Section 20. General provisions for coal stockpiles and on stockpiles with underlying feeders

A. Stockpile design and management shall be such that materials can be safely stored and handled.

B. Stockpiles shall be maintained so as not to become unstable. Any hazardous condition that is observed on or around such areas shall be immediately reported to the mine foreman in charge. Immediate action shall be taken to correct such conditions when encountered.

C. Stockpiles and stockpile dumping locations shall be visually examined by an authorized person prior to work commencing and as frequently as ground conditions warrant. Where there is evidence of ground failure at a stockpile dumping location, loads shall be dumped a safe distance back from the edge of the unstable area of the bank and pushed to the stockpile.

D. Sufficient illumination shall be provided to maintain safe working conditions. When visibility is insufficient, the operation of mobile equipment on stockpiles shall be suspended until conditions permit sufficient visibility.

E. All employees who work on or around stockpiles shall be trained on potential hazards. Hazard training shall also be provided for anyone other than employees that perform work associated with stockpiles, including but not limited to maintenance personnel or contractors.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.106 and 45.1-161.254 of the Code of Virginia.