1364

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 418

[7-406.

For purposes of ventilation, the operator of any mine
shall see that proper break-throughs are made betweeen
entries or in room pillars, at a distance apart of not more
than 35 yards, nor less than 16 yards, as the district mine
inspector by written safety order requires.]

[7-407.

(a)  There shall be at least two travelable
passageways, designated as escapeways, from each working
section to the surface, whether the mine openings are
shafts, slopes, or drifts. They shall be kept in safe
condition for travel and reasonably free from standing water
and other obstructions. One of the designated escapeways may
be the haulage road, provided, that one of the escapeways is
ventilated with intake air.

(b)  If a designated escapeway is a shaft:

(1)  It shall be equipped with hoist and cage, or
with travelable stairways or ladders. A shaft sunk more than
30 feet deep may not be equipped with ladders.

(2)  Stairways shall be of substantial
construction, set at an angle not greater than 45° from the
horizontal and equipped on at least one side with a suitable
handrail. Landing platforms shall be at least 2 feet wide
and 4 feet long and railed properly.

(3)  Ladders shall be anchored securely.

(4)  If ladders, or stairways are installed in an
angle greater than 45°, their use may be continued provided
they are of substantial construction, with platforms at
intervals of not more than 30 feet and equipped with a
handrail in the case of stairways. If a designated escapeway
is a slope of not more than 45°, it shall be equipped with a
stairway or adequate walkway with cleats. If the slope is
more than 45°, stairways shall be installed. Direction signs
shall be posted conspicuously to indicate mainways and
designated escapeways.]

[7-408.

(a) Minimum standards for systematic timbering suitable
to the roof conditions and mining system of each mine shall
be adopted by the Bureau and complied with by workers and
officials. Additional timbering shall be done wherever
necessary to afford adequate protection.

(b)  (1) At or near the face workings of each mine, the
management shall provide an ample supply of timber and cap
pieces or wedges of proper size with which to timber any
working place in a safe manner.