Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 3, September 1, 2024
RELATES TO: KRS 351.070
NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY: This administrative
regulation is to establish safety standards controlling planning, inspection,
persons not entering auger holes, operation of auger equipment, and blocking of
auger holes in the Commonwealth's safety standards controlling the operations
of surface type auger operations in coal mines.
Section 1. Auger Planning. Before augering is
done, advance planning shall be made to ensure that no hazards shall be created
affecting active underground workings. Auger mine workings and holes drilled
shall be located so as to prevent:
(1) The
interference with the ventilation system of any underground mine;
(2) Inundation hazards from the surface to
active underground workings.
Section
2. Auger Inspection.
(1) 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 at least
once during each operating shift. Any dangerous material shall be removed
before drilling operations are begun.
(2) 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
deficiency by a competent person qualified to use approved instruments to make
such tests. If tests show the presence of either, the equipment shall not be
operated until the condition has been corrected.
Section 3. Auger Holes; Persons Not to Enter.
(1) No person shall enter an auger hole for
any purpose without having first received permission from a representative of
the Kentucky Department for Natural Resources.
(2) 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.
(3) No work shall be done on
the highwall in the vicinity of drilling equipment while it is in
operation.
Section 4.
Auger Equipment; Operation.
(1) Persons shall
stay in the 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.
(2) Persons must be in
the clear while auger sections are being swung into position.
(3) Auger operators shall not leave the
controls of the equipment while the auger is operating.
(4) When auger operations are performed after
dark, adequate illumination shall be provided.
Section 5. Auger Holes; Blocking. Auger holes
shall be securely blocked by spoil or other suitable material before they are
abandoned.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: KRS 351.070
