HARRY HUGHES, Governor

1373

(4)  Procedure When Fan in Gassy Mine Stops. If
the main fan of a gassy mine fails or stops, immediate
action shall be taken to cut off the power and withdraw the
men from the face region of the mine. If ventilation is
restored in a reasonable time, a certified or capable
supervisor shall reexamine the face region and any other
place methane is likely to accumulate. If the region is
found free from explosive gas, power may be restored and
work resumed. If ventilation is not restored in a reasonable
time, every underground employee shall be removed from the
mine.

(5)  Protection From Fires. Main fan
installations shall be protected from wood fire, grass fire,
and rubbish for at least 100 feet in any direction from the
fan installation if physical conditions permit.

(6)  Daily Inspection and Record Thereof. The fan
shall be inspected daily and a record kept of the
inspection. The record is open for examination by any
interested person.

(7)  When Operated. A main mine fan shall be
operated continuously except if the mine is shut down with
all workers out of the mine. After the fan has been started,
the mine shall be examined for gas and other hazards and
made safe before workers, other than the examiners, are
permitted in the mine.

(b)  The installation of booster fans is not permitted,
unless the director of the bureau finds that the
installation is necessary for the safe operation and proper
ventilation of the mine, that it would not materially
increase the hazard of the mine, and that the conditions and
safeguards he may prescribe will be complied with. In mines
where booster fans are being used, their use may be
continued, but they shall be surrounded with the following
safeguards:

(1)  The fan motor shall be an enclosed type, the
surroundings of the fan fireproofed, and the fan installed
and located to prevent recirculation of air;

(2)  Passageway by the fan installation shall be
by means of an air lock, with doors having at least a 30
square feet cross-sectional area and opening automatically
when the fan stops operating;

(3)  Inspection at least twice each shift and
provision of a signal light, audible signal, or constant
attendance.

In case of booster fan stoppage, the procedure
contained in this subtitle with respect to stoppage of main
fans applies to the section of the mine affected.

(c)  Blower fans with tubing used in gassy mines shall
be surrounded with the following safeguards: