                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

 LOADING AND HAULAGE WORK AREA REQUIREMENTS (§ 45.2-923)

A. Every ramp or dump shall be of solid construction, ample width, and ample
clearance, and headroom shall be kept reasonably free of spillage.

B. Berms or guards shall be provided on the outer bank of every elevated haulage
road. Every berm shall be constructed of substantial material to the mid-axle
height of the largest vehicle regularly used on such haulage road. The width and
height of the berm shall be constructed on a two-to-one ratio when it is
constructed of unconsolidated material. Other equally effective and appropriate
methods may be used for berms.

C. Berms, bumper blocks, safety hooks, or similar means shall be provided to
prevent overtravel and overturning at dumping stations.

D. Dumping locations and haulage roads shall be kept reasonably free of water,
debris, and spillage. Water, debris, or spilled material that creates a hazard
to moving equipment shall be removed.

E. Every haulage road constructed on or after July 1, 2005, shall be constructed
at least one and one-half times the width of the widest equipment in use, and
any haulage road that is used for passing shall be constructed at least three
times the width of the widest equipment in use. In any area in which it is not
possible to construct the haulage road to at least the applicable minimum width,
the foreman shall establish procedures for safe travel of haulage vehicles.

F. Traffic rules, signals, and warning signs shall be standardized at each mine
and shall be posted. Such rules, signals, and signs shall include rules for the
travel of on-road vehicles operating near off-road haulers in work areas.

G. Every dumping station at which material is dumped over an embankment shall be
designed to minimize backing and, where conditions permit, to provide for
perpendicular travel to allow the equipment operator to observe the dumping
station for changing conditions prior to backing. Reflectorized signs, strobe
lights, or other available means shall be used to clearly indicate each dumping
location. This subsection shall not apply to a dumping station (i) that is moved
after each dumped load as mining progresses, (ii) where spotters are being used,
or (iii) where loads are dumped short and pushed over the embankment. Any
dumping station that could interfere with a haulage road or work area below
shall be clearly marked with signs to prevent further dumping, unless other
effective precautions are taken to protect such haulage road or work area below
the dump station.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 45-85.7; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, § 45.1-36; 1978, c.
729; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.276; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2010, cc. 809, 857;
2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.