Current through Register Vol. 41, No. 3, September 23, 2024
A. General coal miner certification, surface,
authorizes work at surface mines, surface facility locations and surface areas
of underground coal mines. This does not authorize underground duties at
underground coal mines. General coal miner certification, underground,
authorizes work at underground areas and surface areas of underground
mines.
B. Applicants employed in
Virginia coal mines prior to January 1, 1996, who wish to become certified
shall:
1. Meet the requirements of Part I
(4VAC25-20-10 et seq.) of this
chapter;
2. Submit a notarized work
experience form verifying (surface or underground) mining experience prior to
January 1, 1996; and
3. Pass the
gas detection examination if they are not already gas detection qualified
unless working only on the surface of a mine.
C. Applicants seeking certification after
January 1, 1996, shall:
1. Meet the
requirements of Part I (4VAC25-20-10 et seq.)
of this chapter.
2. Complete
training which shall include highlights of the coal mine safety laws of
Virginia and the underground coal mine safety and health regulations of the
division and the BCME. The training shall address surface mining requirements
for the GCM Surface Certification or underground coal mining requirements for
the GCM Underground Certification. The training shall include a demonstration
of knowledge or passing of a written examination on Virginia's coal mine safety
laws and regulations covering either surface or underground mining. First aid
shall be included in the general coal miner training unless applicants submit
new miner training or annual refresher training to meet first aid
requirements.
3. Submit Form
DM-BCME-3, Verification of Training Completed for General Coal Miner
Certification, prior to commencing work in a coal mine. The form shall be
signed by the employee and the instructor and the date they sign will be the
effective date of the General Coal Miner certification.
4. Pass the gas detection examination unless
working only on the surface of a mine.
Statutory Authority
§§ 45.1-161.28, 45.1-161.29, and 45.1-161.34 of
the Code of Virginia.
