West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 36 - Coal Mine Health And Safety
West Virginia Code of State Rules – Agency 36: Coal Mine Health and Safety
Overview:
Agency 36 of the West Virginia Code of State Rules (CSR) sets forth the regulations enforced by the Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training (MHST). These rules are designed to ensure the health, safety, training, and certification of miners and mining operations in West Virginia's coal mining industry.
The agency’s authority comes from West Virginia Code Chapter 22A, which governs mining safety laws, including underground and surface coal mining operations.
Primary Goals of Agency 36 Rules:
Protect the lives, health, and safety of coal miners.
Set training and certification standards for various mining occupations.
Ensure safe operation of mining equipment and ventilation systems.
Enforce compliance through inspections, citations, and penalties.
Key Topics Covered by Agency 36 Rules:
Training and Certification (e.g., Miners, Electricians, Foremen):
Requirements for new miner training, annual retraining, and specialized certifications (CSR §36-4, §36-6, §36-8).
Certification boards and examination standards (CSR §36-7, §36-22).
Mine Ventilation and Air Quality:
Ventilation standards, airflow requirements, and gas detection protocols (CSR §36-18).
Rules related to dust control, explosives, and atmospheric monitoring.
Safety Equipment and Practices:
Regulations on personal protective equipment (PPE), communication devices, and emergency shelters.
Accident prevention, first aid, and emergency response plans (CSR §36-21).
Underground and Surface Mine Safety Standards:
Safe operation of equipment, belt conveyors, roof bolters, etc. (CSR §36-20).
Requirements for roof control, haulage safety, and blasting operations.
Mine Inspections and Reporting:
Procedures for state inspections, violations, and citations (CSR §36-11, §36-12).
Mandated incident reporting for injuries, fatalities, or hazardous events.
Selected Chapters in Agency 36:
| CSR Section | Title |
|---|---|
| §36-4 | Miner Training, Certification, and Re-certification |
| §36-6 | Certification of Underground Mine Foreman |
| §36-7 | Electrical Equipment and Electricians Certification |
| §36-18 | Ventilation Requirements |
| §36-20 | Roof, Face, and Rib Control |
| §36-21 | First Aid Equipment and Procedures |
| §36-22 | Certification Examinations and Boards |
| §36-25 | Surface Coal Mine Safety Standards |
Legal Authority:
West Virginia Code Chapter 22A – “Miners’ Health, Safety and Training.”
Enforced by the WV Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training (MHST).
Purpose in Practice:
The rules in Agency 36 ensure that mining operations uphold high safety standards, that workers are properly trained and certified, and that mines are equipped to respond to emergencies and protect worker health.
RELATED Blog
0 comments