Section 190. Underground diesel engine mechanic

A. All maintenance work performed on diesel engines used to power equipment in underground coal mines shall be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a person possessing a Diesel Engine Mechanic Certificate issued by the BCME. In addition, no operator of an underground coal mine in the Commonwealth of Virginia may use diesel-powered equipment in the mine without first employing a diesel engine mechanic who is certified by the BCME.

B. "Maintenance" shall include all of the tasks required to be performed routinely to ensure that the engine exhaust emissions conform with the requirements of the laws and regulations of Virginia and MSHA, and with the maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer of the engine.

C. Applicants shall possess six months experience as a diesel engine mechanic, complete a diesel engine mechanic course approved by the division, or possess appropriately related work experience approved by the chief. A one-year diesel engine mechanic program approved by the division may be substituted for the diesel engine mechanic experience.

D. Applicants shall pass the underground diesel engine mechanic, first aid, and gas detection examinations.

E. The initial training course for diesel engine mechanics shall include at least 32 hours of classroom instruction and be taught by a certified instructor.

F. To qualify for approval by the chief, the content of the initial training course for diesel engine mechanics shall include, but is not limited to:

1. Diesel engine principles;

2. Diesel fuel and fuel systems;

3. Engine exhaust systems;

4. State and federal diesel laws and regulations;

5. Safe use of equipment;

6. Emission controls, testing procedures and recordkeeping; and

7. Protection of health of workers exposed to diesel equipment.

G. The annual continuing education course for diesel engine mechanics shall include at least four hours of classroom instruction and be taught by a certified instructor.

H. The content of the continuing education course shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Diesel technology;

2. State and federal diesel laws and regulations;

3. Safe use of equipment;

4. Protection of the health of workers exposed to diesel equipment; and

5. Required emission test procedures and recordkeeping.

I. A Diesel Engine Mechanic Certificate shall remain valid until December 31 following the anniversary date of the initial training, providing the certification requirements are met, unless the certificate is revoked by the BCME.

J. The holder of the certificate shall renew the certificate by satisfactorily completing a diesel engine mechanic continuing education course approved by the chief and taught by a certified instructor.

K. The holder of the certificate shall submit documentation to the division indicating the required continuing education has been completed before the expiration of the card.

L. Failure to complete the required education shall result in suspension of certification pending completion of continuing education. If the continuing education requirement is not met within two years from the suspension date, then the certification shall be revoked by the BCME.

M. The division shall send notice of any suspension to the last known address that the certified person reported to the division in accordance with 4VAC25-20-20 I. Upon request, DMME will provide the mine operator and other interested parties with a list of individuals whose certification is in suspension or has been revoked.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR480-04-2 § 2.15, eff. June 30, 1994; amended, Volume 13, Issue 22, eff. August 20, 1997; Volume 20, Issue 23, eff. August 25, 2004.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.28, 45.1-161.29, and 45.1-161.34 of the Code of Virginia.