KRS 352.232: Definitions -- Safety requirements governing use of electrical face

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 pla ced 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 i nspector. 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 s hall 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.