                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 SAFETY EXAMINATIONS (§ 45.2-903)

A. An on-shift examination of the work area, including any pit, auger, thin
seam, or highwall operation, shall be conducted by a certified person for each
production shift and at such other times or frequency as the Chief designates as
necessary for hazardous conditions.

B. A pre-operational examination of all mobile equipment shall be conducted by
an authorized person.

C. A pre-shift examination shall be conducted by a certified person for certain
hazardous conditions designated by the Chief.

D. Each mine refuse pile, as defined in &#xA7; 45.2-617, shall be examined by an
authorized person on each day on which any person works at such location.

E. The location of each natural gas pipeline on a permitted surface mine area
shall be identified and conspicuously marked so that equipment operators can
readily identify the location of such pipeline. A pre-shift examination shall be
conducted of the location of each pipeline whenever the work area approaches
within 500 feet of such pipeline unless otherwise approved by the Chief.

F. An air quality examination shall be conducted by a certified person when a
surface coal mining operation intersects an underground mine, auger hole, or
other underground working.

G. At least one examination for methane shall be conducted for each production
shift in each surface installation, enclosure, or other facility in which coal
is handled or stored. Each such area shall also be tested for methane before any
activity involving welding, cutting, or an open flame. An examination conducted
pursuant to this subsection shall be made by an authorized person certified to
make gas tests.

H. Electrical equipment and wiring shall be inspected as often as necessary but
at least once per month.

I. Each fire extinguisher shall be examined at least once every six months.

J. Each area of an inactive surface coal mine shall be examined for hazardous
conditions by a mine foreman immediately before any miner is permitted to enter
into such area to take emergency actions to preserve a mine.

HISTORY: Code 1950, §§ 45-32, 45-33, 45-60.4, 45-61, 45-68.1, 45-69.7; 1954,
c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-20, 45.1-42, 45.1-65; 1976, c. 598; 1978, cc.
118, 120; 1982, c. 385; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.256; 1996, c. 774; 1999, c.
256; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.