Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024
Section 56-4-5 - Self-Contained Self-Rescue Devices Provided for Escape from Mines5.1. Each miner working underground shall be provided an SCSR in accordance with the provisions of W. Va. Code §22A-2-55(f). In addition, the operator shall provide storage caches of additional SCSRs throughout the mine in accordance with a Storage Cache Plan approved by the Director pursuant to W. Va. Code R. §56-4-6.5.2. Each SCSR shall be approved to provide at least 60 minutes of breathable air by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the United States Department of Labor: provided, that nothing contained herein shall preclude an operator from providing each miner working underground an SCSR with an MSHA approved rating less than 60 minutes of breathable air that is adequate to provide for twice the travel time as defined in the chart in W. Va. Code R. §56-4-6 to the nearest storage cache, as defined in W. Va. Code R. §56-4-6, or an escape facility.5.3. Each operator shall provide training in the proper use of SCSRs in simulated emergency situations in all required SCSR training: provided, that such simulations may be conducted on the surface. Training shall be in compliance with all manufacturers' requirements and shall include, but not be limited to: the risks of toxic gases; manufacturers' required daily inspections; donning and starting the SCSR; limitations of the SCSR; ways to maximize duration of the unit; changing between SCSRs; communicating without removing the mouthpiece; importance and use of goggles; and how to know if the device has failed and what to do if it does fail.5.4. Pursuant to W. Va. Code §22A-1-23, operators and independent contractors shall report to the Director all SCSRs in-service and list the following: manufacturer; model; serial number; mine/contractor ID#; service dates; and results of required inspections. This information shall be submitted electronically as defined by the Director, updated quarterly and will include information on any units removed from service along with the reason(s).5.5. The Director shall compile and analyze the results of this information and distribute a report within 30 days by posting the report on the MHS&T web page: https://minesafety.wv.gov.5.6. The Director shall establish a program to periodically evaluate the quality of SCSRs in-service in West Virginia mines through collection and testing of a statistically significant number of units of differing ages and representative of models used West Virginia mines. The results of such evaluations will be published on the MHS&T web page: https://minesafety.wv.gov.