1388

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 418

the surface, may not be tapped until every worker, except
those engaged in this work, are out of the mine. The work
shall be executed only under the immediate supervision of
the mine foreman. Coal may not be mined within 50 feet of
any abandoned mine suspected to be inundated with water,
until the danger from the water has been removed by driving
a passageway to tap and drain it. Further, any barrier
pillar standing in the vicinity of the abandoned mine must
be in proportion of 1 foot of additional pillar thickness to
each one and one-quarter feet of watershed, if the district
mine inspector believes the thickness is necessary for the
safety of persons and property within the operating mine.

(b) If clay veins, spars, or faults are cut in driving
entries or other narrow work into solid coal, in gassy
mines, a borehole shall be kept not less than 3 feet in
advance of the face or a like distance in advance of any
shot hole drilled for blasting.]

[7-446.

(a)  Oil, grease, and similar flammable material shall
be stored in closed containers, separate from other material
so as not to create a fire hazard to any nearby building or
mine. A building or room in which oil or grease is stored
shall be of fire-resistive material and well ventilated.
Oil, grease, or other similar inflammable material may not
be stored in any fanhouse. A tight metal receptacle shall be
provided for oily waste. Smoking in or about any surface
structure is restricted to a place where it will not cause a
fire or explosion.

(b)  If a gasoline engine is used to propel any
ventilating fan, the fuel tank may not be placed immediately
above the engine. The fuel tank shall be placed outside the
fanhouse and may be placed in a position to allow gravity
feed.

(c)  Unless any existing structure located within 100
feet of any intake mine opening is of reasonably fireproof
construction, fire doors shall be erected at effective
points in the mine openings to prevent smoke or fire from
outside sources from endangering men working underground.
These doors shall be tested at least monthly to assure
effective operation.]

[7-447.

(a)  Each mine shall be provided with suitable
fire-fighting equipment such as supplies of rock-dust at
doors and other strategic places, water lines and hose,
water or chemical trucks, and fire extinguishers. The Bureau
shall prescribe the adequate size of the equipment for the
mine.

(b)  Clean dry sand, rock-dust, or fire extinguishers
suitable from a toxic and shock standpoint, shall be