6.1911, art. XVIII) 5. SHAFT MAINTENANCE AND R E P A I R S FRANCE "63. For shaft repairs the cage, bucket or working platform shall be so arranged as to secure the workers against the risk of falls. I n default of a satisfactory device, no repair work shall be carried out without the use of safety belts." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "16. (1) The winches of mobile shaft platforms (cradles) shall be power driven. The enginemen shall be tested by the manager. (2) When a mobile platform is being moved the engineman shall be accompanied by another reliable man who operates the blocking devices on the winch. 17. Fixed working platforms in shafts shall have a safety factor of at least seven in relation to the maximum load. If wood is used it shall be specially examined by the competent supervisory official. 20. The walls of the shaft shall be regularly inspected. The inspection procedure shall be fixed in detail by the manager." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "4. "Repairs on or at the top loading place of a staple pit or raise, less than 1 m from the shaft opening, shall be carried out only after the opening has been temporarily protected, unless the staple pit or raise is closed off by the cage standing at the loading place." (IGR 23) 606 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS UNITED STATES Federal "Article VII. Transportation 2. Cages, shafts, slopes, and surface inclines (f) Workmen shall wear safety belts while doing work in or over shafts. When men are working in the shaft, a qualified attendant shall be on duty a t the cage station designated by the supervisor in charge." (FMC 1953) New Mexico "1801. (a) Solitary employment on shaft retimbering or shaft repair work is forbidden." (A 16.3.1933) 6. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST F A L L S OF P E R S O N S AND O B J E C T S 1 FRANCE "92. Personnel travelling or working at the foot of steep dips or chutes shall be protected against the fall of objects of any kind." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "12. (1) The openings and approaches of all mine workings with a gradient of more than 30°—except face workings—shall be so fenced off that no one can inadvertently enter them. (2) Shafts shall be so enclosed up to a height of 2 m above the landing level that no one can lean over into the winding shaft or enter the enclosed space without undoing the lock. 13. (1) Loose objects such as tools, timber and stones shall be kept at such distance from vertical and inclined mine workings that they cannot fall in. (2) The supports of such workings shall, when necessary, be cleared of such loose objects. 14. (1) Coal and waste bunkers, chutes and the delivery ends of conveyors and the like shall be so arranged that no one can be endangered by coal, waste or other objects falling out. (2) If coal or waste bunkers or chutes that are not empty have to be entered this shall be done only if special precautions are taken and if a second competent person is present. 15. I n the winning of steep seams the workplaces shall be specially protected against falling pieces of coal and stone." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "68. (1) On work in shafts, staple pits, raises, hoppers and boilers, the workers shall be safely attached to suitable belts, unless adequately stout ladders or working platforms are installed. 1 For fencing ol shafts and staple pits see also Chapter X, Division 3. For personal protective equipment see Division 3 of this chapter. 6. PBECAimONS AGAE5TST FALLS 607 (2) On work of some duration, adequately stout ladders or platforms shall always be installed in so far as this is possible. (3) During work in or under the compartments of a shaft, staple pit or raise in which transport is carried on, the transport shall be stopped unless adequate measures are taken to protect the workers against falling objects." (MR 1939) " 5 . The platform in use in the driving of a raise which serves as a passageway from the ladder compartment to the rock chute and from there to the working face shall be close-planked throughout when material is not being raised." (IGR 23) SOUTH AFRICA. Every entrance to every vertical or steeply inclined shaft or winze, and every entrance to every sump, shoot or other dangerous place must be kept properly fenced off by means of a barrier or gate or adequately covered, and every shaft station must be properly fenced off from the shaft. The barrier, gate, etc., may be temporarily removed for the purposes of repairs or other operations if proper precautions are taken for the safety of persons. At the bottom of every vertical shaft used for the raising or lowering of material or persons, horizontal bars, not more than 4 ft. 6 in. nor less than 2 ft. 6 in. above the floor level, or other approved arrangements, must be provided, so as to check the free passage of persons underneath or through the cage or other conveyance in use at such shaft. Where any such shaft, winze, sump, shoot, etc., or any steeply inclined stope opens directly into a travelling road, such road and any working place situated on its lower or " d i p " side must be securely fenced off so that persons working or travelling therein are protected against danger from stones or material falling down (8). Tools, wood, or any loose articles must not be laid down or be allowed to remain in such proximity to the mouth of any entrance to shafts, winzes or stopes, whether vertical or steeply inclined, as may result in their falling into them (11). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED STATES Federal "101 Stairs, platforms, and dangerous walks in or about a mine or stripping operation shall be provided with rails, fences, and gates, as may be appropriate, and safe travelling ways shall be maintained from the mine to the camp, town, or highway. 102. The lessee shall substantially fill in, protect, or close all surface openings, subsidence holes, or workings situated where persons or animals are likely to be injured or be endangered by accumulation of gas, shall maintain all such protective means or coverings in a secure condition during the term of the lease, and before termination of a lease shall close all such openings in a permanent manner." (R 23.12.1937) New Mexico "1804. . . . Stairs, platforms and dangerous walks in or about the mine shall be provided with rails, fences and gates." (A 16.3.1933) 608 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS 7. CHECKING OF W O R K E R S BELGIUM For every mine a daily record must be kept of the workers employed underground (68). (R 28.4.Í884) CANADA Alberta "11. The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall appoint a competent person to keep in a book, which shall be kept at the mine for the purpose, a correct record of the name or number of each person going below ground and returning from below ground on each shift, and every person shall, immediately before going below ground and immediately after returning from below ground, report his presence to such person." (R 1945) FRANCE Every mine must keep an exact daily record of the workers employed both underground and on the surface. This record must be initialled by the mayor every month, and countersigned by the inspectors of mines on the occasions of their visits (27). On the occasion of every visit the inspectors of mines must verify the checking of the workers. The mayor of the commune may undertake this verification when he thinks fit, and especially when there may be some reason to believe t h a t the workers are in some danger (28). (D 3.1.1813) GERMANY The manager must see t h a t a t all times the number and names of all workers underground can be determined (335). At the close of the shift, the shift overman must not leave the shaft before he has satisfied himself that none of his men have remained underground without his knowledge (336). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) SOUTH AFRICA A record must be kept in the office at every mine of all persons employed in and about the mine and of their places of residence (144). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM The manager must appoint a competent person or persons to keep a correct record of the number of persons going below ground and returning from below ground daily, and if required by the manager, every person must immediately before going below ground and after returning from below ground record his presence in accordance with a system approved by the Divisional Inspector (30). (R 10.7.1913) 609 8. ABANDONMENT OF MINES AND WORKINGS UNITED STATES Federal "100. (a) The lessee shall install a system of checking employees in and out of a mine whereby each employee may be identified, and shall keep a record of the local residence and working place in the mine of each underground employee." (R 23.12.1937) "Article XI. Miscellaneous 6. Checking system, (a) Each mine shall have a check-in and checkout system that will provide positive identification upon the person of every individual underground. Am accurate record of the men in the mine, which shall consist of a written record, a check board, or a time-clock record, shall be kept, on the surface in a place t h a t will not be affected in the event of an explosion. Said record shall bear a number identical to the identification check carried by the person underground." (FMC 1953) Illinois No mine employee may enter or leave a mine without indicating this fact by some suitable checking system provided by and under the control of the mine manager (23 (f)). (A 6.6.1911) New Mexico The operator of every underground coal mine must install a system of checking employees in and out whereby every employee is identified by means of a check. A record must be kept of underground miners and the position of every employee in the mine (1809). (A 16.3.1933) 8. ABANDONMENT or MINES AND WORKINGS CANADA Alberta " 9 6 . (1) No mine shall be abandoned by the owner thereof unless the agent, owner or manager thereof has given to the Director of Mines notice in writing of intention to abandon the mine and such abandonment shall not take place without the consent of the Minister. (2) When any mine is abandoned or the working thereof permanently discontinued, at whatever time the abandonment or discontinuance occurs it shall be the duty of the owner thereof and of every other person interested in the minerals of the mine to cause the top of every shaft and every entrance from the surface to be adequately protected by filling the shaft from bottom to top and packed with ashes, dirt or other debris to the satisfaction of the Director of Mines : (5) Where any slope, drift, tunnel or air-hole has been abandoned it shall be filled up with debris or other material at its mouth, or as otherwise prescribed by the District Inspector." fA 1945) 610 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS FRANCE " 140. I t shall be prohibited to enter unnecessarily places where the supports are not maintained and those from which the supports have been removed ; these places shall be effectively barred off. 141. Whenever necessary the roadways shall be packed before they are abandoned." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Abandoned or temporarily idle workings must be blocked up or so fenced off that no one can inadvertently enter them. They may be entered only by specially authorised supervisory officials or in the presence of these officials, and by the firedamp men (Wettermänner) (8). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 131. Whenever all the underground workings or one or more districts of a seam are abandoned for good or for more than six months, the InspectorGeneral of Mines shall, as far as possible, be notified thereof in writing one month in advance. 132. I t shall be prohibited to abandon parts of the underground workings before a survey and a plan have been made and the measurements entered in the survey register. 133. Sections 131 and 132 shall not apply if it is dangerous to remain longer at the place ; in that case the unsurveyed parts shall, immediately after abandonment, be recorded on the horizontal plan as accurately as possible from the statements of the persons who were last at the place, and a corresponding entry shall be made in the survey register. 134. Whenever the provisions of sections 131, 132 and 133 are not complied with, on the order of the Inspector-General of Mines the abandoned parts to be specified by him shall, in so far as they are accessible, be made accessible again. 135. (1) Temporarily and permanently abandoned parts of the underground workings which may have remained accessible shall be adequately ventilated or otherwise be so closed off that they cannot be entered unless special measures are taken. At all approaches to abandoned parts, a wooden board or cross shall be placed bearing the inscription 'Entry Prohibited '. (2) Unauthorised persons shall be prohibited from entering these parts. (3) On the abandonment of parts of the underground workings, adequate measures shall be taken as regards ventilation and to prevent the escape of dangerous gases or inrushes of water." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA All underground entrances to shafts, or other dangerous places which are temporarily or permanently abandoned, must be securely fenced off, and no person m a y cross any such fencing without authorisation (9). (R 11.8.1937) UNITED KINGDOM Every entrance from a road in a mine t o a part of a mine which, for the time being, is not maintained in a state fit for persons to work in or 9. UNAUTHORISED, SICK AND INTOXICATED PERSONS 611 pass through, must be provided with an efficient enclosure or barrier, so designed and constructed as to prevent any person from accidentally entering that part of the mine. Every such enclosure or barrier must be properly maintained and, where an enclosure or barrier or any part of it is removable or is openable, the enclosure, barrier, or part must be kept securely in position or securely closed, save in so far as its removal or opening is authorised by the manager, an undermanager or a responsible official (33). As a general rule the owner of every abandoned mine, and every mine that has not been worked for 12 months, has to secure t h a t the surface entrance to every shaft and outlet thereof is provided with an efficient enclosure, barrier or plug so as to prevent any person from accidentally falling down the shaft or entering the outlet, and that every device so provided is properly maintained (loi). (A 1954) UNITED STATES Federal " 67. All worked-out areas or areas abandoned permanently or temporarily that cannot be so ventilated as to prevent the accumulation of explosive and noxious gases or that cannot be inspected daily by duly authorised mine officials, and all unused openings into adjacent mines shall be sealed off by fireproof stoppings constructed of strong concrete or masonry of solid, substantial character built to withstand a pressure of 60 lb. sq. in. on each side. If well constructed with good clean sand and gravel and hitched into the floor and sidewalls, the thickness should be not less than 1 in. for each foot of maximum span ; a minimum thickness of 12 in. is required. When workings are sealed a pipe with locked valve shall be so placed as to extend through the stopping, for the purpose of testing the gases behind the stopping, such tests to be made only by the foremen or mine examiners." (R 23.12.1937) " Article V. Ventilation and Mine Oases 9. Abandoned workings, (a) Abandoned workings shall be posted to warn unauthorised persons against entering the territory." (FMC 1953) Pennsylvania "Rule 26. Every abandoned slope, shaft, air-hole, or drift, shall, when so abandoned, be properly fenced around or across its whole entrance." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 9. UNAUTHORISED, SICK AND INTOXICATED PERSONS BELGIUM " 70. No person shall enter or be admitted to the workings if he is intoxicated or suffering from a disease or infirmity likely to endanger his life. No person not familiar with mining work shall enter the workings unless he has the permission of the manager and is accompanied by an experienced miner." (R 28.4.1884) 612 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS CANADA Alberta " 149 Rule 6. No person shall, without lawful authority, enter any mine, building or premises without first having obtained permission from the owner, agent or manager, overman or outside foreman. Rule 14. No person in a state of intoxication shall enter or be allowed to remain in or about any mine." (A 1945) FRANCE No worker m a y be admitted to the mine if he is intoxicated or ill ; and no outside person may be admitted without the permission of the operator or manager and unless he is accompanied by an overman (29). (D 3.1.1813) GERMANY Drunken persons may not enter the mine plant and may not be tolerated there. During working hours, including work breaks, alcoholic drinks may neither be brought in nor be consumed (3 (a)). Unauthorised persons may not enter the mine premises. The prohibition, with a reference to the present mining police regulations, must be posted up a t suitable places on notice-boards. Persons not employed in the mine may enter the premises only with the permission of the owner or his representative and only if accompanied by a responsible person (5). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "70 (5) I t shall be prohibited to bring alcoholic drinks into, or have them in one's possession in, the underground workings. 157. I t shall be prohibited to allow persons in the underground workings who are— (a) suffering from a physical or mental infirmity that could give rise to accidents ; (b) suffering from any illness which during their stay in the underground workings could easily be communicated to other persons ; (c) under the influence of alcoholic drink." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA No person in a state of intoxication, or in any other dangerous condition, may be allowed t o enter the mine, and no intoxicating liquor may be taken into any mine without the special permission of the manager, and no workman may have intoxicating liquor in his possession whilst at work (148). No unauthorised person may enter a mine (174). (R 11.8.1937) 10. SOLITARY EMPLOYMENT 613 UNITED KINGDOM No person may be in the mine in a state of intoxication, or without permission of the manager bring in any intoxicating liquor (27). (R 10.7.1913) UNITED STATES Illinois No person may enter or work in or about a mine while under the influence of intoxicants (23 (b)). (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania " Rule 1. No unauthorised person shall enter the mine without permission from the superintendent. Rule 2. No person in a state of intoxication shall go into or loiter about the mine." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 10. SOLITARY EMPLOYMENT CANADA Alberta "149 Rule 24. No men shall be employed a t a working face at such distance from some other employee that his cries in case of need, cannot be heard, unless he is in communication with another employee once every two hours." (A 1945) FRANCE "126. Failing an authorisation by the district inspector of mines, it shall be prohibited to make a worker work alone in places where, if an accident occurred, he would not very soon have someone to help him." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY "312. (1) Isolated workings shall not be occupied by one man alone. (2) Work at the face, in rises or other overhand workings, in shafts and carriage inclines shall only be done by one man alone when other men are within call. This shall also apply to the reconstruction of fallen-in places and for the withdrawal of timbering." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS "69. (1) At remote workplaces where only one man is appointed to work, suitable precautions shall be taken for his safety ; during every shift of such man the workplace shall be personally visited at least twice by a member of the supervisory staff. (2) The Inspector-General of Mines may, after consulting the mine manager, prohibit the appointment of a solitary worker at specified places or subject it to special conditions." (MR 1939) 614 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS "The employment of a solitary worker on coalgetting and preparation shifts in a seam with a gradient of more than 50°, or in raises, shall be prohibited." (IGR 36) 11. POSTING UP, E T C . , OF REGULATIONS CANADA Alberta "78. The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall at all times keep posted u p in a conspicuous and convenient place at the mine— (a) a notice setting out the name of the owner, agent and manager employed at the mine and of the District Inspector ; (b) a copy of this Act, and all regulations, rules and orders made pursuant hereto." (A 1945) " 2 . All regulations, rules and orders made under the Coal Mines Regulation Act shall be posted up in some conspicuous place at the mine, where they may be conveniently seen and read by any person, and so often as the same become defaced, obliterated or destroyed, the owner, agent or manager shall cause them to be renewed immediately." (R1945) FRANCE The mineowner must bring to the notice of all concerned the regulations and instructions issued by the mines administration for the safety and health of the personnel, and also the regulations and instructions drawn up by him for the same purpose and communicated to the district inspector of mines. The mineowner must hand over to all officials and workers, against receipt, a printed copy, brought up to date, of the regulations and instructions mentioned in the previous paragraph, or an extract from them relating to the employment and duties of the person concerned (15). (D 14.1.1909) GERMANY "343. The manager shall post up by way of notification to the workers— (a) such notices as are required by mines Acts or regulations ; (b) decisions of the mining authorities, as required by them in each case. 344. (1) On engagement every worker shall be handed an extract from the present Mining Police Regulations in booklet form against a written receipt.... (2) To this extract an offprint of sections 8 and 9 of the Act of 9 June 1884 concerning the illegal use of explosives 1 shall be attached. (3) A similar extract shall be posted up at a suitable place.! (4) Every supervisory official and the members of the Works Council shall be handed against a written receipt a copy of the entire Mining Police Regulations." (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 1 1 . An abstract of the present regulations and of the supplementary rules in which, in the opinion of the Inspector-General of Mines, those 1 Not reproduced. 12. GENERAL REGISTERS 615 provisions are reproduced which are of particular importance for the workers or special groups of workers, shall be issued to each worker concerned upon engagement or upon appointment to such group, in so far as a t the time they do not already appear to be in his possession." (MR 1939) SOUTH AFRICA An abstract of the regulations as specified must be posted up in suitable places at the mine and a correct copy of the regulations or of the abstract must be supplied at cost price to every employee (except illiterate persons) when engaged by the manager or his representative. Whenever the posted notice or copies become defaced, obliterated or destroyed, they must be renewed with all reasonable despatch (175). (R 11.6.1937) UNITED KINGDOM At all times at which persons are employed there must be provided at or near every mine suitable covered accommodation in which must be provided at all times a copy of the Act and all instruments in force with respect to the mine, such as orders made under the Act, regulations, transport rules and support rules; and all persons employed a t the mine are entitled to have access to the accommodation for the purpose of inspecting the documents in question (135). There must be conspicuously posted at every mine notices of (a) the name of the mine, the names and addresses of the owner and the manager or managers, (b) the name and address of the district inspector, (c) the situation of the accommodation referred to in section 135, (d) the making of any regulation affecting the mine and (e) the serving of any notice on a responsible person by an inspector (136). UNITED STATES Illinois Every operator must post, at some conspicuous point at the entrance to the mine and in a convenient manner, rules not inconsistent with the rnining regulations, and these rules govern all persons working in the mine (23 (d)). (A 6.6.1911) Pennsylvania Every workman when first employed must have his attention directed by the mine foreman or his assistant to the general and special rules contained in the mining regulations. These rules must be posted at a conspicuous place at or near the main entrance to the mine (Rule 6). (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 12. GENERAL REGISTERS CANADA Alberta All prescribed books must be provided by the owner, agent or manager, and the originals or copies must be kept at the mine office or other suitable place, and an inspector, or any person employed at the mine or authorised in writing by the Director of Mines, may at all reasonable times inspect and take extracts or copies from such books. 616 XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS Every report required to be recorded in a prescribed book must be countersigned by the manager within three days after the report is made (74). Books or copies thereof need not be kept for more than 12 months after they have ceased to be used for prescribed entries (75). The owner, agent or manager must keep in the mine office a book in which must be entered prescribed particulars of the persons employed at the mine and the checking in and out of persons employed (76). The owner, agent or manager must provide suitable books for entering prescribed records and must cause such records to be entered in them (77). (A 1945) FRANCE "326. The register showing the advancement of the working required by section 6 of the decree of 3 January 1813 1 shall mention in particular the method of working and with the date, the beginning and the degree of advancement of the workings, variations in the lie of the deposit, the measurements of water, the situation, nature and magnitude of emanations of gas, fires or cases of spontaneous combustion and the measures taken t o fight them, and the circumstances and conditions of abandonment of shafts, roadways and districts." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY The manager must keep a mine register (Zechenbuch) in accordance with instructions from the Divisional Mining Office. The manager must immediately notify entries to the supervisory officials. These must confirm the notification in writing. The confirmations must be kept on record (342). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) NETHERLANDS " 8 . At every mine and sinking pit the following shall be regularly kept available— (a) a mine register in which the officials of the State Mines Inspectorate shall record their inspections, together with the observations to which these inspections have given rise ; (b) a personnel register, whether or not on a card system, which for every person employed at the mine shall contain— (i) the work number, name and Christian names ; (ii) the dates of birth, engagement and departure ; (iii) an exact description of his occupation ; (iv) the date and nature of the medical certificate required by the present regulations." (MR 1939) UNITED KINGDOM Every prescribed book provided by the mineowner must be in such form as the Minister may direct. Every entry in such book, or a copy thereof, must be kept a t the mine office or at another place approved by an inspector and preserved there for 12 months or for such other period as may be prescribed, and must be open to inspection by any person employed at the mine or a person duly authorised by such person (133). (A 1954) 1 See Chapter II, Division 1. 13. EXEMPTIONS 617 UNITED STATES Pennsylvania The superintendent must keep at the mine a supply of the printed rules, notices and record books required by law, which must be furnished through the district inspector on the written request of the superintendent. The superintendent must see that these rules, notices and books are delivered to the proper persons at the mine and that they are properly cared for (4). (A 9.6.1911, art. Ill) 13. EXEMPTIONS FRANCE "327. (1) Exemptions from the provisions of the present regulations and authorisations which are explicitly stated to be within the discretion of the local inspection authority shall be granted by the prefect or b y the district inspector of mines appointed by the prefect for this purpose. (2) Independently of these exemptions the prefect may, on the advice of the district inspector of mines, grant any other exemption from the provisions of the present regulations, but the decisions granting such exemptions shall come into force only when approved by the Minister after consulting the General Mines Council. (3) If applications for exemptions refer to installations existing before the present decree, these installations may remain provisionally without alteration until a final decision has been taken concerning the exemption. (4) In emergencies resulting from fortuitous circumstances the operator may disregard provisions of the present regulations after taking, in agreement with the district inspector of mines, the absolutely necessary measures to ensure safety. If it is impossible for him to reach the district inspector of mines in time the operator shall act on his own responsibility, provided t h a t he informs the district inspector of mines as soon as possible of the measures taken. In either case the operator shall immediately inform the workmen's examiner. (5) Exemptions of a general character and for a limited period may be granted by ministerial order after consultation with the General Mines Council." (R 4.5.1951) GERMANY Exceptions from the present regulations may be authorised on the request of the mineowner, by the Divisional Mining Office, unless the district inspector is competent. Authorisations and exceptions must be issued in writing ; if they are revocable or temporary or subject to other restrictions this must be specially mentioned (346). (R 1.5.1935 (Dortmund)) SOUTH AFRICA Whenever the circumstances at any mine are such as to render any provision of the regulations inapplicable or unduly onerous, or whenever it is necessary for the purpose of carrying out experiments or tests as t o the XXVI. MISCELLANEOUS 618 expediency of a n y regulation or proposed regulation, the Inspector of Mines, with the approval of the Government Mining Engineer, may grant exemption from such provision under such conditions as he may determine (166 (1)). (R 11.8.1937) 14. OTHER R U L E S CANADA Alberta "82. (1) Every entrance to any place below ground in a mine not in actual use or in the course of working and extension, shall be properly fenced around the whole width of such entrance so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering the same. 149 Rule 23. No person shall sleep whilst below ground, or whilst in charge of any winding, hauling, ventilating, pumping or signalling machinery apparatus." (A 1945) "16. (a) Where the workings of a mine approach within 2,000 ft. of a borehole drilled or being drilled for petroleum, natural gas or other minerals, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall— (i) keep in the office at the mine a correct plan of the mine, or copy thereof, on the same scale as the plan used at the mine, showing the position of the workings of the mine in relation to the borehole and the projected workings ; (ii) forward to the Director of Mines a copy of the plan as soon as the workings so approach within 2,000 ft. of the borehole and a copy of any amendments, additions or extensions to the plan as soon as they are made ; and (iii) comply with all the requirements of the Director of Mines relating to the safety of the workers in the mine, and of the mine, and of the conservation of coal resources. (b) No coal shall be mined within 300 ft. of a borehole, or such other distance as the Director of Mines may prescribe in a particular case." (R 1945) NETHERLANDS "192 (2) Persons under 20 years of age shall not be e m p l o y e d . . . at places in the underground workings where the temperature exceeds 30° C. 194. At places where the temperature is 35° C or more, except with the authorisation of the Inspector-General of Mines, persons shall only remain in cases of necessity or of imminent danger." (MR 1939) UNITED STATES Federal "Article XI. Miscellaneous 2. Oil and gas wells, (a) (Section 209 (h) (1)—Title II.) The drilling and sealing of oil and gas wells penetrating coal beds or underground workings of mines shall be done in compliance with state statutes. 14. OTHEB, EITLES 619 4. Mine openings and escapeways (h) Good housekeeping shall be practised underground." (FMG 1953) Pennsylvania "Rule 29. No steam pipes, through which high pressure steam is conveyed for the purpose of driving pumps or other machinery, shall be laid on travelling or haulageways, unless they are encased in asbestos or some other suitable non-conducting material, or so placed t h a t the radiation of heat into the atmosphere of the mine will be prevented as far as possible." (A 9.6.1911, art. XXV) 40 APPENDIX LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS The present list comprises all the laws, regulations, instructions and other texts, having the force of law, reproduced, summarised or mentioned in the present volume. To facilitate reference the items have been grouped under headings corresponding to those of the chapters in which they first appear. Except where otherwise stated the source for Belgium is : Règlements et instructions sur la'policedes mines, d'après feu Ad. Breyre, 11th edition, by G. PAQUES (Brussels-Ixelles, Editions techniques et scientifiques Eobert Louis, 1947). The Alberta regulations have been collected in a volume published by the Alberta Department of Mines and Minerals, Edmonton, and entitled : The Coal Mines Regulations Act (Edmonton, A. Shnitka, 194:9). Most of the French texts dealt with up to 1939 will be found in a compilation published by the Comité central des Houillères de France and entitled : Législation minière et législation ouvrière, 8th edition (Paris, 1939). The regulations of 4 May 1951, together with supplementary orders and circulars have been published in the form of pamphlets by the Ministère de l'Industrie et de l'Energie, Direction des mines et de la sidérurgie, under the title : Règlements généraux sur l'exploitation des mines de combustibles minéraux solides (Paris, Imprimerie nationale, 1951). As regards Germany the main code of safety regulations for the Dortmund Division has been published in booklet form under the title : Bergpolizeiverordnung für die Steinkohlenbergwerke im Verwaltungsbezirk des Oberbergamts in Dortmund vom 1. Mai 1935 (Dortmund, Hermann BeUmann, 1953). A volume of supplementary orders, instructions and circulars for the Dortmund Division, edited by Dr. Ing. Nehring, has also been published under the title : Sammlung wichtiger bergpolizeilicher Bestimmungen für den Oberbergamtsbezirk Dortmund (Dortmund, Hermann Bellmann, 1939). The Netherlands regulations have appeared in three volumes, as follows : Mijnreglement 1939 en Electrotechnisch Mijnreglement 1947 ; Electrotechnische VoorSchriften uitgevaardigd door den InspecteurOeneraal der Mijnen (Maastricht, Leiter-Nypels, 1942) ; and Voorschriften vastgesteld door den Inspecteur- Generaal der Mijnen en Model-Reglementen en -Instructies voor het Personeel der Mijnen. The South African texts will be found in Handbook of the Mines and Works Act of the Union (No. 12 of 1911) and the Mines, Works and Machinery Regulations (1911) (Johannesburg, Hortors Ltd., 1952). LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 621 The United Kingdom regulations u p to 1953 are collected together in Goal Mines Act, 1911 : Regulations and Orders Relating to Safety and Health (Ministry of Fuel and Power) (London, H.M. Stationery Office, 1953). Subsequent regulations h a v e been published b y H.M. Stationery Office as Statutory Instruments. For t h e United States t h e federal t e x t s have been t a k e n mainly from two booklets issued b y the Department of t h e Interior, namely : Federal Mine Safety Code for Bituminous-Coal and Lignite Mines of the United States, P a r t I : Underground Mines (Bureau of Mines) (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1953) ; and Operating Regulations to Govern Coal-Mining Methods and the Safety and Welfare of Miners on Leased Lands on the Public Domain (Geological Survey) (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1938). The main sources for Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania are as follows : General Mining Laws, Revised Edition, July 1951 (Springfield, Illinois, Department of Mines and Minerals, 1951) ; Mining Laws of New Mexico (Albuquerque, New Mexico, S t a t e Inspector of Mines, 1951) ; and Bituminous Mining Laws of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Department of Mines, 1950). The following abbreviations have been used in the list : AMB = Annales des Mines de Belgique. DDMO = Dortmund Divisional Mining Office. IGR = Inspector-General's Regulations. JO = Journal officiel. MB = Moniteur belge. MR = Mines Regulations. O in C = Order in Council. SI = Statutory Instrument. SR and O = Statutory Rules and Orders. VDE = Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker. ZBHS = Zeitschrift für das Berg-, Hütten- und Salinenwesen im Deutschen Reich (formerly . . . im Preussischen Staat). GENERAL BELGIUM Consolidated Text of the Mines Acts (Royal Order of 15 September 1929). General Regulations of 28 April 1884, amended to 1954. General Regulations for Mines and Underground Quarries. Royal Order of 5 May 1919, amended to 1954. CANADA AIBerla The Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945 (consolidated text), 1949. Regulations made pursuant to the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 27 August 1945, amended to 1954. 822 APPENDIX , FRANCE Act of 21 April 1810 concerning mines and quarries (amended on several occasions). Decree of 3 J a n u a r y 1813 issuing mining regulations. Decree of 14 January 1909 issuing mining regulations. Decree No. 51-508 issuing general regulations for the operation of rnines of solid mineral fuel, 4 May 1951. (JO, 6 May 1951, p . 4696.) GERMANY General Mines Act (Prussia) of 24 June 1865.1 Mining regulations for hard-coal mines in the administrative area of the Prussian Divisional Mining Office in Dortmund. 1 May 1935 (amended to 1 May 1953). NETHERLANDS Decree to repeal the Mines Regulations, 1906, and to issue public administrative regulations under section 9 (1) of the Mines Act, 1903. 2 December 1939 (Staatsblad 1939, No. 568). Amended to 6 December 1946 (Staatsblad G349.) Regulations made by the Inspector-General of Mines and Model Rules and Instructions for Mine Personnel. SOUTH AFRICA Mines and Works Act, 15 April 1911 (amended to 1952). Regulations under the Mines and Works Act, 1911, 11 August 1937 (amended to date). UNITED KINGDOM Mines and Quarries Act, 1954. General Regulations of 10 July 1913 (SR and 0,1913, No. 748) (amended to date). General Regulations of 30 July 1920 (SR and O, 1920, No. 1423). General Regulations of 8 August 1938 (SR and O, 1938, No. 797). UNITED STATES Federal Operating regulations to govern coal-mining methods and the safety and 'welfare of miners on leased lands on the public domain. 23 December 1937. Department of Labor, Children's Bureau, Order No. 3, Coal-Mine Occupations, 1 August 1940. Federal Mine Safety Code for bituminous-coal and lignite mines of the United States, 8 October 1953. Illinois Act to revise the laws in relation to coal mines and subjects relating thereto, and providing for the health and safety of persons employed therein. Approved 6 J u n e 1911 (amended to July 1951). 1 Das Preussische Berlin, 1935). Berggesetz, edited b y Wilhelm G R O T E F E N D (Carl H e y m a n s Verlag, LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 623 New Mexico Act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about mines, etc. Approved 16 March 1933. Pennsylvania Act to establish a Department of Mines in Pennsylvania. Approved 14 April 1903. Act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the bituminous coal mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith. Approved 9 June 1911 (amended on numerous occasions). MEANS OF ACCESS AND E G R E S S BELGIUM Royal Order of 10 December 1910 concerning means of access, shafts, and the travel of workers in shafts (amended on various occasions). NETHERLANDS IGR 21, under MR sections 43 and 44 : Ladders in shafts, staple pits and raises. MINE PLANS AND SURVEYORS BELGIUM Royal Order regulating the use of the title and the exercise of the profession of mine surveyor. 22 November 1939. (AMB, 1939, p . 8583.) Amended 23 June 1947. (AMB, 1947-48, p . 387.) UNITED KINGDOM The Coal-Mines (Surveyors and Plans) General Regulations, 1952. 20 October 1952. (SR and O, 1952, No. 1846.) The Coal Mines (Plans) Rules, 1952. 9 December 1952. (SI, 1952, No. 2127.) Mining Examinations (Surveyors) Rules, 1952. EXPLOSIVES AND SHOTFIRING BELGIUM General Regulations of 29 October 1894 concerning explosives. Royal Order of 24 April 1920 concerning explosives (amended on numerous occasions). Ministerial Order of 14 August 1930 concerning sheathed explosives. CANADA Alberta Regulations covering care and use of explosives, made pursuant to section 175 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945. 624 APPENDIX FRANCE Order determining the special conditions for the use of explosives in fiery and dusty mines. 2 November 1951. (JO, 4 November 1951, p. 10964.) Order determining the general conditions for the use of delay-action detonators. 3 November 1951. (JO, 4 November 1951, p . 10965.) Order issuing regulations for the use of Cardox shells B37 and F57 in mines of solid mineral fuel. 4 November 1951. (JO. 6 November 1951, p. 11007). GERMANY Police Order of the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and the Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour concerning the sale of explosives and ignition appliances to mines. 13 December 1934. (ZBHS, 1934, p. 377.) Guide for the enforcement of the Police Order of 13 December 1934 concerning the sale of explosives and ignition appliances to mines. 1934. DDMO. Principles for the testing and repair of electric exploders in mines. 1936. DDMO. Principles for the approval of underground explosives magazines and the determination of the maximum quantities to be stored under section 181 of t h e Mining Regulations of 1 May 1935. 17 January 1936. DDMO. Training plan for persons to be entrusted with shot firing. 29 January 1936. Decree of the (Federal) Minister of Economic Affairs respecting the testing and repairing of electrical shotfiring machines. 3 November 1936. (ZBHS, 1936, p . 453.) DDMO. Guiding principles for shotfiring. 7 December 1937. DDMO. Rules for simultaneous shotfiring. 20 April 1938. DDMO. Principles concerning shotfiring with sheathed permitted explosives. 15 February 1939. DDMO. Instructions concerning shotfiring in mines and parts of mines to which shotfiring tables I and I I respectively apply. 1 July 1953. NETHERLANDS IGR 52, under MR section 142 : Underground magazines for explosives. IGR 53, under MR section 142 : Underground issuing magazines for explosives. IGR 54, under MR section 142 : Underground auxiliary magazines for explosives. IGR 55, under MR section 150 : The use of explosives and ignition appliances (shotfiring regulations). UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (Cardox and Hydrox) Order, 9 April 1941. (SR and O 1941, No. 513.) Amended 13 November 1945 (SR and O, 1945, No. 1468). The Coal Mines (Explosives) Order, 1951. Made 17 September 1951. (SI 1951, No. 1675.) UNITED STATES Federal U.S. Code. Title 30. Chapter I, Sub-Chapter B, Part 16. Explosives used in Coal Mines. Effective 1 June 1938. U.S. Code. Title 30. Chapter I, Sub-Chapter B, Part 17. Blasting Devices. Effective 1 June 1938. LIST OF LAWS AND BEGTJLATIONS 625 Illinois Act to amend an Act entitled "An Act providing that operators of mines shall furnish shotfirers in mines where shooting and blasting is done". Approved 18 May 1905 (amended 1 July 1921). Act to promote the safety of persons and property in coal mines by regulating the character of black blasting powder sold to be used in coal mines. Approved 7 June 1911. Act concerning permissible explosives. Approved 26 June 1913. Pennsylvania Act providing for the examination and certification of and regulating the employment of shotfirers and mining machine runners employed in gaseous bituminous coal mines, etc. Approved 25 June 1937. R O O F CONTROL : STTPPOETS BELGIUM Royal Order concerning supports and roof control in coal mines. 16 December 1953. (MB, 15 January 1954.) GERMANY DDMO. Principles for the prevention of falls of ground and coal. 1 March 1927. DDMO. Principles for the authorisation, in connection with the plan of operation, of the packing of dummy roads. 8 November 1937. DDMO. Principles for the authorisation of caving in connection with the plan of operation. 31 July 1953. NETHERLANDS IGR 30, under MR section 62 : Forepoling. IGR 30a, under MR section 62, subsection 1 : Robbing of timbering. IGR 31, under MR section 62, subsection 1 : Room and pillar working on end or on face with packing and room and pillar working with caving. UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (Support of Roof and Sides) General Regulations, 1947. 17 May 1947. (SR and O, 1947, No. 973.) HAULAGE BELGIUM Royal Order regulating the use of explosion or internal-combustion engines in mines and underground quarries. 19 May 1952. (MB, 12 J u n e 1952, p . 4462.) CANADA Alherta Regulations for trolley-locomotive installations, 1949. Regulations for the operation of battery locomotives underground in mines, 1949. 626 APPENDIX Regulations governing the use of diesel locomotives in coal mines, 24 August 1953. (Alberta Gazette, 15 September 1953, p . 1514.) FRANCE Rules for the approval of appliances intended to operate in an atmosphere containing firedamp : IV. Diesel locomotives. 29 May 1946. (Annales des Mines, 1948-IV, p . x.) GERMANY DDMO. Conditions for the approval of the construction and operation of electrical trolley haulage installations underground. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for approval of the operation of electric-battery locomotives (gathering locomotives). 1939. DDMO. Conditions for approval of the operation of combined trolley and battery locomotives. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for approval of the use of compressed-air locomotives underground. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for approval of the use of compressed-air locomotives (gathering locomotives) underground. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for the authorisation of types of diesel mine locomotives. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for the approval of the use of diesel locomotives underground. 1939. NETHERLANDS IGR 13, under MR sections 35 and 38 : Fastening of haulage ropes on drums. IGR 16, under MR section 38 : Belt conveyors in haulage roads. IGR 17, under MR section 38 : Protection of workers employed in rooms. IGR 38, under MR sections 74 and 82 : Underground horizontal transport of material b y means of an endless rope or chain in double-track roads or stone-drifts. IGR 39, under MR section 82 : Underground horizontal transport by means of electric trolley-locomotives. IGR 40, under MR section 82 : Underground horizontal transport of material in roads and stone-drifts by means of one or more winches. IGR 41, under MR section 82 : Transport of material in inclines and dips. IGR 42, under MR sections 82 and 83 : Underground horizontal transport b y means of locomotives. IGR 47, under MR section 102 : Permanent lighting of sidings near raises, staple pits, inclines, etc. UNITED KINGDOM General Regulations (Winding and Haulage) of 2 March 1937. (SR and O, 1937, No. 143.) The Coal Mines (Winding and Haulage) General Regulations, 1948, 18 February 1948. (SI, 1948, No. 302.) The Coal Mines (Locomotives) General Regulations, 24 March 1949. (SI, 1949, No. 530.) LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 627 TRAVEL OF W O R K E R S ON R O A D S AND INCLINES NETHERLANDS IGR 18, under MR sections 38 and 71, subsection 2 : Separation of lateral footpaths in inclines and dips. IGR 37, under MR sections 71 and 72 : Travel of persons in haulage inclines. IGR 43, under MR section 83 : Transport of persons underground by means of cycles on rail tracks. WINDING BELGIUM Royal Order of 10 December 1910 concerning means of access, shafts, and the travel of workers in shafts (amended on various occasions). GERMANY DDMO. Mining regulations for man-winding in the administrative area of the Prussian Divisional 1Mining Office in Dortmund. 21 July 1927 (amended 23 December 1936). DDMO. Regulations for man-winding in staples in the administrative area of the Divisional Mining Office in Dortmund. 1 October 1949. NETHERLANDS IGR 22, under MR section 44 : Enclosure of transport compartments in shafts, staple pits and raises. IGR 23, under MR sections 44 and 68 : Protection of workers employed in shafts, staple pits or raises or their loading places. IGR 24, under MR section 45 : Installation and use of winding installations for the conveyance of persons in shafts. IGR 27, under MR section 45 : Installation and use of winding installations for winding with skips in shafts with two winding compartments whenever for one of the winding compartments authorisation for man-winding has been granted, and during man-winding material winding with skips is carried on. IGR 28, under MR section 45 : Man-winding in staple pits. IGR 29, under MR section 45 : Man-winding in raises. UNITED KINGDOM General Regulations (Winding and Haulage) of 2 March 1937. (SR and O, 1937, No. 143.) The Coal Mines (Winding and Haulage) General Regulations of 18 February 1948. (SI No. 302. 1948.) 1 Bergpolizeiuerordnung far die Seilfahrt im Verwaltungsbezirk des Preussischen Oberbergamts zu Dortmund vom 21. Juli 1927123. Dezember 1936 (Berlin, Bernard and Graefe, 1937). 628 APPENDIX VENTILATION GERMANY DDMO. Conditions for the approval of the driving of raises without previously holing through. 5 May 1936. DDMO. Instructions concerning the training of ventilation overmen and examiners. 29 June 1954. NETHERLANDS I G B 19, under MR sections 38 and 84 : Perforated ends of air pipes. I G E 44, under MR sections 84 and 85 : Shaft fans. IGR 44a, under MR section 89, subsection 1, first sentence : Power-driven auxiliary fans and other air-propelling devices. IGR 46, under MR section 100, subsection 2 : Indication on the ventilation plans of places where firedamp is encountered. UNITED KINGDOM T h e Coal Mines (Ventilation) General Regulations, 1947. 17 May 1947. (SR and O, 1947, No. 974.) PRECAUTIONS AGAINST F I R E D A M P UNTIED KINGDOM General Regulations (Firedamp Detectors) of 6 March 1939. (SR and O, 1939, No. 322.) UNITED STATES U.S. Code. Title 30. Chapter 1, Sub-Chapter D, Part 21. Flame Safety Lamps. Effective 1 June 1938. U.S. Code. Title 30. Chapter 1, Sub-Chapter D, Part 22. Portable Methane Detectors. Effective 1 June 1938. P R É C A U T I O N S A G A I N S T COAL-DTJST CANADA Alberta Regulations in connection with rock-dusting. O in C No. 1432-45, 27 August 1945, as amended by O in C 773-48, 8 July 1948. GERMANY DDMO : Directives for the construction of stone-dust barriers. 1 July 1953. NETHERLANDS IGR 45, under MR section 96 : Stone-dust Barriers. LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 629 UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines General Regulations (Precautions against Coal-dust), 1939. 8 December 1939. (SR and O, 1939, No. 1803.) Order concerning consolidation of dust on road floors. 13 September 1948. LIGHTING BELGIUM Royal Order of 9 August 1904 concerning lighting, amended by Royal Orders of 1 April 1924 and 14 May 1937. Royal Order of 10 May 1919 concerning the lighting of fiery mines by portable electric lamps, amended by Royal Order of 14 May 1937. Ministerial Orders of 18 December 1937, 20 February 1938, 25 March 1938 and 15 October 1938 laying down specifications for flame safety lamps. GERMANY DDMO. Conditions for approval of electro-magnetic mine lamps with a compressed-air drive. 1939. NETHERLANDS IGR 47, under MR section 102 : Permanent lighting of sidings near raises, staple pits, inclines, etc. IGR 48, under MR section 103 : Petrol safety lamps. IGR 49, under MR section 103 : Electric mine handlamps. UNITED KINGDOM Safety Lamps (Relighting) Order of 20 December 1929. (SR and O, 1929, No. 1182). Amended by Order of 23 November 1938. (SR and O, 1938, No. 1408.) Deputies' and Shotfirers' (Safety Lamps) Order of 23 November 1938. (SR and O, 1938, No. 1410.) The Coal Mines (Lighting) General Regulations, 1947. 17 May 1947. (SR and O, 1947, No. 972.) The Coal Mines (Pneumatic Lighting Unit) Order of 17 August 1948. (SR and O, 1948, No. 1918.) The Coal Mines (Lighting and Contraband) General Regulations, 1949. 16 May 1949. (SI, 1949, No. 924.) PRECAUTIONS AGAINST I N R U S H E S OE W A T E R NETHERLANDS IGR 33, under MR section 67 : Inrushes of water and quicksand. UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (Shallow Workings and Dangerous Deposits) General Regulations, 1952. 20 October 1952. (SI, 1952, No. 1847.) 630 APPENDIX P R E V E N T I O N , EXTINCTION, E T C . , OF M I N E FIRES GERMANY DDMO. Principles for the use of cutting burners, welding appliances and soldering lamps underground. 17 March 1951. DDMO. Principles for the prevention and fighting of underground fires. 23 March 1951. NETHERLANDS IGR 19a, under MR sections 5 and 38 : Prevention of fire risks in mines. UNITED KINGDOM General Regulations of 8 August 1938. (SR and 0,1938, No. 797.) Part I. UNITED STATES Illinois Act to require fire-fighting equipment and other means for the prevention and controlling of fires and the prevention of loss of life from fires in coal mines. Approved 8 March 1910 (amended 5 July 1935). Pennsylvania Act to safeguard life in the coal mines of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and to protect and preserve the property connected therewith, by providing that all inside buildings shall be constructed of incombustible material, etc. Approved 15 June 1911. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS BELGIUM Royal Order concerning measures against dust in the underground workings of mines. 23 July 1954. (MB, 21 August 1954, p . 6890.) Ministerial Order concerning measures against dust in the underground workings of coal mines. 6 August 1954. (MB, 28 August 1954, p . 6013.) GERMANY Mining regulations of the Bonn Divisional Mining Office for the protection of health against injury from dust. 19 April 1950. NETHERLANDS IGR 32 under MR section 64 : Measures against dust in underground workings. UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (South Wales) (Pneumoconiosis) Order 1943. 8 December 1943. (SR and O, 1943, No. 1696.) LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 631 SHAFT-SINKING GERMANY DDMO : Instructions concerning the use of suspended platforms in shafts. 12 January 1940. NETHERLANDS IGR 20, under MR sections 38, 45 and 68, subsection 2 : Suspended and fixed platforms used in shaft-sinking. IGR 25, under MR section 45 : Suspended ladders for evacuation of shaft-sinking personnel in case of danger. IGR 26 under MR section 45 : Man-winding in sinking pits. IGR 34, under MR section 68, subsection 3 : Protective platforms used in sinking or deepening shafts. ELECTRICITY BELGIUM Royal Order of 7 August 1953 respecting the use of electricity in the underground workings and certain surface plants of mines and underground quarries. (MB, 6 September 1953, p . 5438.) CANADA Alberta Regulations covering electric installations and appliances in coal mines, 1948. FRANCE Rules for the approval of appliances intended to operate in an atmosphere containing firedamp : I. Electrical appliances ; I I . Intrinsically safe circuits ; spark-gap appliances ; I I I . Intrinsically safe circuits ; tests. 29 May 1946. (Annales des Mines, 1948—IV, p . x.) Order of 5 February 1952 concerning the posting of instructions in mines on the first aid to be administered to victims of electrical accidents. GERMANY DDMO. Requirements applying to surveying instruments with electric lighting equipment. 6 February 1930. DDMO. Principles for the authorisation of electrical equipment for fiery mine places. 13 April 1934. Order of the Prussian Minister of Economic Affairs and Labour concerning the use of electrical equipment in fiery parts of mines. 13 April 1934. (ZBHS, 1934, p. 94.) Regulations for the operation of electrical equipment underground in mines. (VDE 0119/1936. Reissued as D I N 57119, December 1948.) Regulations for the installation of electrical equipment underground in mines. (VDE 0118/1937.) Regulations for the construction of flameproof electrical machines, transformers and appliances. (VDE Ü170/1933.) DDMO. Principles for the supervision of electrical installations underground by electrical engineers, technically trained supervisors, and electricians. 28 July 1938. 632 APPENDIX DDMO. Conditions for approval of the installation and operation of lighting equipment for photography underground. 1939. DDMO. Conditions for approval of the installation and operation of electric searchlight equipment for locomotives underground. 1939. NETHERLANDS Electrotechnical regulations made by the Inspector-General of Mines. 1942. Decree issuing public administrative regulations concerning the electrical equipment of mines (Electrotechnical Mine Regulations, 1947). 21 May 1947. (Staatsblad, No. H 152.) Regulations for electrical equipment in relation to the risk of firedamp explosions, made by the Inspector-General of Mines, 1953 (VEMO). UNITED KINGDOM Telephone and signalling apparatus Order, 1938. 23 November 1938. (SR and 0 , 1938, No. 1407.) The Coal Mines (Lighting) General Regulations, 1947. 17 May 1947. (SR and O, 1947, No. 972.) The Coal Mines (Electricity) (Earthing Systems) General Regulations, 1953. 13 October 1953. (SI, 1953, No. 1509.) Draft Electricity Regulations. 1 UNITED STATES U.S. Code, Title 30, Chapter I, Sub-Chapter D— Part 18 : Junction Boxes and Electric Motor Driven Mine Equipment. Effective 1 J u n e 1938. P a r t 19 : Electric Cap Lamps. Effective 1 J u n e 1938. P a r t 20 : Electric Mine Lamps other than Cap Lamps. Effective 1 June 1938. Part 23 : Telephones for Coal Mines. Effective 1 June 1938. Part 24 : Single-shot Blasting Units. Effective 1 June 1938. P a r t 25 : Multiple-shot Blasting Units. Effective 1 June 1938. Illinois Act to regulate the use of electricity in the mines of the State of Illinois. Approved 24 J u n e 1921 (amended 26 June 1923). Pennsylvania Act providing for the examination and certification of, and regulating the employment of, mine electricians in bituminous coal mines, imposing duties upon the mine foremen's examining board, etc. Approved 25 June 1937. MACHINERY AND P L A N T BELGIUM Royal Order of 30 May 1919 concerning the use of steam apparatus in underground workings, amended by Royal Order of 29 September 1930. Royal Order of 6 September 1919 concerning the use of compressed-air receivers in mines, amended by Royal Order of 7 August 1931. 1 Mines Department : Report of the Committee on the Amendment of the General Regulations Governing the Use of Electricity in Mines under the Coal Mines Act, 1911 (London, H.M. Stationery Office, 1941) (reprinted 1951). LIST OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS 633 NETHERLANDS IGR 56, under MR section 154 : (A) Machines, Machine Parts, Engines, Tools, Boilers, Tanks and Other Appliances. (B) Cranes, Winches and Other Hoisting Machines. (C) Boilers, Tanks and Other Appliances. IGR 58, under MR section 156 : Shifting of coal-cutting machines. MANAGING OFFICIALS BELGIUM Royal Order of 15 July 1919 concerning the appointment of responsible officials. CANADA Alberta Rules made by the Board for certificates of competency 1945. Rules made by the Board for certificates of competency 1945. of Examiners for the conduct of examinations under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1 August of Examiners as to qualifications of applicants under the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1 August UNITED KINGDOM Mining Examinations (Certificates of Competency) Rules, 1933. 11 December 1933. (SR and O, 1933, No. 1166.) Amended by Rules of 16 July 1942. (SR and O, 1942, No. 1508.) Coal Mines (Mining Examinations and Certificates of Competency) Order, 1942. 6 July 1942. (SR and O, 1942, No. 1507.) Coal Mines (Mining Qualifications Board) General Regulations, 1950. 16 January 1950. (SI, 1950, No 77.) APPOINTMENT, QUALIFICATIONS AND D U T I E S OF VARIOUS GRADES OF MINEWORKERS BELGIUM Order of the Regent issuing general regulations on measures of occupational hygiene and health in mines and underground quarries, 25 September 1947. (MB, 1 October 1947.) CANADA Alberta Regulations for the guidance of District Boards of Examiners in the conduct of examinations for certificates of competency as coal miners, made pursuant to section 36 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1945. GERMANY Regulations under the General Mines Act, concerning supervisory officials. 13 October 1909. 634 APPENDIX DDMO. Principles, under section 325 (3) of the Mining Regulations for Hard Coal Mines of 1 May 1935, concerning the drawing-up of a training plan for hewers' apprentices. 14 May 1936. DDMO. Instructions concerning the training and employment of new workers in hard-coal mines. 27 May 1949. DDMO. Directives concerning medical examinations. 1 July 1953. SOUTH AFRICA The Silicosis Act, 1946. No. 47 of 1946. Assented to 20 June 1946. (Union of South Africa Government Gazette, Extraordinary, 5 July 1946.) Regulations promulgated under the Silicosis Act, 1946. Ño. 683, 14 April 1949. (Union of South Africa Government Gazette, 14 April 1949.) UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (Training) General Regulations, 28 September 1945. (SR and O, 1945, No. 1217.) The Coal Mines (Officials and Inspections) General Regulations, 1951. 11 May 1951. (SI, 1951, No. 848.) The Coal Mines (Medical Examinations) General Regulations, 1952. 29 November 1952. (SI, 1952, No. 2070.) The Coal Mines (Mechanics and Electricians) General Regulations, 1954. 6 May 1954. (SI, 1954, No. 594.) UNITED STATES Illinois Act to provide for the safety of persons employed in and about coal mines and to provide for the examination of persons seeking employment therein in order that only competent persons may be employed as miners and to create a board of examiners for this purpose. Approved 27 June 1913. Pennsylvania Act providing for the appointment of boards of examiners to examine applicants for certificates of qualification as mine foremen, assistant mine foremen and fire bosses in the bituminous coal mines of Pennsylvania, etc., 31 May 1923 (amended 7 April 1925 and 1 July 1937). Act prohibiting the employment of miners as herein defined in the bituminous coal mines unless certificated by a miners' examining board, providing for the appointment of such boards and defining their powers and duties, etc. Approved 29 April 1937. Act providing for the examination and certification of and regulating the employment of shotfirers and mining machine runners employed in gaseous bituminous coal mines, etc. Approved 25 June 1937. Act concerning the certification of mine foremen, assistant mine foremen and fire bosses. Approved 3 June 1943. Act to amend the Act of 29 April 1937 concerning minors' examining boards. Approved 3 June 1943. NOTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION OF ACCIDENTS, E T C . BELGIUM Royal Order of 20 December 1904 concerning the reporting of accidents. Ministerial Order issuing general recommendations concerning the information to be furnished on accident report forms. 21 April 1949. LIST OP LAWS AND BEGT7LATIONS 635 UNITED KINGDOM Order respecting the reporting of certain classes of dangerous occurrences in mines and quarries whether personal injury is caused or not. 22 December 1906. (SR and O, 1906, No. 934.) F I R S T A I D AND R E S C U E BELGIUM Order of the Regent issuing general regulations concerning measures for the health and safety of workers in mines and underground quarries, 25 September 1947. (MB, 1 October 1947.) FRANCE Order respecting the use of breathing apparatus in mines. 29 May 1929. (JO, 9 June 1929, p . 6364.) Amended by Order of 19 August 1936 (JO, 23 August 1936, p . 9107). GERMANY Instructions concerning rescue organisation in hard-coal mines. 1 July 1953. NETHERLANDS IGR 62, under MR section 172 : Rescue brigades. IGR 63, under MR section 173, subsection 1 : Dressings and accessories, stretchers and premises for first aid for injuries. IGR 64, under MR section 173, subsection 1 : Places where stretchers, dressings and accessories must be kept. IGR 65, under MR section 173 ; First-aid box for shaft-sinking. UNITED KINGDOM Coal Mines General Regulations (Rescue), 1928. 10 December 1928. (SR and O, 1928, No. 971.) Amended by Regulations of 8 July 1935. (SR and O, 1935, No. 652.) Coal Mines General Regulations (First Aid), 1930. 11 February 1930. (SR and O, 1930, No. 91.) Amended by Regulations of 14 June 1937. (SR and O, 1937, No. 548.) UNITED STATES U.S.Code. Title 30. Chapter I, Sub-Chapter B, Part 11. Self-contained Oxygen-Breathing Apparatus. Effective 1 June 1938. Pennsylvania Act providing for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the coal mines in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ; the protection and preservation of property connected therewith ; the appointment of first-aid and mine rescue instructors by the Secretary of Mines, with the approval of the Governor ; fixing their salaries and qualifications ; providing for the purchase of trucks and necessary equipment to carry on the work and making an appropriation therefor. (No. 404, effective 1 J u n e 1945.) 41 636 APPENDIX M I N E SAFETY ORGANISATION BELGIUM Order of the Regent instituting safety and health organisations in mines and underground quarries. 25 September 1947. Ministerial Order under the Order of the Regent of 25 September 1947. 29 May 1948. (MB, 27 June 1948, p . 5171.) Ministerial Order issuing general recommendations concerning the information to be furnished in the annual report of the Chief of the Safety and Health Service in mines and underground quarries. 21 April 1949. (MB, 12 June 1949, p. 5401.) MISCELLANEOUS NETHERLANDS IGR 7a, under MR section 171, subsection 1 : Prohibition of smoking. IGR 36, under MR section 69 : Employment of solitary workers in the underground workings of mines. UNITED KINGDOM The Coal Mines (Lighting and Contraband) General Regulations, 1949. 16 May 1949. (SI, 1949, No. 924.) INDEX A B Abandoned mines, 5, 609-611 Abandoned places, workings : Approaching, 404-410 Entering, 609-611, 618 Fencing, 311, 349, 359, 609-611 Ventilation of (see Ventilation : abandoned places) Abandonment of duties, 8 Abstracts of regulations, 614, 615 Access, means of (see Egress, means of; Shafts) Accidents : First-aid treatment of (see Medical aid) Investigation of, 671-575 Registers, 9 Reporting of (to inspectorate), 571575 Reporting of (to management), 8, 14 Adits (see Egress, means of) Agents (see Managers) Air (see Compressed air ; Ventilation) Air analysis (see Analysis, air) Air compressors, 473, 529 Air ducts (see Pipes, air) Air-locks, 330 Air measurement (see Ventilation : measurements) Air piping (see Pipes, air) Air receivers, 189, 528, 529 Airways (see Roads, air) Alcoholic drinks, 611-613 Ambulances, 577, 581, 582 Ammeters, 478 Analysis : Air, 342, 344, 360-368, 426 Stone-dust, 372, 381 Animal haulage, 153-156 Annealing (see Heat treatment) Appliances, electrical, 456, 457, 461, 508, 510 Appointment of officials (see under officials concerned) Approval (see under equipment concerned) Ascensional ventilation (see Ventilation) Assistant mine foreman (see Manager) Atmosphere (see Ventilation) Authorisation of mine operation (see also under item concerned), 5-7 Authority, delegation of (see Delegation of authority) Auxiliary fans (see Fans, auxiliary) Banksmen (see Onsetters) Barometers, 320, 360 Barriers (see Fences, fencing ; Stonedust barriers) Batteries, electric, 465, 473 Battery locomotives (see Locomotives, battery) Behaviour of officials, miners, etc. : Damaging or interfering with property, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 558 Dangerous acts, 8, 14 Disobedience, 8, 14 Horseplay, 14 Neglect, negligence, 14 Obedience to orders, 8-11 Belt conveyors (see Conveyors) Belts (see Conveyors ; Protective equipment, personal : belts) Black powder (see Explosives : black powder) Blasting (see Shotflring) Blasting cables, Blasting machines (see Explosives : ignition devices) Blasting powder (see Explosives) Blowlamps, 412 Blowpipes, 91 Boards of Examiners (see under officials concerned) Boilers, 527-529 Bonding, electrical (see Electrical installations ; Locomotives, trolley) Books (see Registers) Booster fans (see Fans, auxiliary) Boots (see Protective equipment, personal : boots) Boreholes : Shotflring (see Shotflring) Trial, 347, 350, 352, 404-410 Boundary pillars, 16-18 Boys (see Young persons) Brakes (see Locomotive haulage ; Winches ; Winding engines) Brattice, 312, 322, 337-341, 416 Break detectors, 93 Break-throughs (see Cross-cuts) Breathing apparatus (see Protective equipment, personal : respirators) Bunions, 241 C Cable-reel locomotives (see Locomotives, cable-reel) Cables, electric (see Conductors, electrical ; Shotflring : ignition) 638 INDEX Cage guides (see Guides, cage) Cagers (see Onsetters) Cages, 233, 259-264 Safety gear, 233, 234, 259-264 Suspension gear, 264-267 Calcium carbide, 425 Candles, 423 Cap lamps (see Lamps, electric) Carbon dioxide, 318, 319, 322, 324 Carbon monoxide, 188, 314, 318, 320, 426, 584, 585 Cardox, 125-131 Carriage inclines, Carriages (see Inclines, haulage) Cars (see Mine cars) Cartridges, explosive (see Explosives ; Shotfiring) Caving, 362, 366 Certificates : Competency (see under officials concerned) Medical (see Medical certificates) Chain conveyors (see Conveyors) Chain haulages (see Rope and chain haulage) Chairs (see Keps) Charge-hands, chargemen, 12, 551 Charging stations (see Batteries, electric ; Locomotives, battery) Checking of workers, 608, 609 Chocks (see Supports) Cigarettes (see Smoking) Circuit breakers, 457, 473, 475, 478480 Classification of mines (see Dust, coal ; Firedamp) Clothing, protective (see Protective equipment, personal) Coal-cutting machines (see Machines, coal-cutting) Coal-dust (see Dust, coal) Coalgetters, duties, qualifications, training, 561-570 Combustible liquids and materials, 412, 413, 422-425 Communication systems, electrical (see also Haulage ; Telephones ; Winding), 495-499 Competency, certificates of (see under officials concerned) Complaints, 13 Compressed air (see also Air compressors ; Air receivers ; Locomotives, compressed-air ; Shotfiring : compressed-air blasting), 436 Compressors (see Air compressors) Conductors, electrical, 457, 461, 468, 469, 483-494, 502, 508, 510, 511 Trailing, 465, 469, 485, 486, 489, 491, 492, 494, 508, 511, 514, 519, 557, 558 Connecting gear (see Cages, suspension gear) Contraband (see Smoking) Contraventions, 9, 14 Conveyance of explosives, 56 by Operators, 56, 211 by Shaker, 215 Conveyors (see also Travel on conveyors), 211, 212-216, 437 Chain, 214 Cradles, 440, 605 Cross-cuts, 312, 313, 321-323, 326, 347, 359 Current detectors (see Detectors, current) Curtains (see Brattice) Cut-throughs (see Cross-cuts) Cutting, thermal, 411-415 D Damage, wilful, 8 Dangerous behaviour (see Behaviour) Dangerous occurrences, notification of: To inspectorate, 571-575 To management, 10-16, 318, 477, 506, 517 Danger, procedure in case of (see also Dangerous occurrences ; Evacuation of workers) : Mine, 18-21 Workplaces, 10, 12, 14 Danger signals (see Warning signs) Defects, notification of (see Dangerous occurrences) Delay-action detonators (see Explosives : detonators) Delegation of authority, 8, 13, 14 Demonstrations, 525 Depots (see Explosives : storage ; Fuel, liquid ; Oil ; Rooms, store) Depth indicators (see Winding engines) Deputies, examiners, 536-538, 553561 Deputing of work (see Delegation of authority) Descensional ventilation (see Ventilation) Detaching belts, hooks, plates, 234, 238-247, 257, 266 Detectors : Current, 48, 75, 116, 127, 477 Firedamp, gas, 360-368, 584, 585 Detonators (see Explosives : detonators) Development workings, 315 Diesel engines (see also Locomotives, diesel) Dips (see Inclines) Direction signs, 24, 25, 27 Discipline (see Behaviour) Disobedience (see Behaviour) Districts, ventilation (see Ventilation districts) INDEX Doors : Fire, 411-413, 418, 478 Ventilation, 14, 164, 167, 198, 199, 322, 325, 337-341, 350, 359 Drags, 153, 161 Drifts (see Egress, means of; Roads) Drilling, drills, 430-435, 438, 528 Drivers, transport (see Haulage) Drop pits (see Raises ; Staple pits) Drunkenness (see Alcoholic drinks) Ducts (see Pipes, air) Dust, coal (see also Machines, coalcutting ; Mine cars), 369-384, 427 Classification of mines, 369 Coal-cutting precautions, 370 Dangerous, definition of, 374, 376 Ignition of, 318 from Mine cars, 369-371 Removal of, 369-371, 379 Shotfiring precautions, 114, 370 on Surface, 370 Wetting of, 370, 371, 373, 378, 384 Dust, rock (stone) (see also Stonedusting) for Fire-fighting, 420, 456 Measurement of airborne, 429-431 Prevention and suppression of, 429438 Duties (see under category of officials or workmen concerned) Dynamite (see Explosives) E Earthing (see Electrical installations : earthing) Egress, means of (see also Ladders, ladderways ; Roads ; Shafts), 22-37 Electrical installations (see also Air compressors ; Ammeters ; Appliances, electrical ; Batteries, electric ; Circuit breakers ; Communication systems ; Conductors ; Electricians ; Fire protection ; Flameproof equipment ; Fuses, fusegear ; Lamps ; Lighting ; Locomotive haulage ; Machines ; Mats, insulating ; Mobile equipment ; Motors ; Plug and socket connections ; Portable appliances ; Pumps ; Rheostats ; Rooms, electrical installation ; Shotfiring ; Substations ; Switchboards ; Switches and switchgear ; Transformers ; Winding) : Authorisation, 453-455, 457, 458, 463, 467, 469, 511 Definitions, 455-457, 461, 467, 472, 476 Earthing of, 459, 470-472, 477, 481-483 Examination, inspection and testing, 463, 467, 469, 512-520, 557 in Fiery and dusty mines, 354, 639 355, 467, 468, 472, 477, 480, 494, 502-512, 518-520 Insulation, 459, 461, 463, 468, 470, 472, 473, 475 Isolation, electrical, 459-461, 471473, 475, 476, 503, 505, 511, 515, 518, 658 Lighting, 458 Maintenance and repair, 502, 512520 Notification, 453-455, 458, 462, 502 Operation, 463, 469, 603, 512-520 Plans, 454, 458, 462, 464, 467, 469, 470, 477, 516 Registers, 513, 558 Returns, 455, 458 Spacing, 459, 470 Supervision, 512-514, 517, 556-559 Temperature, 468 Ventilation, 456 Voltage, 459, 461, 462, 465, 470-472, 474, 475, 495-502 Warning signs, 472-475, 477, 516 Wet places, 463 Electricians, 520-524, 535, 536, 552, 553, 556-559 Elevators (see Winding engines) Enclosures, flameproof (see Electrical installations) Engineers : Electrical (see Electricians) Mechanical, 523, 535, 652, 553, 556-559 Engine-rooms (see Rooms, engine) Engines : Compressed-air (see Locomotives, compressed-air) Diesel (see also Locomotives, diesel), 525 Internal-combustion, 525, 626, 527, 528 Winding (see Winding engines) Entries (see Roads) Escapeways (see Egress, means of) Evacuation of workers, 316, 317, 320, 321, 323, 324, 326, 328, 333, 348, 350, 351, 353, 355, 357, 368, 426, 427, 428 Examinations (see under item concerned ; see also Medical examinations) Examiners (see Deputies, examiners) Exemptions, 11, 617, 618 Exits (see Egress, means of) Experiments, 625 Exploders (see Shotfiring : ignition) Exploration for gas, water (see Boreholes, trial) Explosions (see Dust, coal ; Firedamp) Explosives, 44-70 Accounting, 45, 59, 62 Authorisation, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 113, 114, 116, 117 640 INDEX Black powder, 47, 56, 99, 114 Detonators : Authorisation, 49, 103, 117, 118, 119 Handling of (see Explosives, handling of) Testing, 45 Handling of, 44, 46, 48, 51-70, 86, 90, 91, 95 Issue of, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50, 58, 59, 67 Registers, 44, 59, 61, 65 Spoiled, 45, 49, 58 Storage of, 46, 57-70, 86 Substitutes for (see Cardox ; Hydrox) Thawing, 47, 49, 50 Transport of, 51-70, 130 Use of (see Shotfiring) Eyes, protection of (see Protective equipment, personal : goggles) F Face, support of (see Supports, face) Factor of safety (see under item concerned) Falls : of Ground (see Supports) of Objects, 441-443, 606, 607 of Persons, 606, 607 Fans: Auxiliary, 315, 317, 326, 334-337, 351 Main, 314, 316, 319, 321, 324, 325, 327-334, 350, 356-357, 369 Feet, protection of (see Protective equipment, personal : boots) Fences, fencing : Abandoned places, dangerous places, 222 Machinery (see Machinery) Shaft entrances, 238-247 Filling rooms (see Locomotives, diesel ; Locomotives, petrol) Fire bosses, 367-368, 536, 539, 559, 560 Firedamp (see also Ventilation), 346368 Classification of mines, 311, 346, 349, 351, 356, 358-360, 367 around Electrical installations, 502512, 518-520 Examination, inspection, testing, 348, 354, 355, 360-368 Ignition of, 318, 359 Locomotive haulage, 174, 175, 178, 179, 181, 187, 196, 197, 199, 203, 204, 206, 207 Maximum permissible content, 316317, 319, 320, 322, 349, 351, 356, 357, 359 Measurement of, 360-368 Notification, reporting, 318, 349, 353, 356 Removal of, 348, 349, 352, 356, 359 Shelters, 347-348 Shotfiring, 74, 75, 82, 85, 86, 100, 102, 113-124, 126, 127, 129, 130 Sudden outbursts of, 347, 348, 351353 . Supervision of work, 354 Trial boreholes (see Boreholes, trial) Fire-extinguishers (see Fire-fighting : fire-extinguishing equipment) Fire-fighting, 411-428 Fire brigades, 414, 415, 419, 420 Fire-extinguishing equipment, 414416, 419-422 Sand, 419, 420, 456, 462, 470, 479, 517 Stoppings, 411, 415, 425-427 Water supply, 411, 414, 416, 420422 Fire, open, 12, 348, 411-413, 415 Fireproof construction, 411, 414, 416419, 456, 458, 459, 470, 472 Fire Protection (see also Blowlamps ; Combustible liquids ; Cutting, thermal; Doors, fire; Fire, open; Firefighting ; Fireproof construction ; Smoking; Welding), 411-425 Classification of mines, 411, 412 Combustion gases, 411, 414 Electrical installations, 456, 458, 459, 462, 467, 468, 470-472, 474, 479 Escapeways, 414 Examination, inspection, testing, 412, 415, 416 Plans, 412 Rules, 414, 415 Spontaneous combustion, spontaneous heating, 411, 413, 416 Supervision, 412, 415 Surface fires, 411, 412, 415 First aid {see Medical aid) Flameproof equipment, electrical, 468, 502-512 Flames (see Fire, open) Flammable liquids, flammable materials (see Combustible liquids, combustible materials) Flooding (see Water, inrushes of) Fluids, inrushes of (see Water, inrushes of) Fodder, 424, 425 Footmen (see Onsetters) Footpaths (see Travel : footpaths) Foremen (see Managers ; Overmen) Forepoling (see Supports) Fuel, liquid, 326, 527 Furnaces, 314, 319, 320, 324, 325 Fuses and fusegear, electric, 457, 473, 475, 479, 480 641 INDEX G I Galvanometers (see Detectors, current) Gas (see Firedamp ; Fire protection : combustion gases ; Gas wells) Gas detectors, 75, 76 Gas wells, 408, 618 Gates (see Doors) Girls (see Women) Gloves (see Protective equipment, personal : gloves) Goaf, gob (see Waste) Goggles (see Protective equipment, personal : goggles) Grease, 422-425 Grounding (see Electrical installations : earthing) Guards (see Machinery) Guides, cage, 230, 238-247 Ice, in shafts, 23, 313 Idle workings (see Abandoned mines ; Abandoned places, workings) Igniters, ignition devices (see Shotfiring : ignition) Illiterate persons, 13 Illuminants, 396 Inclines : Haulage, 208, 212, 216-219, 294, 295 Travelling (see Travel on inclines) Indicators (see Detectors) Inexperienced persons, 16 Inflammable liquids, materials (see Combustible liquids) Ingress (see Egress, means of) Injured persons (see Medical aid ; Sick and injured persons) Injuries (see Accidents) Inquiries (see Accidents, investigation of) Inrushes of water (see Water, inrushes of) Inspections, safety (see also Firedamp; Ventilation ; Working places ; and under item concerned), 313, 540-542, 545, 549-552, 554, 559, 560 Instruction of personnel (see Training and under item concerned) Insubordination (see Behaviour) Insulation, electrical (see Electrical installations : insulation ; Locomotives, trolley) Interference with property (see Behaviour) Interlocks at shaft landings, 24 Internal-combustion engines (see Engines, internal-combustion) Intoxicants, intoxicated persons (see Alcoholic drinks) Investigations (see Accidents, investigation of) H Hand-haulage, 155, 156 Hands, protection of (see Protective equipment, personal : gloves) Hanging wall (see Roof) Hats, hard (see Protective equipment, personal : hats) Haulage (see also Animal haulage ; Conveyors ; Hand-haulage ; Inclines, haulage ; Locomotive haulage ; Mine cars ; Roads, haulage ; Rope and chain haulage ; Ropes, haulage ; Track, haulage ; Trip-riders) of Explosives, 51, 53, 55-57, 62 Mine rules, 157, 158 Signalling, 161, 165, 166, 208, 210212, 214, 216, 220, 222, 223, 227, 228, 286, 289-291, 294, 295 Hay (see Fodder) Head, protection of (see Protective equipment, personal : hats) Headgear, 233, 238-247, 348, 416, 417 Headings (see Roads) Heating, spontaneous (see Fire protection : spontaneous combustion) Heat treatment, 266 Helmets (see Protective equipment, personal : hats) Hewers (see Coalgetters) Hoisting (see Winding) Hoistmen (see Winding) Hoists (see Winding engines) Holing props, holing sprags (see Supports, face) Hookers-on, 219 Horseplay (see Behaviour) Horses (see Animal haulage) Humidity, atmospheric, 320 Hydrox, 128-130 J Juveniles (see Young persons) K Keps, 238-247, 299 Babbles (see Winding : shaft-sinking) Kneeguards (see Protective equipment, personal : kneeguards) Koepe pulleys (see Pulleys, winding) L Ladders, ladderways, 22, 23, 32-37, 221, 440, 441 Lagging (see Supports) Lampmen, 400-403, 535 642 INDEX Lamp rooms, 400-403 Lamps : Electric, 388, 397-400, 416, 499-502 Electric, trailing, 462, 485, 489, 502 Electro-pneumatic, 397, 398 Flame safety, 385-397, 439 Locomotives, mine cars, trains, 161, 162, 164, 166, 171, 172 Servicing of, 400-403 Unprotected, 385-397 Landings : Incline, 240 Shaft, 24, 240, 292 Language, knowledge of national, 10-13 Lessees (see Owners) Lighters {see Lighting ; Smoking) Lighting (see also Lamps), 385-399 Electrical installations, 458, 470 Explosives magazines, 61, 65 Fixed, 389, 391-394, 499-502 Haulage roads, 154 Shaft landings, 24, 296 Shaft-sinking, 440 Lightning protection, 459, 471, 498 Loading : Mineral, 433, 436, 437 Shot-holes {see Shotfiring) Locomotive haulage : Authorisation, 156, 164, 167, 168, 172, 527, 528 Drivers, 164-167, 170, 171 Equipment of locomotives, 159, 160, 164-172 Examination, inspection and testing of locomotives, 171 Lamps, head and tail, 161, 162, 164, 166, 168, 171, 172 Operation, 164-172 Roads (see Roads, haulage) Signalling, 165, 166 Track (see Track, haulage) Locomotives : Battery, 168, 195, 203, 205-208 Cable-reel, 205, 208 Compressed-air, 189-190 Diesel, 174-189 : Authorisation, 176, 178, 179, 181, 182, 186 Drivers, 177, 185 Equipment of locomotives, 176, 177, 179, 181, 186, 189 Examination, inspection and testing of locomotives, 177, 179, 180, 184, 185, 187, 188 Filling stations, 180, 181, 186, 187, 188 Lamps, head and tail, 177, 179 Maintenance, 171, 180, 185 Notification to inspectorate, 175 Oil fuel, 180, 181, 183, 186, 187, 188 Operation, 176, 180, 184, 185, 188 Registers, 177, 180, 187 Ventilation, 181, 183, 186 Petrol, 168, 171, 172-174 Equipment of locomotives, 168, 173 Examination of locomotives, 173 Filling rooms, 173 Maintenance of locomotives, 171 Petrol, 172, 173, 174 Steam, 172 Trolley, 191-204 Authorisation, 192, 200, 204 Current supply, 191-194, 200, 204 Drivers, 199 Equipment of locomotives, 160, 191, 193-196, 198, 200, 201, 203 Examination, inspection and testing, 194, 197, 199 Lamps, head and tail, 193, 198, 203 Maintenance, repair, 192 Operation, 160-163, 165, 198-200 Rails, 191, 193, 195, 202-204 Stone-dusting, 191 Trolley wires, 191-197, 201, 203, 490, 491 Ventilation, 191, 196, 199 Locomotive sheds, 165, 173, 176, 177, 181-183, 186, 187 Logs, log books (see Registers) Lubricants (see Combustible liquids) Lubrication (see under item, concerned) M Machine operators, 668, 570 Machinery, 525-528, 556-559 Machines : Coal-cutting, 370, 371, 420, 437, 469, 472, 519, 527 Electric, 461, 464, 479, 480 Magazines, explosives (see Explosives: storage of) Maintenance and repair of plant and equipment generally (see also under item concerned), 10, 12 Managers : Appointment, notification of, 10, 12, 530, 539 Duties, 11, 530, 539-545 Qualifications, 530-539 Man-trips (see Travel in trains) Manways {see Travel on footpaths ; Roads, travelling) Man-winding (see Winding) Maps (see Plans) Marsh gas (see Firedamp) Master sinkers, 11, 12 Matches (see Smoking) Mats, insulating, 472, 473, 475, 477 Measurements {see Dust, coal ; Dust, rock ; Firedamp ; Ventilation) Medical aid, 16, 676-582, 592 643 INDEX Medical certificates, 432 Medical examinations, 431-433, 546548 Medical supplies (see Medical aid) Methane (see Firedamp) Method of mining, 15, 346, 349, 352 Milli-second-delay detonators (see Explosives : detonators) Mine cars : Construction, 153, 154, 162 Couplings, 163-155, 162 Derailed, 154, 155, 156, 217 Dust prevention, 369-371 Handling, 154, 155 Lamps, 155, 156 Runaway, 154, 158, 216, 218 Mine examiners (see Deputies, examiners) Mine officials (see Officials, mine) Mineowners (see Owners) Mine plans (see Plans) Miners, appointment, qualifications (see also Coalgetters), 561-570 Mine rules, 11-13 Mine safety services (see Safety services) Mine surveyors (see Surveying, surveyors) Mining machines (see Machinery ; Machines, coal-cutting ; Machines, electric) Minors (see Young persons) Misbehaviour (see Behaviour) Misfires (see Shotfiring : misfires) Mobile equipment, electrical, 457, 462 Motors, electric (see also Locomotives, trolley), 460, 471, 474, 476, 480, 481, 508, 510, 511 Mules (see Animal haulage) N Neutralisation (see Stone-dusting) Nitrogen, oxides of, 318 Notices (see under item concerned) Notification (see under item concerned) 0 Obedience (see Behaviour) Offences (see Contraventions) Officials, mine (see also Deputies, examiners ; Fire bosses ; Overmen, overseers ; Shift bosses) : Appointment, 10, 12, 533, 534, 536, 537, 548-561 Duties, 11, 541, 548-561 Qualifications, 533, 534, 536, 537 Ohmmeters (see Detectors, current) Oil (see also Locomotives, diesel ; Locomotives, petrol ; Oil wells) : Storage underground, 176, 422-425 Oiling (see under item concerned) Oil wells, 408, 618 Onsetters, 219, 306-310 Operation, notification of, 5-7, 10 Operation, plan of (see Plans, mine operation) Operators, mine (see Owners) Outlets (see Egress, means of) Overcasts, 321, 324, 326, 340, 358, 359 Overmen, overseers : Appointments, 632, 533, 535-539 Duties, 540-542, 548 Qualifications, 532, 533, 636 Overwind preventers (see Winding : overwind prevention) Owners, duties of, 13, 15 Oxygen, 319, 320-322, 324 Oxygen cylinders, 347 P Packing, stowing (see Supports) Paraffin wax, 423, 425 Passageways (see Roads, travelling) Permissible explosives (see Explosives) Permit, operating (see Authorisation of mine operation) Permitted explosives (see Explosives) Personnel, general duties, 8-16 Petrol, 172-174 Petroleum (see Oil wells) Picks, pneumatic, 526 Pillars (see also Boundary pillars ; Safety pillars) Pipes : Air, 313, 346, 354 Tobacco (see Smoking) Water (see Water, supply of) Pit-head buildings, 412, 416-419 Plans (see also under item concerned) : General, 11, 14 Mine operation, 5-7, 10, 38-43 Platforms, 439-442, 605, 607 Plug and socket connections, 465 Pneumoconiosis, prevention of, 429-438 Portable appliances, electric, 457, 462, 465, 469, 472, 474, 614 Posting of regulations (see Regulations, posting of) Pot-holes (see Roof) Powder boxes, powder cars (see Explosives : handling ; Explosives : transport) Pressure vessels, 528, 529 Property, damage to or interference with (see Behaviour) Props (see Supports) Protective equipment, personal, 601-603 Belts, 24, 442, 602, 605, 606 Boots, 602, 603 Gloves, 477, 517, 603 Goggles, 378, 603 644 INDEX Hats, 601-603 Kneeguards, 602 Eespirators, 347, 378, 429, 582-592, 603 Pulleys : Haulage, 216 Winding, 234-247 Pumps, electric, 472, 473 Q Qualifications of mine officials and miners (see under category of officials or workmen concerned) R Rags, greasy, oily, 174, 182, 190 Raises : Construction requirements, 243 Openings, access to, 242, 243 Transport of explosives in, 53 Winding operations, 243 Records (see Registers) Refuges (see Shelters) Registers (see also under item concerned), 9, 10, 11, 13, 559, 615-617 Registration of mines (see Authorisation of mine operation) Regulations : Compliance with, 9 Issue of, 10, 14 Posting of, 614, 615 Relighters (see Lamps) Repair (see under item concerned) Reports (see under item concerned) Rescue, 414, 415, 425, 582-592 Electrocuted persons, 456, 462 Respiratory apparatus (see Protective equipment, personal : respirators) Resuscitation, 477 Returns (see under item concerned) Rheostats, 473 Roads : Air, 312-315, 317, 318, 320, 321, 346 Haulage 157, 159, 167, 189, 197, 202, 212, 213, 215 Clearances, 153, 154, 156, 157, 159, 160, 164, 169, 175, 178, 198 Inspection, 170, 197, 206 Lighting (see Lighting : haulage roads) Repairs, 157 Shelters, 154, 158-163, 167, 175, 185, 198, 209, 211 Ventilation, 169, 170, 175 Travelling, 25, 26, 28, 29-31, 157, 220, 229 Rock-bursts, 351-353 Rock-dust (see Dust, rock (stone) ; Stone-dusting) Rock-dusting (see Stone-dusting) Roof: Bolting (see Supports : roof bolting) Control, 136 Examination, 136, 138, 140, 150, 151 Pot-holes, 349 Support (see Supports) Rooms (see also Store-rooms) : Electrical installations, 417, 418, 456, 461, 462, 470, 473-475, 478-480 Engine, 417-419 First-aid, 576-582 Machine, 417 Rest, 577 Work, 417 Rope and chain haulage, 158, 161, 162, 208-212 Lamps, head and tail, 161, 162, 209 Signalling, 208, 210-212 Ropes : Haulage, 231, 269 Tail, 268, 270-272, 277, 278, 280 Winding, 231, 232, 234-238, 258, 267-283, 443 Authorisation of use, 269-272 Breakage, 267 Constructional requirements, 268, 270-273 Examination, inspection, testing, 268, 274-282 Koepe, 268, 269, 271 Maintenance, repair, 267, 268, 273 Notification of installation, 271, 273 Registers, 233, 278, 280-283 Reserve, 269-272 Shaft-sinking, 443-452 Strength, 267-272, 274 Withdrawal, 268-271, 273, 274, 282 Route indicators (see Direction signs) Rules, mine (see Mine rules) Run-round (see Shaft bottom) S Safety belts (see Protective equipment, personal : belts) Safety catches (see Cages : safety gear) Safety committees, 593-596 Safety devices, damage to (interference with) (see Behaviour) Safety lamps (see Lamps) Safety pillars (see also Boundary pillars), 405 Safety rules (see Mine rules) Safety services, 593-596 Sampling (see under item concerned) Sand (see Fire-fighting : sand) Scraper chain conveyors (see Conveyors) INDEX Scrapers for shot-holes, 93 Sections of workings (see Plans) Shaft bottom, 9, 14, 238-247, 414, 418, 419 Shafts (see also Buntons ; Cages ; Egress, means of ; Guides ; Headgear ; Keps ; Ladders ; Landings, shaft ; Raises ; Shaft bottom ; Staple pits ; Sumps ; Winding) Abandonment of, 22 Construction requirements, 27, 238-247 Examination, inspection, 238-247, 299, 300, 605 Falling objects, 245 Fire protection, 27, 29, 417-419 Ice in, 246, 247 Lighting, 246 Maintenance, repair, 605-606 Openings, access to, 22, 24, 25, 238-247, 606, 607 Plans, sections, 242 Repairs, 300, 304 Water in, 238 Shaft-sinking (see also Falls of objects ; Shotfiring ; Ventilation ; Winding), 439-452 Cradles, 440 Examination, inspection, testing, 439-441, 442 Ladders, 440, 441 Lighting, 440 Platforms, 439-442 Registers, 439 Supervision, 439-441 Shale-dust (see Stone-dusting) Sheaths, cartridge, 115, 116 Shells, Cardox (see Cardox) Shelter, shelters : Explosion (see Firedamp) Haulage (see Roads, haulage : shelters) Shotfiring {see Shotfiring : shelter) Travel (see Travel : shelters) Shift bosses, 552 Shift, change-over, 12 Shifts, intervals between, 348 Shock, electric, 477 Shotfirers, qualifications, 72, 75, 78, 85, 100, 103, 127-129, 131-135, 535 Shotfiring (see also Dust, coal ; Firedamp) : Compressed-air blasting, 131 Drilling holes, 75, 91, 95, 99, 101, 102, 128 Fiery and dusty mines, 112-124, 352, 434 Ignition, 71, 72, 77, 78, 83, 88, 89, 92, 96, 97, 101, 102, 114, 115 Cables, wires, 75, 77, 78, 84, 94, 95, 97, 100, 116, 127 Cardox, 125, 127-129 645 Exploders, 71, 77, 84, 85, 93-95, 103, 104, 116, 120 Hydrox, 128, 129 Loading, 71, 72, 76, 82, 83, 87, 88, 92, 96, 104, 116 Cardox, 125 Maximum charge, 48, 100, 101, 117 Misfires, 105-112, 125, 130 Procedure after firing, 76, 84, 90, 93, 98, 102, 103, 105, 107, 115, 129 Registers, 90, 101, 129, 132 Shaft-sinking, 77, 78, 439, 441, 450-452 Shelter, 71, 72, 76, 78, 83, 97, 98, 100-104, 115, 127, 130, 131 Shotfirers (see Shotfirers) Stone-dusting (see Stone-dusting) Supervision, 84 Tamping, 48, 72, 77, 82, 83, 87, 88, 92, 96, 99, 105, 113 Testing for coal-dust (see Dust, coal) Testing for firedamp (see Firedamp : shotfiring) Watering, 116, 121 Shotlighters (see Shotfirers) Sick and injured persons (see also Medical aid), 611-613 Sidings, 157 Signals, signalling (see Communication systems, electrical ; Haulage ; Telephones ; Winding) Silicosis (see Pneumoconiosis, prevention of) Sinking pits (see Shaft-sinking) Skids (see Drags) Sleeping, 618 Slopes (see Egress, means of ; Inclines) Smoking, 599-601 Sockets (see Shotfiring : misfires) Soldering, 412, 415 Solitary employment, 606, 613, 614 Speed controllers (see Winding engines) Speeds indicators (see Winding engines) Splits, air (see Ventilation : districts) Spontaneous combustion, spontaneous heating (see Fire protection) Sprags : Face (see Supports, face) Haulage, 154 Spraying (see Dust, coal ; Dust, rock (stone)) Squibs, 101, 114 Stables, 317, 321, 323, 419, 420 Stairs : on Inclines, 27, 217, 221, 607 in Shafts, 31 Staple pits : Constructional requirements, 243 Manwinding, 231, 242, 243, 252-254 Material winding, 242-243 Openings, access to, 242, 243 Transport of explosives in, 53 646 INDEX Stations, meeting, 313, 368, 554, 559-561 Stations, rail {see Travel) Steam : Escape of, 414 Pipes, 619 Plant, 528 Stemming (see Shotfiring : tamping) Steps (see Stairs) Stone-dust barriers, 373-375, 377, 378, 383, 384 Stone-dusting (see also Stone-dust barriers), 371-384 .Analysis, 372, 381 Dust specifications, 371-373, 375, 376, 379-381, 383, 384 Examination, inspection, testing, 372, 375, 378, 379, 383, 384 Neutralisation percentages, 371,372, 374, 378, 382-384 Plans, 372, 373, 378 Registers, 372, 373, 375, 378, 379, 383 Sampling, 372, 375, 378, 381, 383, 384 for Shotfiring, 83, 87, 119, 379 Supervision, 375, 378 for Trolley haulage, 191 Stoppings : Air, 312, 320, 322-324, 326 Fire, 411 Store-rooms, 417, 418 Stowing (see Supports : packing, stowing) Straw, 424 Stretchers, 577, 578, 579, 581 Substations, electrical, 456, 460, 473, 478, 479 Sudden outbursts (see Firedamp : sudden outbursts) Sumps, 238, 247 Superintendents (see Managers) Supervision (see under item concerned) Supervisory staff (see Officials, mine) Supports, 136-152 Face, 137, 138, 144, 146 Forepoling, 140, 141 Packing, stowing, 141, 148, 311, 413 Registers, 139 Roof bolting, 150 Supervision, 136, 138, 139, 144 Withdrawal of, 137-139, 142-145, 147, 148, 151 Surveying, surveyors, 38-43, 535 Suspension gear (see Cages : suspension gear) Switchboards, 461, 463, 473-475, 477, 478 Switches and switchgear, electric, 459, 460, 471, 473, 475, 478, 480, 481, 508, 510 T Tachometers (see Winding engines) Tamping (see Shotfiring : tamping) Telephones, 415, 416, 458, 460, 470, 495-499, 597-599 Temperature : Air, 320, 618 Electrical installations, 468 Testing (see under item concerned) Thermometers, 360 Timber robbing (see Supports : withdrawal of) Timber, timbering (see Supports) Tobacco (see Smoking) Tools, 525 Electric (see Portable appliances, electric) Topmen (see Onsetters) Track, haulage, 153, 159, 160, 162, 166, 168, 169, 175, 178, 185, 189, 191, 198 Trailing cables (see Conductors, electrical, trailing) Training of miners (see also under category of officials or miners concerned), 561-570 Trains (see Haulage ; Mine cars ; Travel) Tramways (see Haulage ; Roads, haulage) Transformers, 457, 461, 464, 473-476, 478, 479, 507, 509 Transport (see Haulage ; Travel ; Winding) Travel {see also Roads, travelling), 31, 157, 158, 162, 202, 212, 214, 216, 217, 220-229 on Animals, 224 on Cars, 220, 223, 224, 225 on Conveyors, 212, 214, 229 on Footpaths, 220-224 on Inclines, 31, 216, 217, 220, 222224, 226, 228, 231, 242 on Locomotives, 220, 224 on Manways, 224 on Ropes, 223 in Shafts (see Winding, man) Shelters, 220, 221 Stations, 162, 226, 229 in Trains, 157, 158, 225-229 on Trolley-haulage roads, 202, 221 in Unauthorised places, 220-224 Travelways (see Roads, travelling; Travel on footpaths) Trip-riders, 163 Trips (see Haulage) Trolley locomotives (see Locomotives, trolley) Trolley wires (see Locomotives, trolley : trolley wires) Trucks (see Mine cars) Tubs (see Mine cars) INDEX 647 in Shafts, 238 Supply of, 411, 414, 416, 420-422, Unauthorised persons, 611-613 433, 434, 436, 437 Unauthorised places, 9, 16, 609-611 Work in, 13 Undercasts, 321, 324, 326, 340, 358, Watering (see Dust, coal ; Dust, rock 359 (stone)) Undermanagers (see Managers) Welding, 411-415 Unfit persons (see Sick and injured Wetting agents, 438 persons) Whims, whips (see Winches) Winches, 247-259 V Winding (see also Cages ; Detaching bells, hooks, plates ; Guides, cage; Ventilation (see also Analysis, air ; Registers ; Ropes, winding ; Shafts ; Brattice ; Cross-cuts ; Doors, venWinding engines ; Winding enginetilation ; Pans ; Furnaces ; Overmen) casts ; Pipes, air ; Road, air ; Alterations, 232, 233, 242 Stoppings, air ; Undercasts), 311Authorisation, 231, 232, 301, 302 345, 346-368 Cardox, 126 Abandoned workings, 312, 314, Dangerous occurrences, 233, 298 318, 324, 349, 357, 358, 610 Enginemen, 211, 291, 294, 306-310, Alteration of, 317, 321, 327, 343 535 of Battery chambers, 317, 321 Engines : Circulation of air, 311, 312, 314, Constructional requirements, 315, 317-319, 321, 325, 357 247-259 Defects, notification of, 317 Examination, inspection, testing, Descensional, 350 251 Diffusion, 314, 317 Power supply, 22, 230 of Dips, 316 Provision of, for shafts, 22, 23, Districts, 312, 316-319, 322, 349 26, 27, 31, 230 Electrical installations, 456 Shaft-sinking, 443-452 Examination, inspection, testing, Examination, inspection, testing, 313, 318, 325, 326, 342, 344 233, 234-238, 239 of Faces, 312, 315, 316, 317, 319 Explosives, 51-54, 59, 302 of Haulage roads, 169, 170, 174, Maintenance, 233 175, 181, 183, 186, 191, 196 Mine rules, 232, 299, 300 Measurements, 314-344 Operations, 291 Plans, 344-345 Overwind prevention, 233, 238, Quality of air, 316, 321, 322, 357 240 256 257 Quantity of air, 312, 314, 315, 316, Registers, 233, 234-238, 257, 298 319, 320-322, 323, 325 Shaft-sinking, 442-450 of Raises, 315, 316, 350 Signalling, 211, 212, 230, 283-291, Registers, 344, 345 294-297, 300, 301, 308 Shaft-sinking, 439, 441, 442 in Staples, 231 of Stables, 317, 321, 323 Supervision, 297 Supervision, 327 Testing, 234 of Transformer stations, 321 Trial winds, 251, 276, 302, 304 Velocity of air, 314, 315, 342 Windlasses (see Winches) Voltage (see Electrical installations : Winzes (see Raises ; Staple pits) voltage) Withdrawal of support (see Supports) Withdrawal of workers (see Evacuation of workers) W Women, 603-605 Working places : Warning signs, warning signals : Inspection by miners, 9, 12, 14, Dangerous places, 222 16, 138, 151 Electrical installations, 472-475, Inspection by supervisors, 10, 313 477, 516 Workrooms, 417 Trolley-locomotive haulage, 197 Waste, ventilation of, 319 Y Water : Infusion, 437 Young persons, 603-605, 618 Inrushes of, 404-410 U PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE The International Labour Code 1951 This new edition of the Code follows very closely the lines laid down for the first edition, but contains more than twice as much matter. The first volume includes the codified text of the Conventions and Recommendations adopted by the International Labour Conference at its first 34 sessions, with very full annotations showing the extent to which the various Conventions are in force and giving digests of interpretations of the text and bibliographical references to the publications of the I.L.O. ; there are also general explanatory notes and comparative notes drawing attention to relationships between different provisions. A new preface explains the nature of the Conventions and Recommendations and reviews the experience of more than 30 years' working of the machinery. The second volume consists of the appendices, which present a selection of texts relating to standards of social policy (other than the Conventions and Recommendations) formulated by the International Labour Conference, by technical conferences and committees, by Industrial Committees and analogous bodies, by regional conferences and, in a few cases, by other organisations in co-operation with the I.L.O. There are three indexes covering respectively interpretations and judicial and quasi-judicial decisions, the principal comparative notes and the principal bibliographical notes. Vol. I , 1,336 pages ) Vol. I I , 1,259 pages j Price : $1 ° ; £3 ' PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE Guide for Labour Inspectors Studies and Reports, New Series, No. 41 This guide, based largely on the provisions of the Labour Inspection Convention adopted by the International Labour Conference in 1947, gives in broad outline the essential principles of inspection and indicates methods and procedures of enforcement, advice and inquiry. The protective labour laws assumed in this guide to be enforceable by inspectors are those dealing with hours of work and related questions (e.g. meal and rest breaks, overtime and night work), wages, the prohibition of child labour, the various regulated aspects of the conditions under which women and young workers are employed, and industrial safety, health and welfare—in short, the laws and regulations concerning conditions of work and the protection of workers while they are engaged in their work. Although the protection of the safety and health of workers requires the technical skill of competent specialists, these duties are sometimes assigned to general labour inspectors. For this reason the guide includes a section dealing mainly with general problems of industrial safety and health ; and, to assist inspectors who may wish to obtain more specific guidance on the most common safety and health risks, a selected bibliography of publications dealing with such problems'is appended. The study is divided into two parts. The first part deals briefly with standards for organising a system of labour inspection ; its purpose is to promote a fuller understanding of the principles underlying the organisation, staffing and procedure of the service. Part I I deals more particularly with the techniques and procedures to be applied by inspectors in their work of supervising compliance with protective labour legislation. 106 pages Price : $] ; 6s. PUBLICATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE Model Code of Safety Regulations for Underground Work in Coal Mines for the Guidance of Governments and of the Coal-Mining Industry The preparation of this Code was begun in 1937 ; it was interrupted b y the war and was completed by the I.L.O. with the assistance of a Committee of Experts on Safety in Coal Mines and a Committee of Mining Electrical Experts. The final text was discussed and adopted by a Tripartite Technical Conference held at Geneva in September 1949, and attended b y over 50 delegates and advisers from 15 coal-producing countries. The Governing Body has authorised the distribution of the Code to governments for their guidance and for the guidance of the coal-mining industry ; its purpose is to facilitate the task of all those who are working to reduce the large number of accidents t h a t occur in the coal-mining industry throughout the world. I t should be particularly useful to countries in which the coal-mining industry is of recent growth. It may be added t h a t the Code will be revised periodically in the light of technical progress. To make it easier to keep up to date it has been published in loose-leaf form. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapters : I. General. — II. Means of Access and Egress. — III. Plans. — IV. Explosives. — V. Shotfiring. — VI. Supports. — VII. Haulage of Material. — VIII. Travel and Transportation of Workers on Roads and Inclines. — IX. Winding of Men and Material. — X. Ventilation. — XI. Precautions against Firedamp. — XII. Precautions against Coal Dust. — XIII. Miners' Lamps. — XIV. Precautions against Inrushes of Water. — XV. Prevention and Extinction of Mine Fires. — XVI. Shaft Sinking or Deepening. — XVII. Electricity. — XVIII. Machinery and Plant. — XIX. Qualifications and Duties of Managing Officials, Supervisory Officials and Miners. — XX. Notification, Investigation and Recording of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences. — XXI. First Aid and Rescue. — XXII. General Inspections hy Managers and Supervisory Officials. •—• XXIII. Safety Organisation. — XXIV. Miscellaneous. IX+102 pages Price : $2 ; 12s.