30-3-106. Permissible methane detector required; permissible methods of testing for methane; examination of underground mine by mine examiners; procedure; written record.

(a) At least two (2) permissible methane detectors in proper working condition shall be kept available at each mine for the use of authorized persons. Only permissible flame safety lamps, permissible methane detectors, or air sampling and analysis shall be used for determining the presence of methane in mine air. The number, type and other specifications for flame safety lamps, methane detectors and other air detectors required under specific circumstances shall be established by rule of the inspector.

(b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(c) Mine examiners shall examine all underground mines before other persons are permitted to enter. Specific areas of underground mines shall be subject to examination in accordance with rules of the inspector. The number, timing, schedule, place and conduct of all examinations shall be set by the rules. The rules shall require written verification of all required examinations.

(d) The mine examiner shall:

(i) Visit every live working place in the mine;

(ii) Test for methane;

(iii) Examine line brattices and fan tubing;

(iv) Test and inspect the roof, face and rib conditions in all places examined, including active roadways, travelways, approaches to abandoned workings and accessible falls in active sections for explosive gas and other hazards;

(v) Ascertain that air is traveling in its regular course and in the required volume in each split;

(vi) Place his initials and the date at or near the face of each place examined.

(e) Where dangerous conditions are found by the mine examiner or other official, the place shall be [posted] dangered off with an approved danger sign. Only an authorized person shall cross the sign and then only for the purpose of correcting the dangerous condition.

(f) Upon completion of his examination, the mine examiner shall report to the mine foreman or a designated certified official before other persons enter the mine.

(g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

(n) A certified mine foreman immediately directing the activities of the area subject to the report shall read and countersign the record book of the mine examiner daily. Any dangerous conditions disclosed in the reports shall be corrected promptly.

(o) All records of daily and weekly reports shall be open for inspection by interested persons.