Ohio § 1563.37

§ 1563.37.

(A) The operator, in accordance with the approved plan, shall provide at or near each

working face and at such other locations in the coal mines as the chief of the division

of mineral resources management may prescribe an ample supply of suitable materials

of proper size with which to secure the roof of all working places in a safe manner.  Safety posts, jacks, or other approved devices shall be used to protect the workers

when roof material is being taken down, crossbars are being installed, roof bolt holes

are being drilled, roof bolts are being installed, and in such other circumstances

as may be appropriate.  Loose roof and overhanging or loose faces and ribs shall be taken down or supported.  Except in the case of recovery work, supports knocked out shall be replaced promptly. (B) The operator shall have an adequate supply of roof support material (including temporary

supports) as specified in the approved roof control plan for the type of mining being

conducted as close as practical to the working face, but not farther away than the

first open crosscut outby the working face unless storing of such supplies in this

area poses a hazard to the miner.  In such cases supplies shall be stored at an alternate location approved by an authorized

representative of the chief.  Where mining equipment such as roof drilling machines or timbering machines are

required to install the supports, such support material may be transported from place

to place on the equipment.  An adequate supply shall be defined as sufficient material including temporary supports,

to support roof exposed by one complete cycle of mining.  An additional supply of supplementary roof support materials, such as posts, jacks,

crossbars, or different length roof bolts, shall be located within fifty feet of each

working section in the event adverse roof conditions, such as water coming from the

roof, slips, washouts, wants, or roof cracks, are encountered. (C) When installation of roof bolts is permitted, such roof bolts shall be tested in

accordance with the approved roof control plan. (D) The criteria that may be required in the roof control plan for testing installed

roof bolts are set forth in divisions (A)(2)(c)(ii) and (iii) of section 1563.35 of

the Revised Code. (E) Roof bolts shall not be recovered where complete extractions of pillars are attempted,

where adjacent to clay veins, or at the locations of other irregularities, whether

natural or otherwise, that induce abnormal hazards.  Where roof bolts recovery is permitted, it may be conducted only in accordance with

methods prescribed in the approved roof control plan, and it shall be conducted by

experienced miners, but only where adequate temporary support is provided. (F) To assure that miners are protected during roof bolt recovery work, the operator

shall conform with criteria set forth in division (H) of section 1563.35 of the Revised Code . (G) Where miners are exposed to danger from falls of roof, face, and ribs, the operator

shall examine and test the roof, face, and ribs before any work or machine is started,

and as frequently thereafter as may be necessary to insure safety.  When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately. (H) No person shall refuse or neglect to comply with this section.