In accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, the chief of the division of mineral resources management, in consultation with a statewide association that represents the surface mining industry, shall adopt rules that do all of the following:

(A) For the purpose of establishing safety standards governing surface mining operations, incorporate by reference 30 C.F.R. parts 46, 47, 50, 56, 58, and 62, as amended;

(B) Establish criteria, standards, and procedures governing safety performance evaluations conducted under section 1514.45 of the Revised Code, including requirements for the notification of operators and the identification of authorized representatives of miners at surface mining operations for purposes of inspections conducted under sections 1514.41 to 1514.47 of the Revised Code;

(C) Establish requirements governing the reporting and investigation of accidents at surface mining operations. In adopting the rules, the chief shall establish requirements that minimize duplication with any reporting and investigations of accidents that are conducted by the mine safety and health administration in the United States department of labor.

(D) Establish the time, place, and frequency of mine safety training conducted under section 1514.06 of the Revised Code and a fee, if any, for the purpose of that section. The amount of the fee shall not exceed the costs of conducting the training that is required under that section.

(E) Establish the minimum qualifications necessary to take the examination that is required for certification of certified mine forepersons under division (B) of section 1514.47 of the Revised Code and requirements, fees, and procedures governing the taking of the examination;

(F) Establish requirements and fees governing the reissuance of certificates under division (C) of that section;

(G) Establish requirements and procedures for the approval of training plans submitted under division (D) of that section for the use of qualified persons to conduct examinations of surface mining operations in lieu of certified mine forepersons and minimum qualifications of those persons. The rules shall include requirements governing training frequency and curriculum that must be provided for qualified persons under such plans and shall establish related reporting and record keeping requirements.

As used in sections 1514.41 to 1514.47 of the Revised Code, "rule" means a rule adopted under this section unless the context indicates otherwise.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 64, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2015.

Effective Date: 04-06-2007; 2007 HB119 09-29-2007