WM. PRESTON LANE, JR. ? GOVERNOR. 1045

persons are employed, who possesses a first class mine
foreman's certificate of competency, shall have charge of
such mine under the supervision and control of such oper-
ator. And in mines employing seven or less persons the
operator of such mine shall himself hold or shall employ
a person who shall hold a permit of competency issued by
the Director of the Bureau of Mines as provided for in this
Article; however, in non-gassy mines employing eight or
more persons it shall not be necessary that the mine fore-
man possess a first class mine foreman's certificate of com-
petency as herein provided until on and after June 1, 1950,
provided, however, such foreman must possess either a
first class or second class certificate of competency issued
prior to the effective date of this Act between the effective
date of this Act and June 1, 1950. And in the case of a
mine employing seven or less persons it shall not be neces-
sary for the operator to hold or to employ the holder of a
permit issued by the Director of the Bureau of Mines as
provided for herein until on and after June 1, 1950.

63. Whenever the mine workings become so extensive
that the Mine Foreman is unable personally to discharge
his duties, the operator shall employ a sufficient number
of competent persons or assistants who shall have like
qualifications with the Mine Foreman; provided, that
whenever any emergency arises whereby it is impossible
for any operator to secure the immediate services of a cer-
tified or qualified man, he may employ any qualified and
experienced man as Mine Foreman or Assistant Mine
Foreman for a period not exceeding thirty days, subject
to the approval of the Bureau of Mines.

64.

(a) Visit each working place once each day while the
employees are at work, to see that each place is properly
timbered, drained, secured, and reasonably safe; that a
sufficient supply of timber and other facilities is on hand
ready for use; that all loose coal or other dangerous mate-
rial is taken down or secured, especially upon traveling
ways and airways; that standing water is drained from
passageways and working places; that explosive and nox-
ious gases and dangerous accumulations of dust are re-
moved; that rock dusting is properly done and that in
general the ventilation, stoppings, doors, timbering, drain-
age, equipment, electrical installations, traveling and air
ways, trackage and other mine works and ways are in
good working order and in reasonably safe condition.