Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 36-15-5 - Intentional Changes In the Ventilation System5.1. The Director shall be notified prior to the implementation of, and a person designated by the operator shall supervise any intentional change in ventilation that 5.1.1. Alters the main air current or any split of the main air current in a manner that could materially affect the safety or health of persons in the mine; or5.1.2. Affects section ventilation by 9,000 cubic feet per minute of air or more in bituminous mines.5.2. Intentional changes as described in this section shall be made only under the following conditions: 5.2.1. Electric power shall be removed from areas affected by the ventilation change and mechanized equipment in those areas shall be shut off before the ventilation change begins.5.2.2. Only persons making the change in ventilation shall be in the mine.5.2.3. Electric power shall not be restored to areas affected by the ventilation change and mechanized equipment shall not be restarted until a certified person has examined these areas for methane accumulation and for oxygen deficiency and has determined that the areas are safe.5.3. If at anytime changes are made in corresponding federal regulations that pertain to intentional changes in the ventilation system, the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety will review those changes to determine if appropriate modifications are needed.