                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES OF TOP PERSONS; PLAN FOR EXCAVATION OF SHAFT OR SLOPE (§
45.2-704)

A. During the construction or modification of any shaft or slope mine, the
person engaged in the actual construction or modification of such mine shall
employ one or more top persons certified pursuant to &#xA7; 45.2-534. It is the
duty of such top person to examine for proper and safe practices and materials
used during the construction or modification of a shaft or slope mine. Such
duties shall at all times be performed in the immediate vicinity of the shaft or
slope under construction.

B. Prior to commencing the excavation of any shaft or slope, the operator shall
submit to the Department a copy of the plan that includes the following: (i) the
name and location of the mine and shaft or slope; (ii) a description of the work
and methods to be used in the construction of the shaft or slope; (iii) a
description of the methods to be used to ensure wall and roof stability; (iv) a
description of the system of ventilation to be used, including procedures for
evacuation of the shaft or slope if a fan stoppage occurs; (v) details of
hoisting equipment to be used; and (vi) such other information as the Chief
requires. The excavation of such shaft or slope shall not begin until the plan
is approved by the Chief.

HISTORY: 1980, c. 442, § 45.1-20.1; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.250; 2011, cc.
826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.