                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF ROOF, FACE, AND RIBS (§ 45.2-715)

A. The operator or his agent shall instruct every miner on how to visually
examine and conduct sound and vibration testing of roof, face, and ribs.

B. Any miner exposed to danger from a fall of roof, face, or ribs shall visually
examine and, if conditions permit, test the roof, face, and ribs by sounding the
roof before starting work or before starting a machine and as needed thereafter
to ensure safety. If hazardous conditions are found, the miner discovering such
conditions shall either (i) correct the conditions immediately by taking down
the loose material, installing proper timbering, or installing proper roof
support before work is continued or any other work is done or (ii) cause all
miners to vacate the place.

C. At least once each shift, or more often if necessary, the mine foreman or
other certified person shall examine and test the roof, face, and ribs of each
active working section where coal is being produced while one or more miners are
working in such section. Any place in which a hazardous condition is found by
the mine foreman shall be made safe in his presence or under his direction or
all miners shall be withdrawn from such place. Such hazardous condition and
corrective actions taken shall be recorded in the on-shift record book at the
mine.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 45-61, 45-68.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-42;
1976, c. 598; 1978, c. 118; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.116; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c.
256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.