SECTION 460:15-1-29. Fire protection requirements

(a)   Required firefighting equipment. Each coal mine shall be provided with suitable fire fighting equipment and shall consist of the following:

(1)   Waterlines with a nozzle pressure of fifty (50) psi and enough hose to reach any working face of a section.

(2)   Portable fire extinguisher containing not less than ten (10) pounds of multipurpose dry chemicals strategically placed and marked. A five (5) pound fire extinguisher shall be provided on each mobile unit.

(b)   Welding, cutting, soldering.

(1)   All welding, cutting or soldering shall be done by a qualified person and under the supervision of a certified person who shall test for gas before, during and after the operations and shall look for fire for five (5) minutes after the job is completed.

(2)   No welding, cutting, or soldering will be done in an area that has one (1) percent or more methane. Suitable fire fighting materials consisting of one hundred (100) pounds of rock dust or a ten (10) pound fire extinguisher shall be provided each location before starting any welding, cutting or soldering.

(c)   Use of compressed gases.

(1)   Gas cylinders shall be located no less than ten (10) feet from the worksite and shall be secured in an upright position unless the roof height precludes. Gas cylinders shall at all times be secured to prevent falling.

(2)   Cylinders, hose lines, gauges and other accessories shall be maintained in a safe operating condition. A fire extinguisher shall be located near the gas cylinders.

(3)   All fire suppression devices and equipment shall be maintained in excellent condition and shall be inspected at least weekly by a qualified person.