West Virginia changes mine equipment rules

OREANDA-NEWS. June 05, 2015. West Virginia's Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety adopted new rules over how underground mining equipment should move within a mine.

The rules, which went into effect yesterday, restrict who can move the equipment and require that a certified foreman directly oversee transporting. They also set standards for the mine's condition during equipment transportation and call for certified foremen or a "fire boss" to inspect the mine's travel route within three hours after equipment has been moved and to examine the equipment within eight hours.

But the rules allow track-mounted equipment to operate normally during mine moves as long as there is at least a foot of space between trolley or feeder wires while the equipment is being transported and wires and switches located on the travel route are inspected within eight hours before the move.

The board adopted the measure as part of legislation signed by governor Early Ray Tomblin (D) in March updating state mining rules. The so-called Coal Jobs and Safety Act also changes the state permit enforcement process to conform with federal law and adjusts water quality standards.

The bill had been supported by producers but raised concern among labor groups. The United Mine Workers of America union had said it would make mines more dangerous by rolling back safety improvements.