W. Va. Code R. § 48-4-9

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 48-4-9 - Requirements for all Coal Mines

9.1. Each operator of an underground mine who provides rescue teams under this Section shall send the Director a statement describing the mine's method of compliance with this Section. The statement shall disclose whether the operator has independently provided mine rescue teams or entered into an agreement for the services of mine rescue teams. The name of the provider and the location of the services shall be included in the statement. A copy of the statement shall be posted at the mine for the miners' information. Where a miners' representative has been designated, the operator shall also provide the representative with a copy of the statement within thirty (30) days.

9.2. The operator of each underground coal mine shall make available two (2) certified mine rescue teams whose members:

9.2.1. Are familiar with the operations of the mine, and

9.2.2. Participate at least annually in two (2) local mine rescue contests as defined in Section 15.1. of this rule and one (1) Mine Emergency Response Development (MERD) drill as defined in Section 15.2. of this rule.

9.3. Team members shall meet the following:

9.3.1. Mine-site team. Members who work at the mine and participate in mine rescue training at the mine at least annually.

9.3.2. Composite team. A mine rescue team that covers multiple mines and whose members:

9.3.2.a. Include at least two (2) members from each covered large mine and at least one (1) member from each covered small mine,

9.3.2.b. Are knowledgeable about the operations and ventilation of each covered underground coal mine, and

9.3.2.c. Participate in mine rescue training at each covered mine at least semi-annually.

9.3.3. Contract team. A mine rescue team that is provided by an arrangement with another coal mine or with a third party and whose members:

9.3.3.a. Are knowledgeable about the operations and ventilation of each covered underground coal mine, and

9.3.3.b. Participate in mine rescue training at each covered large mine at least quarterly and at each covered small mine at least semi-annually.

9.4. For the purpose of mine rescue team membership, a member employed by an operator of multiple mines is considered to be an employee of each mine at which the member regularly works.

9.5. For the purpose of mine rescue team training at each covered mine, a portion of the training must be conducted underground.

9.6. No mine served by a mine rescue team shall be located more than one (1) hour ground travel time from the mine rescue station with which the rescue team is associated.

W. Va. Code R. § 48-4-9