                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 MAIN FANS (§ 45.2-833)

A. The active workings of a mine shall be ventilated by means of main fans.

B. 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.

C. In addition to the requirements of subsection B, each main fan shall either:

   1. 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

   2. 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

   3. 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.

D. 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.

E. Each main fan shall be on a separate power circuit, independent of the mine
circuit.

F. 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.

G. 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 &#xA7;
45.2-834, before any miner is allowed underground.

H. 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.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 45-60.1; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-54; 1978, c.
120; 1988, c. 597; 1993, c. 442; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.216; 1996, c. 774;
2005, c. 3; 2011, cc. 826, 862; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.