Okla. Stat. tit. 45, § 45-918: Augering - Rules and procedures

The following rules and procedures shall be complied with in

dealing with augering:

1. Planning:

before augering is done, advance planning shall be

made to insure that no hazards shall be created affecting active

underground workings. Auger mine workings and holes drilled shall

be located so as to prevent:

(1) interference with the ventilation system of

any underground mine, and

(2) inundation hazards from the surface to

active underground workings;

2. Inspection:

a. at least fifty (50) feet on each side of

highwalls being drilled shall be inspected for loose material before

drilling or other work in the area is begun, and an inspection shall

be made at least once during each operating shift,

b. when abandoned mines or abandoned parts of active

mines are penetrated by drilling, machinery shall be stopped and

tests shall be made at the collar of the hole for explosive gas or

oxygen or oxygen deficiency by a certified person qualified to use

approved instruments to make such tests. If tests show the presence

of gas or the lack of oxygen, the equipment shall not be operated

until the condition has been corrected;

3. Auger holes; persons not to enter:

a. no person shall enter an auger hole for any

purpose without having first received permission from a

representative of the Oklahoma Department of Mines,

b. auger machines and other related equipment on

which persons are required to work during drilling operations shall

be protected against falling material from highwalls by heavy gauge

screen or equivalent material subject to the approval of the mine

inspector. The protective screen shall permit workmen to keep the

highwall in view at all times,

c. no work shall be done on the highwall in the

vicinity of drilling equipment while it is in operation;

4. Auger equipment; operation:

a. persons shall stay clear of the auger train while

it is in motion, and they shall not pass over or under the auger

train except where crossing facilities are provided; b. persons

must be in the clear while auger sections are being swung into

position,

c. auger operators shall not leave the controls of

the equipment while the auger is operating, and

d. when auger operations are performed after dark,

adequate illumination shall be provided;

5. Auger Holes; blocking: auger holes shall be securely

blocked by spoil or other suitable material before they are

abandoned.