Pennsylvania Code
Title 34 - LABOR AND INDUSTRY
Part I - Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 43 - TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION AND COMPRESSED AIR WORK
Subchapter A - TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION AND WORK IN COMPRESSED AIR
TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION
Section 43.14 - Hoisting procedure

(a) Speed. The superintendent of the tunnel shall establish for each shaft rates of speed not to be exceeded in the hoisting and lowering of men. He shall post a notice of the rates of speed in a conspicuous place near each hoisting engine. The rates of speed shall not exceed the maximum approved by the Board. In hoisting or lowering men with a bucket, the speed, except in the case of apprehended danger, shall not exceed 100 feet per minute when the bucket is within 50 feet of the top or bottom of the shaft, or 500 feet per minute in any other part of the shaft.

(b) Number of men. Each superintendent of the tunnel shall determine the maximum number of men that may safely ride on each cage, skip, bucket or other conveyance used in the tunnel under his supervision, and shall post in a conspicuous place near each shaft a notice stating the maximum number of persons permitted to ride and forbidding the carrying of any greater number. The number of persons permitted to ride shall not exceed the maximum approved by the Board.

(c) Traversing shafts. No employe shall walk up or down any incline or shaft while any car, cage or bucket is above.

(d) Signalmen. There shall be two signalmen on duty, one at the top and one at the bottom of each shaft, whenever hoisting or lowering is being done. The signalmen shall be at least 21 years of age and shall be appointed and instructed in their duties by the superintendent. The signalmen shall prevent overloading of men on cages, skips, buckets, or other conveyances used in the shaft. Only signalmen shall give signals for starting or stopping such conveyances.

(e) Riding with materials. No person shall ride in any car, cage, skip or bucket that is loaded with tools, timber, powder, or other material except to handle such material while in transit and then only after a special signal has been given. When tools, timber or other material are lowered or hoisted in a shaft, means shall be taken to prevent their shifting while the hoist is in motion.

(f) Overwinding. Approved means to prevent overwinding shall be provided.

(g) Signal for overtravel. There shall be installed in every shaft where men are hoisted a device which shall indicate or give a warning signal in the engineroom whenever the cage, skip or bucket reaches a certain point below or above its limit of travel, such point to be determined by local conditions.