                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 GROUND CONTROL (§ 45.2-934)

A. Every surface coal mining operation shall establish and follow a ground
control plan approved by the Chief to ensure the safety of workers and others
affected by the operation. The ground control plan shall be consistent with
prudent engineering design. Mining methods, including benching, shall ensure
wall and bank stability in order to obtain a safe overall slope. The ground
control plan shall also ensure the safety of every person who is (i) located in
a residence or other occupied building; (ii) working or traveling on any
roadway; or (iii) located in any other area where persons congregate, work, or
travel that could be affected by blasting or by the falling, sliding, or other
uncontrolled movement of material. The ground control plan shall identify how
residents or occupants of other buildings located down the slope from active
workings will be notified when ground-disturbing activities will take place
above them and what actions will be taken to protect such residents or occupants
from ground control failures during the work.

B. Scaling and removal of loose hazardous material from the top of a pit or from
a highwall, wall, bank, or bench shall be completed to ensure a safe work area.

C. Employees and other persons, except those involved in correction of the
condition, shall be restricted from any area where hazardous highwall or pit
conditions exist.

D. Unless he is required for the purpose of making repairs, no person shall be
allowed in any area that is located between equipment and a highwall, wall,
bank, or bench if the equipment could hinder escape from falling or sliding
material. Special precautions shall be taken when any person is required to
perform such repairs.

HISTORY: 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.287; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.