{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/45.2-833.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/45.2-833.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/45.2-833.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/45.2-833.html"}],"law_id":84902,"edition_id":1,"section_id":84902,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-833","catch_line":" Main fans","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, \u00a7 45.1-54; 1978, c. 120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, \u00a7 45.1-161.216; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","full_text":"A\n\nThe active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.B\n\nUnless otherwise approved by the Chief, each fan shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, (ii) installed on the surface in a fireproof housing, and (iii) equipped with fireproof air ducts.C\n\nIn addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either:1\n\nBe equipped with ample means of pressure relief and be offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or2\n\nBe directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, such opening shall not be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur. There shall be another opening, equipped with a weak-wall stopping or with explosion doors, that is located not less than 15 feet or more than 100 feet from the fan opening and in direct line with the forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur; and3\n\nIn a mine ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shall be installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through the fan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close.D\n\nEach main mine fan shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarm when the fan slows down or stops. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such device shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by an authorized person.E\n\nEach main fan shall be on a separate power circuit, independent of the mine circuit.F\n\nThe area surrounding a main fan installation shall be kept free of combustible material for at least 100 feet in every direction where physical conditions permit.G\n\nEach mine fan shall be operated continuously except when no miner is underground and such mine fan is intentionally stopped for necessary testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, or as otherwise approved by the Chief. If the main fan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stopped after all miners are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a period specified in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine, prepared pursuant to § 45.2-834, before any miner is allowed underground.H\n\nWhere electric power is available, no main mine fan shall be powered by means of an internal combustion engine. However, if electric power is not available or the fan is employed for emergency use, a main mine fan may be powered with an internal combustion engine. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such fan shall be operated exhausting and the engine operating such fan shall be offset at least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproof structure.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":304211,"text":"The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":304212,"text":"Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, each fan shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, (ii) installed on the surface in a fireproof housing, and (iii) equipped with fireproof air ducts.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":304213,"text":"In addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":304214,"text":"Be equipped with ample means of pressure relief and be offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"4":{"id":304215,"text":"Be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, such opening shall not be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur. There shall be another opening, equipped with a weak-wall stopping or with explosion doors, that is located not less than 15 feet or more than 100 feet from the fan opening and in direct line with the forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"5":{"id":304216,"text":"In a mine ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shall be installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through the fan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":304217,"text":"Each main mine fan shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarm when the fan slows down or stops. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such device shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by an authorized person.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"E"},"7":{"id":304218,"text":"Each main fan shall be on a separate power circuit, independent of the mine circuit.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"8":{"id":304219,"text":"The area surrounding a main fan installation shall be kept free of combustible material for at least 100 feet in every direction where physical conditions permit.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"9":{"id":304220,"text":"Each mine fan shall be operated continuously except when no miner is underground and such mine fan is intentionally stopped for necessary testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, or as otherwise approved by the Chief. If the main fan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stopped after all miners are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a period specified in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine, prepared pursuant to § 45.2-834, before any miner is allowed underground.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"10":{"id":304221,"text":"Where electric power is available, no main mine fan shall be powered by means of an internal combustion engine. However, if electric power is not available or the fan is employed for emergency use, a main mine fan may be powered with an internal combustion engine. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such fan shall be operated exhausting and the engine operating such fan shall be offset at least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproof structure.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14031,"edition_id":1,"name":"Ventilation, Mine Gases, and Other Hazardous Conditions","identifier":"4","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14030,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:38","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:38","permalink":{"id":223537,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14031,"identifier":"4","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4","url":"\/45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14030,"edition_id":1,"name":"Requirements Applicable to Underground Coal Mines; Electricity, Safety, Etc","identifier":"8","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12986,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:46:38","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:46:38","permalink":{"id":223425,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14030,"identifier":"8","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8","url":"\/45.2\/II\/B\/8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12986,"edition_id":1,"name":"Underground Coal Mines","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12985,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","permalink":{"id":223095,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12986,"identifier":"B","token":"45.2\/II\/B","url":"\/45.2\/II\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12985,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coal Mining","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12713,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","permalink":{"id":222647,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12985,"identifier":"II","token":"45.2\/II","url":"\/45.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12713,"edition_id":1,"name":"Mines, Minerals, and Energy","identifier":"45.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":222539,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12713,"identifier":"45.2","token":"45.2","url":"\/45.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":61647,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-826","catch_line":" Pre-shift examinations","url":"\/45.2-826\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-826","metadata":false},{"id":75532,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-827","catch_line":" On-shift examinations","url":"\/45.2-827\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-827","metadata":false},{"id":84889,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-828","catch_line":" Weekly examinations","url":"\/45.2-828\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-828","metadata":false},{"id":55121,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-829","catch_line":" Examinations of fans","url":"\/45.2-829\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-829","metadata":false},{"id":78974,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-830","catch_line":" Record of examinations","url":"\/45.2-830\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-830","metadata":false},{"id":73101,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-831","catch_line":" Notice of hazardous conditions","url":"\/45.2-831\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-831","metadata":false},{"id":56771,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-832","catch_line":" Notice of monitor tampering prohibition","url":"\/45.2-832\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-832","metadata":false},{"id":84902,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-833","catch_line":" Main fans","url":"\/45.2-833\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-833","metadata":false},{"id":64758,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-834","catch_line":" Fan stoppage plan","url":"\/45.2-834\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-834","metadata":false},{"id":61736,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-835","catch_line":" Auxiliary fans","url":"\/45.2-835\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-835","metadata":false},{"id":78287,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-836","catch_line":" Quantity of air","url":"\/45.2-836\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-836","metadata":false},{"id":81164,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-837","catch_line":" Bleeder systems","url":"\/45.2-837\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-837","metadata":false},{"id":55504,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-838","catch_line":" Coursing of air","url":"\/45.2-838\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-838","metadata":false},{"id":75203,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-839","catch_line":" Actions for excessive methane","url":"\/45.2-839\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-839","metadata":false},{"id":75918,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-840","catch_line":" Crosscuts","url":"\/45.2-840\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-840","metadata":false},{"id":78688,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-841","catch_line":" Permanent stoppings","url":"\/45.2-841\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-841","metadata":false},{"id":86254,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-842","catch_line":" Ventilation controls","url":"\/45.2-842\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-842","metadata":false},{"id":59441,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-843","catch_line":" Line brattice","url":"\/45.2-843\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-843","metadata":false},{"id":70834,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-844","catch_line":" Ventilation with air from certain areas","url":"\/45.2-844\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-844","metadata":false},{"id":64318,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-845","catch_line":" Worked-out areas","url":"\/45.2-845\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-845","metadata":false},{"id":74385,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-846","catch_line":" Air quality","url":"\/45.2-846\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-846","metadata":false},{"id":71388,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-847","catch_line":" Examination of mine for explosive gas and other hazardous conditions","url":"\/45.2-847\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-847","metadata":false},{"id":86482,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-848","catch_line":" Tampering with methane monitoring devices prohibited; penalty","url":"\/45.2-848\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-848","metadata":false},{"id":66298,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-849","catch_line":" Allowing persons to work in mine where methane monitoring equipment disconnected; penalty","url":"\/45.2-849\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-849","metadata":false},{"id":77699,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-850","catch_line":" Intentionally bypassing a safety device; prohibition","url":"\/45.2-850\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-850","metadata":false},{"id":68872,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-851","catch_line":" Control of coal dust","url":"\/45.2-851\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-851","metadata":false},{"id":79750,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-852","catch_line":" Rock dusting","url":"\/45.2-852\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-852","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":56771,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-832","catch_line":" Notice of monitor tampering prohibition","url":"\/45.2-832\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-832","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64758,"structure_id":14031,"section_number":"45.2-834","catch_line":" Fan stoppage plan","url":"\/45.2-834\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-834","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/45.2-833\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 191; in 1966, chapter 594; in 1978, chapter 120; in 1988, chapter 597; in 1993, chapter 442; in 1994, chapter 28<\/a>; in 1996, chapter 774<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 3<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 826<\/a> and 862<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":64758,"section_number":"45.2-834","catch_line":" Fan stoppage plan","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-834\/"}],"permalink":{"id":223567,"object_type":"law","relational_id":84902,"identifier":"45.2-833","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-833","url":"\/45.2-833\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/45.2-833\/","token":"45.2\/II\/B\/8\/4\/45.2-833","dublin_core":{"Title":" Main fans","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 45.2-833","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Unless otherwise approved by the Chief<\/span>, each fan shall be (i) provided with pressure-recording gauges, (ii) installed on the surface in a fireproof housing, and (iii) equipped with fireproof air ducts. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Be equipped with ample means of pressure relief and be offset not less than 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, such opening shall not be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur. There shall be another opening, equipped with a weak-wall stopping or with explosion doors, that is located not less than 15 feet or more than 100 feet from the fan opening and in direct line with the forces coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> In a mine ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shall be installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through the fan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Each main mine fan shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarm when the fan slows down or stops. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief<\/span>, such device shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by an authorized person. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Each main fan shall be on a separate power circuit<\/span>, independent of the mine circuit<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The area surrounding a main fan installation shall be kept free of combustible material<\/span> for at least 100 feet in every direction where physical conditions permit. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Each mine fan shall be operated continuously except when no miner is underground and such mine fan is intentionally stopped for necessary testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, or as otherwise approved by the Chief<\/span>. If the main fan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, or repairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stopped after all miners are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a period specified in the approved fan stoppage plan for that mine, prepared pursuant to § 45.2-834<\/a>, before any miner is allowed underground. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Where electric power is available, no main mine fan shall be powered by means of an internal combustion engine. However, if electric power is not available or the fan is employed for emergency use, a main mine fan may be powered with an internal combustion engine. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief<\/span>, such fan shall be operated exhausting and the engine operating such fan shall be offset at least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproof structure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\n MAIN FANS (\u00a7 45.2-833)\n\nA. The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.\n\nB. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, each fan shall be (i) provided with\npressure-recording gauges, (ii) installed on the surface in a fireproof housing,\nand (iii) equipped with fireproof air ducts.\n\nC. In addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either:\n\n 1. Be equipped with ample means of pressure relief and be offset not less than\n 15 feet from the nearest side of the mine opening; or\n\n 2. Be directly in front of, or over, the mine opening; however, such opening\n shall not be in direct line with forces coming out of the mine if an explosion\n were to occur. There shall be another opening, equipped with a weak-wall\n stopping or with explosion doors, that is located not less than 15 feet or\n more than 100 feet from the fan opening and in direct line with the forces\n coming out of the mine if an explosion were to occur; and\n\n 3. In a mine ventilated by multiple main mine fans, incombustible doors shall\n be installed so that if any main mine fan stops and air reversals through the\n fan are possible, the doors on the affected fan automatically close.\n\nD. Each main mine fan shall be provided with an automatic device to give alarm\nwhen the fan slows down or stops. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such\ndevice shall be placed so that it will be seen or heard by an authorized person.\n\nE. Each main fan shall be on a separate power circuit, independent of the mine\ncircuit.\n\nF. The area surrounding a main fan installation shall be kept free of\ncombustible material for at least 100 feet in every direction where physical\nconditions permit.\n\nG. Each mine fan shall be operated continuously except when no miner is\nunderground and such mine fan is intentionally stopped for necessary testing,\nadjustment, maintenance, or repairs, or as otherwise approved by the Chief. If\nthe main fan is intentionally stopped for testing, adjustment, maintenance, or\nrepairs, the mine operator shall comply with the requirements set forth in the\napproved fan stoppage plan for that mine. If the main fan is stopped after all\nminers are out of the mine, the fan shall be operated for a period specified in\nthe approved fan stoppage plan for that mine, prepared pursuant to §\n45.2-834, before any miner is allowed underground.\n\nH. Where electric power is available, no main mine fan shall be powered by means\nof an internal combustion engine. However, if electric power is not available or\nthe fan is employed for emergency use, a main mine fan may be powered with an\ninternal combustion engine. Unless otherwise approved by the Chief, such fan\nshall be operated exhausting and the engine operating such fan shall be offset\nat least 10 feet from the fan and housed in a separate fireproof structure.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, \u00a7 45.1-54; 1978, c.\n120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, \u00a7 45.1-161.216; 1996, c. 774;\n2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}