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Section 7: Training Programs

Rule 21 The Operator of coal mine shall make available to all newly-hired workers
employed in the mine a minimum of eight (8) hours safety and health seminar
related to mining operations conducted by the Operator or under the auspices of the
Operator or a mining safety and health practitioner or consultant.

Rule 22 The Operator shall establish an adequate training and retraining programs and
comprehensible instructions for all workers, at no cost to them, on first-aid, safety
and health matters as well as on the work assigned to them.

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Rule 23

Rule 24

Rule 25

Rule 26

Rule 27

Rule 28

Rule 29

Rule 30

CHAPTER II
UNDERGROUND MINING RULES
Section 1: General Provisions

All mines shall have at least two (2) exits to the surface. Vertical shaft dimension
shall be at least 1.8 meters x 1.2 meters and for tunnel dimension shall be at least
1.5 meters x 2.1 meters.

Exception to this shall be:

a. Mines that have shafts, raises, or any opening in the process of being
connected to the surface to comply with the above rule;

b. Shafts, winzes, raises, drifts, crosscuts, tunnels, inclines, grades, and slopes
to prospect for and develop coal, but not for the extraction of coal except
such as may be allowed with only one (1) outlet under such conditions with
such precautions as the Bureau may require.

All underground openings shall be properly identified and marked in the mine map.

Routes, exits or outlets through the underground workings shall be established and
shall be plainly marked with signboards showing the direction to be taken in case
of emergency.

All routes leading to the exits or outlets shall be clean and free from obstructions
which may hinder or delay the flow of workers at all times.

Two (2) separate and distinct travelable passage ways which are maintained to
insure passage at all times of any person, including disabled persons, and which are
to be designated as escapeways, at least one of which is ventilated with intake air,
shall be provided from each working section continuous to the surface escape drift
opening, or continuous to the escape shaft or slope facilities to the surface, as
appropriate, and shall be maintained in safe condition and properly marked.

Mine openings shall be adequately protected to prevent the entrance into the
underground area of the mine of surface fire, fume, smoke, and flood water.

No person shall use an assumed or fictitious name or represent another while
working for a company. Likewise, no person shall deputize any other person to do
his work without the approval of his superior; nor shall any person, without such
approval, cease to supervise workers under his charge.

When first entering a working place, the ground shall be examined for any loose
rock by all the workers. Loose rock or coal shall be barred down before any other

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Rule 31

Rule 32

Rule 33

Rule 34

Rule 35

Rule 36

Rule 37

Rule 38

Rule 39

Rule 40

Rule 41

Rule 42

Rule 43

work is started. The walls and back of such working place shall be tested for loose
rock several times during the shift.

No worker in the premises of the coal mine is permitted to fight, engage in
horseplay, crowd or jest other workers or act in any other disorderly manner.

No worker shall be allowed to sleep underground.

Unauthorized persons shall be prohibited to ride on any moving equipment except
on that which is especially designed for the transportation of workers.

Workers shall notify all others who might be endangered by the work they are

doing. Similarly, when working one above the other, workers shall inform one
another before work is started and see to it that the workers below are in the clear.

Safety belts with life line shall be worn where there is danger of falling or slipping.

Workers shall not expose themselves or any part of their bodies to the danger from
suspended load.

Workers shall respect and observe all danger signs. Signs are there for their
protection.

Section 2: Escapeways

Regardless of the height of the coal bed, the escapeway shall be maintained at the
height of at least 1.5 meters (excluding necessary roof support) and the travelway
in such escapeway shall be maintained at the width of at least 2.0 meters.

Stairways or ladders shall be installed in all escape shafts.

Ladders shall be substantially constructed, anchored securely and maintained in
good condition.

All travelable passageways designated as escapeways shall be located to follow the
safest direct practical route to the nearest mine opening suitable for the safe
evacuation of workers.

All escapeways shall be examined in their entirety every fifteen (15) days by the
safety engineer and a record of such inspection shall be maintained.

A map of the mine showing all escapeways shall be posted at the mine portal and
other strategic locations for the information of workers.

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Rule 44 All maps shall be up to date and any changes in routes of travel, location of doors,
or direction of airflow shall be promptly shown on the maps and brought to the
attention of all workers.

Rule 45 Practice escapeway drills shall be conducted at least twice a year so that all workers
are kept informed of the route of escape, any necessary ventilation changes, the
location of fire doors, or smoke retarding doors, and plans for diverting smoke from
escapeways.

Section 3: Mine Maps

Rule 46 The Operator shall prepare an accurate and up to date maps of the coal mine at a
scale of 1:1000 and supporting data which shall include:

The active workings;

All pillared, worked out, and abandoned areas;

Entries and air courses with the direction of airflow indicated by arrows;

Contour lines of all elevations;

Elevations of all main and cross or side entries;

Dip of the coal bed;

Escapeways;

Adjacent mine workings within 300 meters;

Mines above or below;

Water pools above;

All shaft, slope, drift, and tunnel openings and strip mined areas of the coal

bed being mined;

The location of all surface mine ventilation fans; the location may be

designated on the mine map by symbols;

m. The location of railroad tracks and public highways leading to the mine, and
mine buildings of a permanent nature with identifying names shown,

n. The elevations of tops and bottoms of shafts and slopes; and the floor at the
entrance to drift and tunnel openings;

o. The elevation of the floor at intervals of not more than 50 meters in:

ro ge moe ae oe

—

i. At least one entry of each working section, and main and
cross entries;
ii. The last line of open crosscuts of each working section, and
main and, cross entries which are abandoned;
iii. Rooms advancing toward or adjacent to property or
boundary lines or adjacent mines.

p. The elevation of any body of water dammed in the mine or held back in any
portion of the mine;

q. Such other information as the Bureau may require.

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ENED: WPT PRAM SG os

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Rule 47

Rule 48

Rule 49

A. Main Fan

Rule 50

Rule 51

Rule 52

Such map shall identify those areas of the mine which have been pillared, worked
out, or abandoned, which are inaccessible or cannot be entered safely and on which
no information is available.

Maps shall be duly certified by a registered mining engineer or a registered geodetic
engineer.

Mine maps shall be updated and supplemented quarterly.

The mine maps including revision and supplement thereof shall be available for
inspection by the Bureau or its authorized representative. The Operator shall submit
to the Bureau a copy of the mine maps quarterly within fifteen (15) days after the
end of each quarter.

Section 4: Ventilation

Where natural ventilation is inadequate, coal mines shall be ventilated by
mechanical] ventilation equipment.

Main fan shall be:
a. Installed on the surface;

b. Installed in fireproof housing and connected to the mine opening with
fireproof air ducts;

c. Equipped with a pressure recording gauge and an automatic signal device
designed to give alarm should the fan slows down or stops. The signal from
this device shall be so placed that it will be seen or heard by a responsible
person who is always on duty and can hear or will observe such alarm when
workers are underground and who shall take appropriate action
immediately.

To protect main fan from forces coming out of the mine should an explosion occur:

a. Main fan shall be offset not less than 4.5 meters from the nearest side of the
mine opening, and explosion doors or a weak wall having a cross-sectional
area equal to or greater than the connection entry shall be provided in direct
line with possible explosion forces; or

b. Main fan may be installed in line with a diversion entry, slope, or shaft
courses to the surface. The surface opening of the fan entry shall be no less
than 4.5 meters nor more than 30 meters from the surface opening of the

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Rule 53

Rule 54

Rule 55

Rule 56

Rule 57

Rule 58

connected mine air course (pressure relief entry). The pressure relief entry
opening shall be provided with a weak wall or explosion doors in direct line
with forces of an explosion originating underground and such weak wall or
explosion doors shall have a cross-sectional area equal to or greater than the
pressure relief entry and cross-sectional area of the pressure relief entry
shall not be less than that of the fan entry. The underground intersection of
the fan entry and pressure relief entry shall be no less than 4.5 meters nor
more than 30 meters from the surface opening of the pressure relief entry.
The pillar of coal between the pressure relief entry and the fan entry shall
regardless of coal bed height, contain not less than 240 square meters.

Main fan may be driven either by electric motor or internal combustion engine:

a. When electric motor is used, it shall be provided with a separate power
circuit independent of any other mine circuit;

b. When an internal combustion engine is used, the engine shall be installed in
a fireproof housing, located so as to be protected from possible fuel supply
fire or explosion and the engine and exhaust shall be located out of direct
line with the airstream produced by the fan and be vented to the atmosphere
in such a manner that the exhaust gases cannot contaminate the mine intake
airstream or any enclosure.

In mines ventilated by multiple forced or multiple exhaust main fans, each main
fan installation shall be equipped with fire proof doors so designed and positioned
that in event of the failure of a main fan the doors at the fan will automatically close
and prevent air reversal through the fan.

In mines ventilated by a combination of forced and exhaust main fans, fireproof
automatic closing doors shall be installed so that in event of fan failure or stoppage,
the doors will automatically close to prevent air reversal that would affect the safety
of the workers.

The area surrounding all main fans shall be kept free of flammable material for at
least 30 meters in all directions.

All main fans shall be kept in continuous operation except in the event of scheduled
maintenance or uncontrolled fan stoppage/failure. All workers other than those
performing maintenance or repair are withdrawn from the mine and the mine power
is cut off.

All main fans shall be inspected daily by a person trained and designated by the
Operator to make such inspections to ensure the electrical and mechanical
reliability of such fans and a record shall be kept for reference.

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Rule 59

Rule 60

Automatic closing doors as required in multiple fan systems shall be inspected at
least once a month to ensure proper operation.

All active workings shall be ventilated by a current of air containing not less than
20.0 volume per centum of oxygen, not more than 0.5 volume per centum of carbon
dioxide, and no harmful quantities of other noxious or poisonous gases; and the
volume and velocity of the current of air shall at least be 1.0 m/sec. of air sufficient
to dilute, render harmless, and to carry away, flammable, explosive, noxious, and
harmful gases, dust, and smoke and explosive fumes.

B. Line Brattice

Rule 61

Rule 62

Rule 63

Rule 64

Line brattice or any other approved device used to provide ventilation to the
working face from which coal is being cut, mined or loaded shall be installed at a
distance no greater than three (3) meters from the area of deepest penetration to
which any portion of the face has been advanced.

When line brattice is used:

a. The space between the line brattice and the nearest rib shall be sufficiently
free of any obstructions such as supplies, equipment or debris to provide for
the adequate coursing of air and permit necessary passage through such
space; however, this does not exclude the use of auxiliary tubing or
ventilation control devices in such space.

b. Check curtains required in conjunction with the line brattice shall be so
installed to minimize air leakage and permit traffic to pass through without
adversely affecting face ventilation.

When the line brattice or other ventilating device is damaged to an extent that
ventilation of the working face is inadequate, production activities in the working
place shall be stopped until necessary repairs are made and adequate ventilations

are restored.

Brattice cloth (jute or any substitute) and ventilation tubing used underground, shall
be flame resistant.

C. Auxiliary Fan

Rule 65

2018 Coal Mine Safety and Health Rules and Regulations

In the event that auxiliary fans and tubing are used in lieu of or in conjunction with
a line brattice system to provide ventilation of the working face, the fan shall be of
a permissible type, maintained in permissible condition, so located and operated to
avoid any recirculation of air at any time, and inspected by a certified person when
in use.

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Rule 66

Rule 67

Rule 68

Rule 69

In places where auxiliary fans are used, accumulation of methane resulting from
unscheduled stoppage of the main fan shall be removed after restoration of normal
mine ventilation by conducting the air current into the place with line brattice or
the equivalent. Auxiliary fans shall not be operated in such place during stoppage
of normal mine ventilation, and until methane accumulations have been removed.

If the auxiliary fan is stopped or fails, the electrical equipment in the place shall be
stopped and the power disconnected at the power source until ventilation in the
working place is restored. During such stoppage, the ventilation shall be by means
of the primary air current conducted into the place in a manner to prevent
accumulation of methane.

In places where auxiliary fans are used, the ventilation during scheduled idle
periods shall be by means of the primary air current directed into the place in a
manner to prevent accumulation of methane. Prior to resumption of work in such
places, auxiliary fans shall first be reactivated 15 to 20 minutes.

To ensure that an adequate volume and velocity of air is supplied continuously to
the working face where auxiliary fan and tubing are used for face ventilation, a line
brattice or other approved device shall be installed before the auxiliary fan is
stopped.

D. Bleeders, Doors, Overcast and Undercasts

Rule 70

Rule 71

Rule 72

Permanent stoppings, overcast, undercast, and shaft partitions shall be constructed
of substantial, incombustible material, such as concrete, concrete blocks, cinder
block, brick or tile, or some other incombustible material having sufficient strength
to serve the purpose for which the stopping or partition is intended. In heavy or
caving areas, timbered laid longitudinally "skin to skin" may be used. Such
permanent stoppings shall be erected between the intake and return air-courses in
entries and shall be maintained to and including the third connecting crosscut outby
the faces of the entries. Permanent stoppings shall be used to separate belt haulage
entries used as intake and return air course.

A crosscut shall be provided at or near the face of each entry or room for
interconnection with another entry before the place is abandoned.

Bleeder entries shall be defined as special air courses developed and maintained as
part of the mine ventilation system and designed to continuously move air methane
mixtures from the gob, away from active workings and deliver such mixtures to the
mine return air courses. Bleeder entries shall be connected to those areas from
which pillars have been wholly or partially extracted at strategic locations in such
a way as to control airflow through such gob areas and to minimize the hazard from
expansion of gob gases due to atmospheric pressure change.

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Rule 73

Rule 74

Rule 75

Bleeder systems shall include any combination of bleeder entries, bleeder entry
connections to any area from which pillars are wholly or partially extracted and all
associated ventilation contro! devices. Such systems shall extend from active pillar
line of such gob to the intersection of that bleeder split with any other split of air,
and shall not include active workings.

The methane content of the air current in the bleeder split at the point where such
split enters any other air split shall not exceed 1.0 volume per centum.

When the return air courses from all or part of the bleeder entries of a gob area and
air other than that used to ventilate the gob area is passing through the return air
courses, the bleeder connectors between the return air courses and the gob shall be
considered as bleeder entries and the concentration of methane shall not exceed 1.0
volume per centum at the intersection of the bleeder connectors and the return air

courses,

E. Mine Gases

Rule 76

Rule 77

Rule 78

Rule 79

Rule 80

The allowable limits of gases in the active workings shall not be in excess of the
concentrations listed below:

Methane CH4 1.00%
Carbon Monoxide CO 0.01%
Carbon Dioxide C02 0.50%
Hydrogen Sulfide H2S8 0.10%
Nitrous Oxide NO2 0.0005%

emo op

Gas testing shall be undertaken before each shift by the Operator in each
underground coal mine and a record of such shall be maintained.

Where explosive gases other than methane have been (a) accidentally or
inadvertently released in excessive amounts, or (b) where other potential explosion
hazards are known by the Operator to exist in the mine due to liberation or presence
of an excessive amount of explosive gas other than methane, the Operator shall
promptly institute ventilation or other control measures to reduce the accumulation
of such gases.

Where the potential explosion hazards exist due to the presence of excessive
amounts of explosive gas other than methane, the Operator shall promptly institute
an air testing program which includes frequent periodic sampling to determine the
concentration of explosive gas in any area of the mine where such gases are known
to be present. The Operator shall implement corrective measures to eliminate the
potential hazards.

The safety engineer shall inspect all active working areas within three (3) hours
before the beginning of any shift. The safety engineer shall:

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Rule 81

Rule 82

Rule 83

Rule 84

Examine accumulations of methane

Make tests for oxygen deficiency

Examine seals and doors to determine whether they are functioning properly

Examine and test the roof, face, and rib conditions

Examine for any hazard in all active roadways, travelways, approaches to

abandoned areas, and belt conveyors on which workers are carried

f. Test by means of an anemometer to determine whether the air in each split
is traveling in its proper course and in normal volume and velocity

g. Examine for such other hazards and violations of the mandatory safety and

health standards, the Bureau may from time to time require.

eno gp

The safety engineer shall post a “danger” sign in areas where hazardous conditions
exist, and shall notify the Operator of the mine. Only authorized personnel shall
enter the area and institute corrective measures to eliminate the hazardous condition
before workers are allowed to enter.

During each shift, the safety engineer shall regularly inspect all working areas for
hazardous conditions and implement corrective measures. If such conditions create
an imminent danger, the safety engineer shall immediately notify the Operator, who
shall withdraw all workers from the area affected by such conditions to a safe area,
until the danger has been abated.

At least once each week or more often if necessary, the safety engineer shall
examine for hazardous conditions including tests for methane in the return of each
split of air where it enters the main return, on pillar falls, at seals, in the main return,
at least one entry of each intake and return air course in its entirety, idle workings,
and insofar as safety considerations permit, abandoned areas. Such weekly
examinations need not be made during any week in which the mine is idle for the
entire week, except that such examination shall be made before any other worker
returns to the mine.

Any hazardous condition shall be corrected immediately. If such condition creates
an imminent danger, the Operator shall withdraw all persons from the area affected
by such condition to a safe area, until such danger has been abated.

At least once a week or more often if necessary, the safety engineer shall measure
the volume of air entering the main intakes and leaving the main returns, the volume
passing through the last open crosscut in any pair or set of rooms, the volume
reaching each working face, the volume being delivered to the intake end of each
pillar line, and the volume at the intake and return of each split of air.

At the start of each shift, the safety engineer shall test for methane at each working
place immediately before electrically operated equipment is energized. If 1.0
volume per centum or more of methane is detected, electrical equipment shall not
be energized, taken into, or operated in, such working place until the air therein
contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. Examinations for methane

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Rule 85

Rule 86

Rule 87

Rule 8&8

Rule 89

shall be made during the operation of such equipment at intervals of not more than
20 minutes during each shift.

If at any time the air at any working place, when tested at a point not less than 30
centimeters from the roof, face, or rib, contains 1.0 volume per centum or more of
methane, changes or adjustments shall be made at once in the ventilation so that
such air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. While such
changes or adjustments are underway and until they have been achieved, power to
electric face equipment located in such place shall be cut off, no other work shall
be permitted in such place, and due precautions shall be carried out under the
direction of the Operator or the safety engineer.

If, when tested, a split of air returning from any working section contains 1.0
volume per centum or more of methane, changes or adjustments shall be made at
once in the ventilation of the mine so that such returning air shall contain less than
1.0 volume per centum of methane. Test shall be made at 4-hour intervals during
each shift by the safety engineer.

If when tested, a split of air returning from any working section contains 1.5 volume
per centum or more of methane, all workers shall be withdrawn from the area and
all electric power shall be cut off until the air in such split shall contain less than
1.0 volume per centum of methane.

Air which has passed through an opening of any abandoned area shall not be used
to ventilate any working place in the coal mine.

Before an intentional roof fall is made, the safety engineer shall examine the pillar
working to check for methane. If methane is found in amounts of 1.0 volume per
centum or more, such roof fall shall not be made until changes or adjustments are
made in the ventilation so that the air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum
of methane.

F. Maintenance of Gas Detectors

Rule 90

The Operator shall provide for the proper maintenance of all approved devices for
gas testing to ensure its permissibility by person trained in such job, and a record
shall be kept for reference.

G. General Ventilation Systems

Rule 91

Where areas are being pillared without bleeder entries, or without bleeder systems
or any equivalent means, pillar recovery may be completed in the area, if the edges
or pillar lines adjacent to active workings are ventilated with sufficient air to keep
the air in open areas along the pillar lines below 1.0 volume per centum of methane.

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Rule 92

Rule 93

Rule 94

Rule 95

Rule 96

Rule 97

Rule 98

Rule 99

Each mechanized mining section shall be ventilated with a separate split of intake
air directed by overcasts, undercasts, or any equivalent system.

In all underground areas of a coal mine, immediately before and after blasting
operation, the safety engineer shall examine for methane. If methane is found in
amounts of 1.0 volume per centum or more, changes or adjustment shall be made
at once in the ventilation. No blasting shall be made until the air contains less than
1.0 volume per centum of methane.

The Operator shall adopt a standard operating procedure in the event that any mine
fan stops and natural ventilation is insufficient. The Operator shall take the
following immediate actions:

a. Withdraw all persons from the mine underground area and cut off the power
in the mine;

b. Provide for the restoration of power and resumption of work if ventilation
is restored and after the working places and other active workings where
methane is likely to accumulate are re-examined by the safety engineer to
determine if methane is less than 1.0 percent by volume.

Changes in ventilation which affect the main air current or any split thereof and
which may affect the safety of persons in the coal mine shall be made only when
the mine is idle, Only those persons conducting such changes shall be permitted in
the mine. Power shall be cut off from areas affected by the changes and shall not
be restored until the effect of the change has been ascertained and the affected areas
determine to be safe by the safety engineer.

All active working areas where pillars have been partially extracted shall be
properly ventilated. Conversely, all areas from which pillars have been wholly
extracted and abandoned shall be sealed.

Explosion proof seals or bulkheads may be constructed of solid, substantial, and
incombustible materials such as concrete, brick, cinder, block, or tile, sufficient to
prevent an explosion which may occur in the atmosphere on the side of the seal or
bulkhead from propagating to the atmosphere on the other side.

Flexible ducts shall be used for ventilation by either exhausting (suction) or
blowing (forced) methods. When metal air ducts are used, they shall be properly
grounded to remove static and other electrical charges.

Section 5: Coal and Rock Dust

A program for regular cleanup and removal of accumulations of coal, air borne coal
dusts and other combustible materials shall be established and implemented.

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Rule 100

Rule 101

Rule 102

Rule 103

Rule 104

Rule 105

Rule 106

Rule 107

Rule 108

In underground active workings that produce excessive amounts of dust, water or
water with wetting agent or other effective methods shall be used to abate such dust.
In working places, particularly in distances less than 12 meters from the face, water
with or without a wetting agent, or other effective methods shall be applied to coal
dust on the ribs, roof, and floor to reduce dispersibility and to minimize the
explosion hazard.

All underground areas in which the dust is dry and in a combustible content to
propagate an explosion shall be rock dusted to within 12 meters from all working
faces, unless such areas are inaccessible or unsafe to enter. Crosscuts that are less
than 12 meters from a working face shall also be rock dusted.

The Operator shall continuously maintain the average concentration of respirable
dust in the intake air courses in the mine during each shift at or below 1 milligram
of respirable dust per cubic meter of air.

The Operator shall maintain a supply of respiratory equipment adequate to deal
with occurrences of concentrations of respirable dust in the mine atmosphere in
excess of the levels required to be maintained under Rule 102. The use of respirators
shall not be substituted for environmental contro! measures in the active workings.

The dust resulting from drilling in rocks shall be controlled by using permissible
dust collectors, water, ventilation or any other suitable dust controlling method.

Water used to contro! dust from drilling rock shall be applied through a hollow drill
steel or stem or by the flooding of vertical drill holes in the floor.

In order to control adequate dust from drilling rock, the air current shall be so
directed that the dust is readily dispersed and carried away from the drill operator
and any other worker in the area.

Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent methane and coal dust from
accumulating in excessive concentrations in or on surface coal-handling facilities,
but in no-event shall methane be permitted to accumulate in excess of one (1.0) per
centum by volume.

When coal is dumped at or near air-intake openings, provisions shall be made to
avoid dust from entering the mine.

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A. General

Rule 109

Rule 110

Rule 111

Rule 112

Rule 113

Rule 114

Section 6: Ground Support

The Operator shall adopt an adequate program for proper roof support system. The
program shall include a ground control plan, assessment of ground hazards,
evaluation of the roof control system, and related training of workers.

All underground workers shall be able to recognize signs of impending roof
collapse or subsidence. In such cases, the workers shall immediately notify the
supervisor who will determine the course of actions to be taken. In extreme cases
of imminent collapse, alarm shall be sounded and all workers shal! withdraw from
the danger area.

Power line to the area shall be cut off immediately to eliminate the danger of fire
or electrocution. Supervisors shall conduct physical count of their workers to
establish positively that no one is caught in the subsidence.

The mine supervisor shall closely supervise mining in loose or heavy ground. The
mining shall follow the standard spilling procedure, using substantial boards
sufficient to hold the flow of the loose ground and prevent the collapse of the roof.

The Operator shall provide at or near each working face an adequate supply of
suitable materials for safely securing the roof. Posts, jacks, or other similar devices
shall be used to protect the workers when the following activities are being done:

Loose rocks are being barred down;

Crossbars are being installed;

Roof bolt holes are being installed; and,

In such other circumstances as may be appropriate.

aoe oP

Except in the case of recovery work, knocked-out supports shall be replaced
promptly.

Recovery of roof bolts is prohibited under all circumstances.

Where there is a danger from fall of roof, face, and ribs the Operator shall take
immediate action to correct such unsafe condition before any work or machine is
started.

B. Conventional Roof Control

Rule 115

Conventional roof control plan involves the installation of materials other than roof
bolts such as metal or wood posts, jacks or cribs in conjunction with wooden cap
blocks (half headers), footers (sills), planks and beams as means of roof support.

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Re Se) A ee a

Se ake ee oe eee

ame an ita AYA ES trees Fea: 6 Sh ARS re:

ER od a all ad oll

The support materials used in this rule shall meet the following specifications:

a,

Posts shall be solid, straight grain wood with the ends sawed square and free
from defects which could affect their strength.

The diameter of round posts shall be twelve (12) centimeters or larger
depending on the type of ground being supported.

Wooden cap blocks and footers shall have flat paralleled sides and be no
less than 5 centimeters thick, 10 centimeters wide and 30 centimeters long.

Wooden crossbars (collar braces) and planks (top and side laggings) shall
be straight and of solid wood. Crossbars shall have a minimum cross-
sectional area of 155 square centimeters and the minimum thickness shall
be 7.5 centimeters. Planks shall have a minimum cross-sectional area of 52
square centimeters and a minimum thickness of 2.5 centimeters.

Preferably cribbing material shall be of wood having parallel flat sides,
round timbers may be used provided that it is securely tighten by
appropriate wood wedges or other method to prevent dislodgement of cribs.

Rule 116 The following conventional support pattern shall be implemented:

a.

Spacing of roadway supports shall not exceed 1.0 meters.

b. Width of roadways shall not exceed 4.0 meters on the straight and 5,0
meters on the curves.

c. Advance top laggings shall be installed to within 1.0 meters of the uncut
face; however, the supports nearest the face may be removed to facilitate
the operation of the face equipment if equivalent temporary support is
installed prior to removal.

d. When an opening is no longer needed for storing supplies or travel of
equipment, the roof at the entrance of all such openings along travelways
shall be supported.

Rule 117 All working areas, escapeways, haulage ways and manways shall be kept properly
timbered.
Rule118 In the absence of necessary mine supports all working areas shall be temporarily

suspended until the necessary mine supports are available.

Rule 119 No person shall be allowed to install defective timbers for ground support.

Rule 120 All loose ground shall be barred down prior to the installation of ground support.

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Rule 121 In running ground, booms, safety stulls and spilings projecting ahead from the last
timber set shall be installed to protect workers from ground collapse.

Rule 122 Workers shal] not remove mine supports for repair or replacement without first
installing intermediate supports.

Rule 123 Posts shall be secured properly before placing the caps. Collar braces shall be
installed as an integral part of the support system.

Rule 124 All mine supports shall be provided with collar braces, and shall be secured
properly.

Rule 125 All caps shall be provided with timber blocks at both ends and shall be installed
tightly and securely with the use of wooden wedges. No timber blocks shall be
installed at the middle or in between the ends of the cap.

Rule 126 All wooden blocks and wedges shall be kept tight at all times.

Rule 127 Permanent staging constructed in a timber set shall be supported by two vertical
cleats nailed to the post; or additional post support be installed close to the set posts.

Rule 128 Timber sets and stulls shall be placed at about right angles with the dip of the seam
and shall be tilted a little backward on the upper side to allow for tightening when
the hanging walls settle down.

Rule 129 All fractured and broken roof or back of mine workings shall be provided with
closely installed laggings of at least five centimeters thick.

Rule 130 Back of slicing areas including gob area shall be inspected frequently and shall be
properly supported.

Rule 131 Wooden slabs shall not be allowed to be installed as braces of timber sets.

C. Roof Bolting

Rule 132 The following roof bolting scheme shall be implemented:

a. Roof bolt spacing either lengthwise or crosswise shall not exceed 1.5
meters.

b. Roof bolts shall be installed as close as possible to, but not more than 1.5
meters from the face before starting a side cut or a conventional cutting or
a continuous miner run. °

c. Openings shall not exceed 6 meters in width where roof bolting is the sole
means of roof support.

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Rule 133 Roof bolt assemblies shall meet the following specifications:
a. The length of the bolt shall not be less than 75 centimeters.
b. Roof bolts that provide support by suspending the immediate roof from a

stronger overlying strata shall be of a length that permits anchoring at least
30 centimeters in the stronger strata.

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c. Bearing plates used directly against the mine roof shall be not less than 15
centimeters square. In exceptional cases where the mine roof is firm and not
susceptible to sloughing, bearing plates 12 centimeters square may be used.

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d. When wooden materials such as planks, header blocks, and crossbars are
used between the bearing plate and the roof for additional bearing, the use
shall be limited to short life openings (not to exceed 3 years) unless treated.
Bearing plates used in conjunction with wooden materials shall be not less
than 10 centimeters square.

e. When washers are used, the shape of washers shall conform to the shape of
roof bolt head and the shape of the bearing plate and the washers shall be of
sufficient strength to withstand loads up to the yield point of the roof bolt.

f. Torque ranges specified in the roof control plan shall be capable of
providing roof bolt loads to within plus or minus 454 kilograms (1,000
pounds) of 50 percent of either the yield point of the roof bolt being used or
the anchorage capacity of the strata, whichever is lesser.

Rule 134 For a plan where both roof bolts and conventional supports are used for roof control
at the face, the criteria for full roof bolting plan and a conventional roof control

plan shall apply with the following modifications:

a. Any place driven over 5 meters in width shall be supported by a
combination roof control plan.

b. The roadway shall be limited to 5.0 meters in width on both the straight and
the curves to within 3.0 meters of the uncut face.

c. Arowof posts shall be set for each 1.5 meters of space between the roadway
posts and the ribs.

d. Openings shall not exceed 9 meters in width.

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D. Temporary Supports
Rule 135 The following criteria shall apply to the installation of temporary supports in faces:

a. In areas where permanent artificial support is required, temporary support
shall be used until such permanent support is installed.

b. Only those workers installing temporary support shall be allowed to proceed
beyond the last permanent support.

c. A minimum of two temporary supports shall be installed on not more than
1.5-meter centers and within 1.5 meters of the rib or face when work is
being done between such support and the nearest rib or face. At least four
temporary supports shall be installed on not more than 1.5-meter centers
when work is being done in other areas on the face inby the last permanent
support. No person shall be permitted to proceed beyond the temporary
support in any direction unless such support is within 1.5 meters of the rib,
face, or permanent support.

Rule 136 During rehabilitation work such as re-bolting, installing crossbars, or other
permanent roof support, taking down loose roof and cleaning up falls of roof,
temporary roof supports shall be installed and the following criteria shall apply:

a. Where re-bolting work ts being done or crossbars are being installed, at least
two rows of temporary supports on not more than 1.5-meter centers shall be
installed across the place so that the work in progress is done between the
installed temporary supports and permanent roof supports installed in sound
roof. The distance between the permanent supports and the nearest
temporary supports shall not exceed 1.5 meters.

b. Tools used to take down loose material shall be of a design that will enable
workers to perform their duties from a safe position without exposure to
falling material. Where loose material is being taken down, a minimum of
two temporary supports on centers of not more than 1.5 meters shall be set
between the workers and the material if such work cannot be done from an
area supported by permanent roof supports.

c. Where roof falls have occurred, a minimum of four temporary supports shall
be set before starting any work in and around the affected area. These
supports shall be located so as to provide maximum protection for workers
in the area.

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E. Pillar and Support Recovery

Rule 137 Any reduction in pillar size during second mining shall be considered pillar
recovery. Second mining is construed to be intentional retreat mining. The
following criteria are applicable to pillar recovery roof control plan.

a.

During development, the size and shape of pillars shall be dictated by the
overburden, height of coal and other conditions associated with the coal bed.
The smallest dimension of pillar shall be no Jess than four (4) meters.

Pillar splits and lifts shall not exceed six (6) meters.

A minimum of two rows of breaker posts shall be installed on not more than
1.0-meter centers across each opening leading into pillared areas and such
posts shall be installed before production is started. Such posts shall be
installed near the breaking line between the lift being started and the gob.

A row of roadside-radius (turn) posts shall be installed on not more than
1.0-meter centers leading into pillar splits.

The width of the roadway leading from the solid pillars to a final stump
(push out) shall not exceed 4.2 meters. At least two (2) rows of posts of their
equivalent shall be set on each side of the roadway on not more than 1.0
meter centers. Only one open roadway leading to a final stump (push out)
shall be permitted.

Rule 138 Supplementary supports shall be installed prior to full pillar recovery in area where
roof bolts are used as the sole means of roof support and openings are more than 5
meters wide. Supplementary supports shall consist of at least one (1) row of posts
installed on either side on not more than 1.0 meter centers lengthwise and limit the
width of all roadways to 5.0 meters. These supports shall be extended from the
entrance to the split for at least one (1) full pillar outby the pillar in which the split
is being made.

Rule 139 For recovery of roof supports, a detailed plan for such recovery shall be included
in the roof control plan. The following criteria shall apply to recovery procedures:

a.

Recovery shall be done only under the direct supervision of a mine foreman,
assistant mine foreman, or mine supervisor.

Only experienced workers shall be assigned to the recovery work.

The person supervising recovery shall make a careful examination and
evaluation of roof, face and ribs and determine each support to be recovered.

Supports shall not be recovered in the following areas:

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i. Where roof fractures are present or there are other
indications of the roof being structurally weak;
ii. Where any second mining has been done; and,
iii. Where torque readings on roof bolts or visual observations
of conventional support indicate excessive loading.

Two (2) rows of temporary supports on not more than 1.0 meters centers,
lengthwise and crosswise, shall be set across the place, beginning not more
than 1.0 meters inby the support being recovered. In addition, at least one
(1) temporary support shall be provided as close as practicable to the
support being recovered.

Temporary supports used shall not be recovered unless recovery is done
remotely from under roof where the permanent supports have not been
disturbed and two (2) rows of temporary support, set across the place on 1.0
meter centers are maintained at all times between the workers and the
unsupported area.

No one shall be permitted to enter area where supports have been recovered.

Entrances to the areas from which supports are being recovered shall be
marked with danger signs placed at conspicuous locations. The danger signs
will suffice as long as further support recovery work is being done in the
area. If the recovery work is completed or suspended for three (3) or more
days, the areas shall be barricaded.

Rule 140 The following shail apply to pillar recovery:

a.

The overall pillar recovery system shall be designed to minimize the
possibility of outbursts or squeezes.

Where full pillar recovery is being done, extraction shall allow total safe
caving of the main roof in the pillared area.

During partial pillar recovery sufficient pillar shall be left in place to support
the main roof and to minimize the possible pressure on the working areas.

A combination of full and partial pillar recovery shall not be conducted on
the same pillar line.

Full or partial pillar recovery shall be prohibited where any of the following
physical conditions exist: (i) standing water, (11) adverse roof conditions,
(ii) roof falls, or (iv) surface subsidence.

Where full recovery of pillars is planned, the design of the pillars shall be
compatible with the planned method of extraction.

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