Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 24, June 14, 2024
Section 56-3-35 - Auger Mining35.1. Proximity to underground workings.35.1.1. Auger mining should not be done in proximity to active underground workings unless the work is coordinated with the underground plan or workings.35.1.2. Auger holes should not be drilled so as to:35.1.2.a. Disrupt the ventilation systems of active underground mines;35.1.2.b. Create inundation hazards to active underground mines; and35.1.2.c. Cause damage to the roof and ribs of active and underground roadways.35.1.3. Auger holes should not intersect underground mine workings known to contain or suspected to contain dangerous quantities of impounded water, except to de-water such areas under controlled conditions and then only after all necessary precautions have been taken to safeguard life and property.35.2. Safeguards - auger areas generally. 35.2.1. Adequate approved means shall be provided to prevent unauthorized persons from entering areas where coal has been removed.35.2.2. Warning signs shall be posted conspicuously at the entrances to abandoned auger operations.35.2.3. Completed auger holes shall be blocked with high wall spoil to a minimum height of one (1) foot above the coal bed and to within one thousand (1,000) feet of the active holes.35.2.4. Adequate precaution shall be taken when any auger hole or holes are not blocked with high wall spoil to insure unauthorized entry.35.2.5. All haul roads entering auger pits shall be barricaded to insure against unauthorized vehicles when auger holes are left unguarded.35.3. Protection of workers. 35.3.1. No person or persons shall enter an auger hole until a qualified employee has determined by recognized means of detection whether the air within the hole is of good quality and does not contain methane or is deficient in oxygen.35.3.2. The examiner shall wear a lifeline that extends to the hands of a person on the surface.35.3.3. Persons entering an auger hole should examine and test its walls for danger from falling materials. Any hazardous conditions found should be corrected before any other work is done or the hole vacated and suitable danger boards placed across its entrance.35.3.4. Augers which are provided with walkways or platforms, where practicable shall be equipped with safe handrails.35.4. Auger operations.35.4.1. Haulage trucks awaiting loading shall park a safe distance from the high wall and spoil bank.35.4.2. No person or persons other than the auger crew shall be allowed on or around the auger when in operation unless in line of duty.35.4.3. Only the truck being loaded and one (1) other truck shall be in the auger pit.35.4.4. Open lights and smoking materials are prohibited in auger holes.35.4.5. "No Smoking" signs shall be posted in close proximity where auger holes are being drilled.35.4.6. When auger holes first penetrate abandoned or mined out underground workings, and as frequently thereafter as these workings are penetrated a qualified employee should determine, by recognized means of detection, whether or not methane or oxygen deficient air is present or is being emitted in dangerous quantities.35.4.7. The operator shall not leave the controls while the auger is being operated.35.4.8. No person or persons shall be allowed to be on the top of the cab of the carriage engine for any reason while it is moving, or when the auger train is in motion.35.4.9. Partitions of coal between auger holes shall be adequate enough to support high wall when augering operations are being performed.35.4.10. Partitions of coal between auger holes shall not be recovered by other methods of mining without the approval of the director.35.4.11. Adequate illumination shall be provided for work areas after dark.35.4.12. Persons shall keep clear of the auger train whileit is in motion and shall not pass under or over an auger train, except where suitable crossing facilities are provided.35.4.13. Persons shall keep clear of auger sections being swung into position.35.4.14. Where practicable, no persons shall be in a direct line with the boreholes during mining operations.35.5. Methane and oxygen. 35.5.1. Auger mining equipment shall not be operated in the vicinity of auger holes emitting dangerous quantities of methane or air until the atmosphere has been rendered harmless.35.5.2. Internal combustion engines in the vicinity of auger holes shall be stopped while auger holes are being inspected.35.5.3. Combustible materials, dinner pails, or other supplies shall not be stored in auger holes.35.5.4. Auger mining machines shall be equipped with an approved gas detector or other detector approved by the director.35.5.5. In each auger mining crew there shall be a person qualified in the care and use of an approved gas detector or other approved oxygen detecting measuring device.35.5.6. Tests for oxygen deficiency shall be conducted with an approved gas detector or other means approved by the director and all tests for methane shall be conducted with an approved gas detector.35.5.7. When an auger hole penetrates an abandoned or mined out area of an underground mine, tests for methane and oxygen deficiency shall be made at the collar of the hole by a qualified person, using approved devices to determine if dangerous quantities of methane or oxygen deficient air are present or being emitted. If such is found no further work shall be performed until the atmosphere has been made safe.35.6. Inspections. 35.6.1. Auger operators shall inspect their machine before starting and operating to determine such machine is in a safe operating condition and all safety equipment is provided.35.6.2. No work shall be performed under any overhang.35.6.3. When a crew is engaged in connecting or disconnecting auger sections for maintenance, repair, or other reasons besides regular operations, at least one (1) person shall be assigned to observe the high wall for possible movement.35.6.4. The face of all high walls, for a distance of one hundred (100) feet on both sides of each drilling site, shall be inspected by the auger operator and the foreman before any augering operation is performed. All loose hazardous material shall be removed from the high wall before persons are permitted to enter the drilling area.