352.232 Definitions -- Safety requirements governing use of electrical face
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/ky/352-232A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
equipment -- Examination for methane gas. For purposes of this section, "approved" means that a device, apparatus, equipment, machinery, or practice employed in the mining of coal has been approved by the commissioner of the Department for Natural Resources or accepted by a nationally or federally recognized testing laboratory or the United States Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration; "suitable" means a design, material, or installation that meets the requirements of its intended use or that is accepted by a nationally or federally recognized testing laboratory or the United States Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration.
(1)No person shall be placed in charge of electrical face equipment in any mine unless
he is a qualified person capable of determining the safety of the roof, face, and ribs
of the working places and detecting the presence of explosive gas. Operators of
electrical face equipment shall undergo an examination to determine their fitness to
detect explosive gas and shall have a minimum of forty-five
(45)days of actual
mining experience before they are permitted to have charge of electric face
equipment. Safety committeemen, shotfirers, and others whose duty may require
them to make inspections for gas shall undergo and pass an examination or possess
a mine foreman's certificate before using an approved multi-gas detection device
underground. The examination shall be given by the mine inspector. Blank forms
for the examination shall be furnished by the department. A copy shall be retained
on file at the mine office and the original shall be sent to the department fully made
out and signed by the applicant and approved by the mine inspector.
(2)No electric face equipment shall be brought inby the last breakthrough next to the
working face until the equipment operator has made an inspection for explosive gas
using an approved gas detection device or instrument in the place where the
equipment is to work unless the inspection is then made by some other competent
person authorized and appointed for that purpose by the mine foreman. If any
explosive gas in excess of one percent (1%) is found in the place, the electrical
equipment shall not be taken in until the gas is removed.
(3)While the electric equipment is operating at the face, an examination for gas shall
be made at not more than twenty
(20)minute intervals. If methane gas is found in
excess of one percent (1%) at any time, the power shall be de-energized from the
equipment and left de-energized until the gas is reduced to less than one percent
(1%) and the place determined safe by a foreman.