Section 351.090 - Mine safety specialists - Appointment - Qualifications - Oath and bond - Background check(1) The Governor shall appoint an adequate number of mine safety specialists to ensure at least two (2) inspections annually at all surface mines, provided the mine is in operation the entire year or the proportionate thereof, of all mines in the Commonwealth and sufficient additional mine safety specialists to enable the commissioner to provide adequate monitoring of coal mines where conditions or management policy dictate that more inspections are needed to ensure the safety of miners. Underground mines shall be inspected at least six (6) times annually; except that the commissioner shall have the discretion to require up to three (3) of the six (6) required mine safety inspections to be mine safety analysis visits pursuant to KRS 351.242. At least one (1) inspection shall be a full electrical inspection. One (1) or more of the appointees shall be designated as electrical mine inspectors. The Governor shall also appoint an adequate number of mine safety specialists to perform safety analysis and safety instruction. The term of office of each mine safety specialist shall be during the period of capable, efficient service and good behavior. (2) All mine safety specialists shall have a thorough knowledge of first aid and mine rescue and be able to instruct in first aid and mine rescue and shall have a thorough and practical knowledge of mining gained by at least five (5) years' experience in coal mines in the Commonwealth. For the purposes of this subsection, a degree in mining engineering from a recognized institution shall be deemed equivalent to two (2) years of practical experience in coal mines or an associate degree in mining technology from a recognized institution shall be deemed equivalent to one (1) year practical experience in coal mines. A person desiring to use a mining engineering or technology degree for practical experience credit shall file proof of having received a degree prior to examination.(3) No person shall be appointed to the office of mine safety specialist unless he or she holds a current mine foreman's certificate. A person appointed as mine safety specialist shall pass an examination administered by the department. The commissioner may recommend to the Governor applicants for the positions of mine safety specialist who have successfully passed the examination and are proved by worth, training, and experience to be the most competent of the applicants.(4) Mine safety specialists shall be of good moral character and temperate habits and shall not, while holding office, act in any official capacity in operating any coal mine.(5) No reimbursement for traveling expenses shall be made except on an itemized accounting for the expenses submitted by mine safety specialists who shall verify upon oath that the expenses were incurred in the discharge of their official duties.(6) Each mine safety specialist shall take oath, which shall be certified by the officer administering it. The oath, in writing, and the certificate, shall be filed in the office of the Secretary of State.(7) Each mine inspector, mine safety analyst, electrical inspector, and mine safety instructor shall give bond with surety approved by the Governor.(8) Each mine safety specialist shall provide authorization to the division to perform a criminal background check by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky State Police. The results of the state criminal background check shall be sent to the director of the division. Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of processing the request and conducting the search.Amended by 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 85,§ 9, eff. 7/14/2018.Amended by 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 117,§ 31, eff. 6/29/2017.Amended by 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 72,§ 1, eff. 6/29/2017.Amended by 2015 Ky. Acts ch. HB-407,§ 12, eff. 6/22/2015.Effective:1/1/2009
Amended 2007, Ky. Acts ch. 94, sec. 4, effective1/1/2009. -- Amended 2006, Ky. Acts ch. 185, sec. 9, effective 7/12/2006. -- Amended 2002, Ky. Acts ch. 355, sec. 2, effective 7/15/2002. -- Amended 2000, Ky. Acts ch. 104, sec. 5, effective 7/14/2000. -- Amended 1998, Ky. Acts ch. 480, sec. 1, effective 7/15/1998. -- Amended 1996, Ky. Acts ch. 308, sec. 5, effective 4/9/1996. --Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 323, sec. 1, effective 7/13/1984. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 370, sec. 3, effective 7/15/1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 301, sec. 2, effective 6/17/1978. -- Amended 1972 Ky. Acts ch. 298, sec. 6. -- Amended 1952 Ky. Acts ch. 162, sec. 6. -- Amended 1946 Ky. Acts ch. 120, sec. 2. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts ch. 208, sec. 1, effective 10/1/1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739-14, 2739-16.