Ala. Code § 25-9-42: Shafts, Mine Openings, and Escapeways.

(a) New shafts and partitions therein, made after August 12, 1949, shall be fireproof.

(b) Mine openings, where there is danger of fire entering the mine, shall have adequate protection against surface fires or dangerous volumes of smoke entering the mine.

(c) There shall be at least two travelable passageways out of each section of each mine, one of which may be the haulage road.

(d) Escapeways shall be equipped with stairways, ladders, or cleated walkways when needed, installed in such manner that men using them in emergencies may do so quickly and without undue hazard. Direction signs shall be posted conspicuously to indicate manways and designated escapeways.