KRS 352.201: Roof control plan -- Retreat mining or pillaring operations.

(1) The roof and ribs of all active underground roadways, travelways, and working

places shall be supported or otherwise controlled adequately to protect persons from

falls of the roof or ribs. A roof control plan and revision thereof suitable to the roof

conditions and mining system of each mine and approved by the commissioner or

his authorized representative shall be adopted and set out in printed form within six

(6) months after June 16, 1972, and shall be kept on file in the regional office of the

region w here the mine is located. The plan shall show the type of support and

spacing approved by the commissioner. No person shall proceed beyond the last

permanent support unless adequate temporary support is provided. A copy of the

plan shall be furnished the c ommissioner or his authorized representative and shall

be available to the miners and their representatives.

(2) The method of mining followed in any mine shall not expose the miner to unusual

dangers from roof falls caused by excessive widths of rooms and entries or faulty

pillar recovery methods.

(3) The licensee, in accordance with the approved plan, shall provide at or near each

working face and at other locations in the mine as the commissioner or his

authorized representative may prescribe an ample su pply of suitable materials of

proper size with which to secure the roof of all working places in a safe manner.

Safety posts, jacks, or other approved devices shall be used to protect the workmen

when roof material is being taken down, crossbars are being installed, roof bolt

holes are being drilled, roof bolts are being installed, and in other circumstances

that may be appropriate. Loose roof and overhanging or loose faces and ribs shall be

taken down or supported. Except in the case of recovery work, supp orts knocked

out shall be replaced promptly.

(4) Roof bolt recovery for reuse shall not be permitted.

(5) Where workmen are exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs they shall

examine and test the roof, face, and ribs before any other work is p erformed or

machinery is started, and as frequently thereafter as may be necessary to insure

safety. When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately.

(6) Within forty -eight (48) hours before the commencement of any retreat mining o r

pillaring operations, the mine operator shall notify the Division of Mine Safety of

its intention of beginning or resuming retreat mining or pillaring. The Division of

Mine Safety shall document such notification in writing. Upon notification within

the forty-eight (48) hour period from a mine operator, and, before retreat mining or

pillaring operations can begin, the Division of Mine Safety shall ensure that every

person who will be participating in the retreat mining operations is trained in the

operator's pillar removal plan.