(a) General rule.--The ventilation of a mine that extends more than 200 feet underground and is opened after the effective date of this section shall be produced by a mechanically operated fan or fans. The fan or fans shall be kept in continuous operation unless written permission to do otherwise is granted by the department.(b) Location.--Except as otherwise provided under subsection (c), a main fan shall be:(1) Located on the surface in fireproof housing offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening.(2) Equipped with fireproof air ducts provided with explosion doors or a weakwall.(3) Operated from a separate power circuit.(c) Exception.--In lieu of the requirements for the location of fans and pressure-relief facilities, a fan may be directly in front of or over a mine opening if: (1) The opening is not in direct line with possible forces coming out of the mine if an explosion occurs.(2) There is another opening having a weakwall stopping or explosion doors that would be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine. All main fans shall be provided with pressure-recording gauges or water gauges.
(d) Recordkeeping and inspections.--(1) A record of the charts shall be kept for one year.(2) A daily inspection shall be made of all main fans and connected machinery by a competent individual and a record kept of the inspection in a book prescribed for that purpose.(e) Warning of fan interruption.--Approved facilities shall be provided at a point or points under observation while men are in the mine and shall give warning of an interruption to a fan. Where such facilities are not provided, an attendant shall be constantly kept on duty while individuals are working in the mine.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §237, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].