Section 690-257 - Trip rider and bottom individual on rope haulage(a) Duties of trip rider.--The trip rider shall see that all hitchings are safe for use and that the trip is coupled before starting. If at any time the trip rider sees any material defect in the rope, link or chain, he shall immediately remedy the defect or, if he is unable to do so, shall detain the trip and report the matter to the mine foreman or the assistant.(b) Duties of bottom individual.--The bottom individual at the bottom of any slope shall see that cars are properly coupled to a rope or chain and that the safety catch or other device is properly attached to the rear car before giving the signal to the hoisting operator. The bottom individual shall not allow any individual to ride up the slope other than the trip rider.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §257, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].