(A) As used in this section and sections 1561.17 to 1561.21 of the Revised Code, "actual practical experience" means previous employment that involved a person's regular presence in the type of mining operation in which the experience is required to exist; participation in functions relating to the hazards involved in and the utilization of equipment, tools, and work crews and individuals for that type of mining; and regular exposure to the methods, procedures, and safety laws applicable to that type of mining. Credit of up to one year for a portion of the required experience time may be given upon documentation to the chief of the division of mineral resources management of an educational degree in a field related to mining. Credit of up to two years of the required experience time may be given upon presentation to the chief of proof of graduation from an accredited school of mines or mining after a four-year course of study with employment in the mining industry during interim breaks during the school years.

(B) A person who applies for a certificate as a mine foreperson of gaseous mines shall be able to read and write the English language; shall have had at least five years' actual practical experience in the underground workings of a gaseous mine or the equivalent thereof in the judgment of the chief; and shall have had practical experience obtained by actual contact with gas in mines and have knowledge of the dangers and nature of noxious and explosive gases and ventilation of gaseous mines. An applicant for a certificate as a foreperson of gaseous mines shall meet the same requirements, except that the applicant shall have had at least three years' actual practical experience in the underground workings of a gaseous mine or the equivalent thereof in the judgment of the chief. Each applicant for examination shall pay a fee established in rules adopted under this section to the chief on the first day of such examination.

(C) A person who has been issued a certificate as a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine and who has not worked in an underground coal mine for a period of more than two calendar years shall apply for and obtain recertification from the chief in accordance with rules adopted under this section before performing the duties of a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine. An applicant for recertification shall pay a fee established in rules adopted under this section at the time of application for recertification.

(D) A person who has been issued a certificate as a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine and who has not worked in an underground coal mine for a period of one or more calendar years shall successfully complete a retraining course in accordance with rules adopted under this section before performing the duties of a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine.

(E) The chief, in consultation with a statewide association representing the coal mining industry and a statewide association representing employees of coal mines, shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that do all of the following:

(1) Prescribe requirements, criteria, and procedures for the recertification of a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine who has not worked in an underground coal mine for a period of more than two calendar years;

(2) Prescribe requirements, criteria, and procedures for the retraining of a mine foreperson or a foreperson of a gaseous mine who has not worked in an underground coal mine for a period of one or more calendar years;

(3) Establish fees for the examination and recertification of mine forepersons or forepersons of gaseous mines under this section;

(4) Prescribe any other requirements, criteria, and procedures that the chief determines are necessary to administer this section.

(F) Any money collected under this section shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the mining regulation and safety fund created in section 1513.30 of the Revised Code.

Amended by 132nd General Assembly File No. TBD, HB 49, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2017.

Effective Date: 09-05-2001; 2008 SB323 06-11-2008 .