Section 690-264 - Use of oxygen and gas(a) General rule.--Oxygen and gas tanks or cylinders and their contents must be used solely for their intended purposes.(b) Training and clothing.--An individual assigned to use and work with oxygen or gas shall be properly trained and skilled in its use and shall be fully conversant with the danger of its misuse. Any individual using oxygen or gas in and about a bituminous coal mine shall be provided with goggles or shields, and the clothing of such individual shall be reasonably free of oil and grease.(c) Lighting of torches.--Only a safe type of spark lighter shall be used for lighting torches. The use of matches, cigarette lighters, electric arcs or hot metal to light or relight a torch is prohibited.(d) Maintenance.--The oxygen or gas hose lines, gauges and similar equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition. Defective tanks, cylinders, gauges, hose lines, torches and similar equipment shall be taken out of service upon discovery and shall not be put into use until corrected and made safe.(e) Multiple units permitted.--(1) Multiple units consisting of one gas tank and one oxygen tank are permitted in a working section when necessary. When not in use, the tanks shall be removed to a point outby the last open crosscut and kept away from power wires and electric equipment. A proper storage area must be provided.(2) This subsection does not apply to oxygen tanks used to provide breathable air in the event of an emergency.(f) Pressure.--Neither oxygen nor gas shall be used under direct pressure from tanks or cylinders but must be used under reduced pressure not exceeding pressures recommended by the manufacturer of the oxygen or gas.(g) Working sections.--Oxygen or gas cutting, burning or welding shall be done in fresh intake air only in working sections. The area where the work is to be done shall be examined by a mine official before, during and after the welding or burning to assure that no fire or other danger exists. In the event the equipment to be repaired cannot be removed from the face area to outby the last open crosscut, the following shall be satisfied: (1) Fresh intake air shall be established to a point inby where the cutting or welding is to be performed.(2) An approved gas detection device shall be used by a mine official for gas detection during the cutting and welding operation.(3) No individual shall be permitted inby the point in the working section where cutting or welding operations are being performed.(h) Safety requirements.--(1) When oxygen or gas cutting, burning or welding is being done, a suitable fire extinguisher shall be kept on hand and ready for use. In dry or dusty locations, a water line and tap under pressure or an adequate supply of rock dust shall be available in the area where such work is performed.(2) Neither oxygen nor gas shall be used near oil, grease or fine coal dust unless the oil, grease or fine coal dust is adequately cleaned or made inert by the use of rock dust or the area where the work is to be done is thoroughly wetted.(i) Intake air activity.--Oxygen or gas cutting, burning or welding shall be done in intake air only. Underground shops where oxygen gas burning occurs shall be on a separate split of air.(j) Tests for leaks.--Tests for leaks on hose valves or gauges shall be made only with a soft brush and soapy water or soapsuds.(k) Torch-tip cleaners.--An efficient and proper type torch-tip cleaner shall be kept on hand and used to maintain each torch in safe operating condition. A suitable wrench designed for oxygen and gas tanks shall be in the possession of the individual authorized to use the equipment.(l) Manifolding cylinders.--The practice known as "manifolding cylinders" shall be permitted if the installation is solidly grounded and operation thereof is in accordance with recognized safe procedures.(m) Protection from power lines.--Oxygen and gas tanks or cylinders shall be protected from power lines or energized electrical machinery or equipment, and such tanks or cylinders shall be kept away from the place where the cutting is being done in order to prevent damage or accident and to prevent heat from affecting such tanks or cylinders.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §264, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].