Virginia § 45.2-738 - Shaft and slope conditions
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 45.2-738 — Shaft and slope conditions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45.2-738. Shaft and slope conditions
A. Every shaft shall be equipped with safety gates at the top and at each landing. Safety gates shall be kept closed except when the cage is being loaded or unloaded.
B. At the bottom of each hoisting shaft and at each intermediate landing, a runaround shall be provided for safe passage from one side of the shaft to the other. This passageway shall be at least five feet in height and three feet in width.
C. Ice shall not be permitted to accumulate excessively in any shaft where miners are hoisted or lowered.
D. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be installed near the top and at intermediate landings of slopes and surface inclines and at the approaches to all shaft landings.
E. Positive-acting stopblocks or derails shall be installed on the haulage track in the slope near the top of the slope. The stopblocks or derails shall be in a position to hold or stop any load to be lowered into the mine, including heavy mining equipment, until such time as the equipment is to be lowered into the mine by the hoist.
Code 1950, § 45-68.4; 1954, c. 191; 1966, c. 594, §§ 45.1-69, 45.1-89.1; 1978, c. 729; 1983, c. 111; 1994, c. 28, § 45.1-161.156; 1996, c. 774; 2005, c. 3; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 387.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 45.2-738
What does Code of Virginia § 45.2-738 cover?
Section 45.2-738 ("Shaft and slope conditions") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 45.2-738?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 45.2-738" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 45.2-738 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.