Mining Safety

Wyo. Stat. Ann. tit. 30, ch. 3
in effect

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-101 Applicability of W.S. 30-3-101 through 30-3-509.

(a) W.S. 30-3-101 through 30-3-509 apply to all mines and mining operations except where: (i) A statute refers to a specific type of mine or mining operation; or (ii) By the nature of the mine or mining operation, a statute can have no application.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-102 Reasonable safety regulations and precautions; enumeration of general safety rules; hazards to be posted; care of tools.

(a) Reasonable safety regulations and precautions shall be observed in all phases of all mining activities to provide a safe place for persons to work and to avoid injury and accident. (b) No apparatus, piece of equipment, machinery or tool shall be used when not in good repair or working condition or for any purpose for which it is not intended or suited. (c) No work shall be permitted in any unsafe place unless it is for the purpose of making the place safe, and then only by experienced persons under the supervision of a qualified person. (d) Special precautions shall be observed in operations where gas has been found to exist in dangerous quantity. (e) Appropriate signs shall be posted where dangerous or temporary hazards exist. (f) Good housekeeping shall be practiced in and around all mining activities, including cleanliness, orderly and safe storage of materials, and the removal of possible sources of injury such as stumbling hazards, protruding nails, broken glass, discarded equipment, supplies, containers, parts and other similar objects or materials. (g) Tools, except when in actual use, shall be kept in racks, boxes, kits, or where they will create no hazard.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-103 Protective gear and clothing to be worn; clothing and devices to meet safety standards.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) All persons shall wear clothing and use protective devices required to meet recognized approved safety standards as specified by rule of the inspector. The rules shall include requirements for type and fit of clothing, footwear, eye protection and respiratory protection.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-104 Working alone prohibited; exception.

No person shall be required to work alone in any hazardous place where his life might be endangered, unless he can communicate with others, can be heard or can be seen.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-105 Bulletin boards to be maintained for posting rules and regulations.

Bulletin boards shall be maintained at central locations in all mining operations and notices pertaining to safety rules and regulations and operations shall be posted on them. It shall be the responsibility of each employee to take notice, and be advised.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-106 Permissible methane detector required; permissible methods of testing for methane; examination of underground mine by mine examiners; procedure; written record.

(a) At least two (2) permissible methane detectors in proper working condition shall be kept available at each mine for the use of authorized persons. Only permissible flame safety lamps, permissible methane detectors, or air sampling and analysis shall be used for determining the presence of methane in mine air. The number, type and other specifications for flame safety lamps, methane detectors and other air detectors required under specific circumstances shall be established by rule of the inspector. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Mine examiners shall examine all underground mines before other persons are permitted to enter. Specific areas of underground mines shall be subject to examination in accordance with rules of the inspector. The number, timing, schedule, place and conduct of all examinations shall be set by the rules. The rules shall require written verification of all required examinations. (d) The mine examiner shall: (i) Visit every live working place in the mine; (ii) Test for methane; (iii) Examine line brattices and fan tubing; (iv) Test and inspect the roof, face and rib conditions in all places examined, including active roadways, travelways, approaches to abandoned workings and accessible falls in active sections for explosive gas and other hazards; (v) Ascertain that air is traveling in its regular course and in the required volume in each split; (vi) Place his initials and the date at or near the face of each place examined. (e) Where dangerous conditions are found by the mine examiner or other official, the place shall be [posted] dangered off with an approved danger sign. Only an authorized person shall cross the sign and then only for the purpose of correcting the dangerous condition. (f) Upon completion of his examination, the mine examiner shall report to the mine foreman or a designated certified official before other persons enter the mine. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (n) A certified mine foreman immediately directing the activities of the area subject to the report shall read and countersign the record book of the mine examiner daily. Any dangerous conditions disclosed in the reports shall be corrected promptly. (o) All records of daily and weekly reports shall be open for inspection by interested persons.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-107 Inspections for safety hazards.

The operator of each mine, or some competent person designated by the operator, shall make inspections for safety hazards at least once, or oftener if necessary for safety, during each working shift, of all those parts of the operations which are traveled or being worked.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-108 Requirements as to buildings generally; fire resistant structures required.

(a) Buildings shall be constructed and located in a manner consistent with recognized good mining practice. (b) The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for fire resistant structures for areas in proximity to underground mine openings.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-109 Check-in and check-out system.

Each mine shall have a check-in and check-out system that will identify every individual underground. An accurate record of persons in the mine consisting of a written record or a check board shall be kept on the surface in a place that will not be affected in the event of an explosion. The record shall bear a number identical to the identification check carried by the person underground.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-110 Pits and quarries.

(a) Reasonable precautions shall be taken to insure the safety of all persons working in and about open excavations, pits and quarries. (b) Overhanging banks shall not be permitted in any excavation, pit or quarry. Sides and banks shall be sloped to an angle, in view of the nature and material and the depth of the excavation, that will minimize the danger of materials sliding or falling.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-111 Stairways and platforms.

(a) Stairways, elevated platforms and runways shall be equipped with handrails. (b) Elevated platforms and stairways shall be provided with toeboards where necessary, kept clear of refuse and maintained in good repair.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-112 Roofs of mines; minimum standards; supports; inspection.

(a) Minimum standards for systematic roof control suitable to the roof conditions and mining system of each mine shall be adopted and complied with. A copy of any roof control plan approved by federal authorities shall be submitted to the inspector within thirty (30) days of its approval. Additional supports shall be installed where necessary to afford adequate protection. The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for roof bolting, other supports required to protect persons from falling or loose material, training requirements for persons involved with roof, rib and face testing and extraction of permanent and temporary timber. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Every shaft, incline, winze, adit, tunnel level or drift, and every working place in an underground mine shall be properly protected and sufficiently timbered or supported where necessary to protect persons from injury from falls of roof, ribs or face. Loose top and overhanging or loose faces and ribs shall be timbered adequately or taken down. (e) Timbers removed or knocked out deliberately or inadvertently shall be replaced promptly unless unnecessary for adequate roof support or protection. (f) The mine foreman and mine inspectors shall ascertain if employees understand roof, rib and face testing. Uninformed and new employees shall be instructed properly in correct methods of testing. (g) Face workers and other employees exposed to hazards from falls of rock and coal shall, unless this testing is specifically and satisfactorily performed by others, examine and test the roof, ribs and face before starting work or before starting a machine and frequently thereafter. When dangerous conditions are found, they shall be corrected immediately by taking down loose materials or by proper and adequate support before any other work is done. (h) At least once each day, the mine foreman shall examine roof, ribs, and face of working places and passageways, where men work or travel, for dangerous conditions. Where found, such dangerous conditions shall be corrected promptly. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Permanent timber extraction shall be done only by mechanical means. Persons engaged in this work shall not be permitted to work alone. Persons assigned to this work shall have not less than the practical mining experience under comparable conditions as required by rule of the inspector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-113 Rock dusting in coal mines.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) The inspector shall establish by rule for underground coal mines, areas in which rock dusting is required, required levels of incombustible content and other content and size requirements for rock dusting. The inspector or his deputies may require that sufficient samples of the mine dusts are taken in order to enforce this section.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-114 Construction, installation and maintenance of track.

(a) The roadbed, rails, joints, switches, frogs and other elements of the track of all haulage roads shall be constructed, installed and maintained in a manner consistent with speed and type of haulage operations being conducted to insure safe operation. (b) Track switches, except room and entry development switches, shall be provided with properly installed throws, bridle bars and guardrails; switch throws and stands, where possible, shall be placed on the clearance side.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-115 Haulage roads; clearance space; shelter holes.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Ample clearance shall be provided at all points where supplies are loaded or unloaded along haulage roads or conveyors. The inspector shall establish by rule required clearances for haulage roads and conveyors. The rules shall include clearances required, requirements for suitable crossover or crossunder bridges and proper guards for travelways. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Shelter holes shall be provided along haulage entries and slopes where locomotive, rope or shuttle-car haulage is used. The inspector shall establish by rule the spacing, sizing and placement of shelter holes which may vary for different locations in the mine. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-116 Abandoned workings; posting at entrances; sealing or ventilation.

(a) The entrances to abandoned workings shall be posted to warn unauthorized persons against entering the territory. (b) Abandoned workings shall be sealed or ventilated in accordance with rules adopted by the inspector. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-117 Abandoned workings; precautions required when working place approaches.

Whenever any working place approaches within two hundred (200) feet of abandoned workings that cannot be inspected, boreholes shall be kept as required by rule of the inspector. The rules shall include spacing and other drilling requirements for the bore holes.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-118 Surface outlets; rules specifying surface opening and escapeway requirements.

(a) Every underground mine shall have at least two (2) separate clearly marked outlets to the surface. The two (2) outlets to the surface need not belong to the same mine if persons can travel to and from another outlet to the mine. (b) The inspector shall adopt rules specifying other surface opening, travelway and escapeway requirements. The rules shall provide for adequate fire protection, ventilation and equipment, designated escapeways and limitations upon the number of persons allowed in the mine or specific areas of the mine based upon available escapeways. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-201 Aerial trams, belts and conveyors.

Aerial trams, belts, conveyors or other transporting equipment shall be adequate for the purpose used and shall be installed and maintained in good workmanlike manner in accordance with recognized good, safe engineering practice and with rules adopted by the inspector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-202 Bins and chutes.

(a) All bins shall be designed and constructed to hold and maintain the load required. (b) Chutes for discharging bins shall be of approved design, and arranged to be conveniently and safely operated, with a uniform flow to lessen arching of stored material. (c) Open top bins shall be protected by adequate guardrails and toeboards.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-203 Boilers and compressed air receivers; inspections.

(a) All boilers used for generating steam shall be kept in good order. The owner or operator shall have them inspected and approved in accordance with rules adopted by the inspector. (b) All compressed air receivers shall be built and installed according to standard specifications and shall be inspected and approved in accordance with rules adopted by the inspector.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-204 Machinery; standard safety methods and devices required.

(a) All machinery shall be guarded by standard approved methods and devices which shall adequately provide protection against accidents and prevent all access to the danger zones during operation. (b) All persons shall avail themselves of protective devices, shall observe all rules governing their maintenance and operation and shall promptly report to the operator or supervisor any unsafe condition or the lack of any protective device. (c) No employee or person or persons shall knowingly do any willful act to injure or destroy any machinery, which will thereby endanger the safety of persons, working places or property.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-205 Cutter chains; enumeration of equipment to be guarded; control of dust when drilling; repairing or oiling moving machinery prohibited.

(a) The cutter chains of mining machines shall be locked securely by mechanical means to prevent accidental movement while being trammed or when parked. The inspector shall adopt rules providing for the adequate guarding of equipment with protruding bolts, nuts, blades, flywheels, belts, chains and other mechanisms which can cause serious injury and with which persons are likely to come into contact. (b) Drilling in rock shall be done wet or with other means of dust control approved by the inspector. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Machinery shall not be repaired or oiled while in motion. (e) A guard or safety device removed from any machine shall be replaced before the machine is put in operation. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-206 Use of internal combustion engines prohibited; exception.

(a) The use of equipment underground powered by internal combustion engines is prohibited except for those engines conforming to standards accepted by the MSHA for underground internal combustion engines. Equipment with engines conforming with rules adopted by the MSHA shall only be used and operated as authorized by rule of the inspector. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-207 Locomotives generally.

(a) Locomotives shall be equipped with proper devices for rerailing of locomotives and cars. (b) An audible warning device and headlights shall be provided on each locomotive, shuttle car and any other self-propelled mobile equipment used underground. (c) Where hoists are used for handling men in underground slopes, in pitching beds, or on slopes between two (2) or more beds, the provisions governing hoisting or haulage mentioned heretofore shall apply. (d) A permissible trip light shall be used on the rear of trips pulled, and on the front of trips lowered into slopes or pushed. Trip lights need not be used during gathering operations at working faces. (e) Pushing of cars on main haulage roads and back-poling is prohibited except as authorized by rule of the inspector. (i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (iii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (iv) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (n) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (o) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (p) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (q) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (r) The inspector shall adopt rules establishing the authorized use of locomotives, including persons authorized to ride, materials which may be hauled, and requirements for boarding, loading, derailing, blocking, coupling and trip lighting.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-208 Man-trips operated by locomotives; belt lines; illumination of stations.

(a) Man-trips operated by locomotives shall be pulled at safe speed consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used, and shall be so controlled that they can be stopped within the limits of visibility. The speed of man-trips on slopes shall be consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used and shall be limited to speeds established by rules of the inspector. (b) Each man-trip shall be under the charge of a qualified person and shall be operated independently of any loaded trip of material. (c) Cars on the man-trip shall not be overloaded. Sufficient cars in good mechanical condition shall be provided. (d) No person shall ride under the trolley wire unless suitable covered man-cars are used. (e) No material or tools shall be transported in the same car with persons on any man-trip. All persons except the motorman and trip rider shall ride inside of man-trip cars. (f) Persons shall not load or unload from moving man-trip cars. Persons shall proceed in an orderly manner to and from man-trips. (g) A waiting station with sufficient room and ample clearance from moving equipment shall be provided where persons are required to wait for man-trips or man-cages. (h) Trolley and power wires shall be guarded effectively at man-trip stations where there is a possibility of any person coming in contact with energized electric wiring while loading or unloading from the man-trip. (j) Loading and unloading stations shall be illuminated properly. (k) A qualified person shall supervise the loading and unloading of man-trips.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-209 Standards and use of hoisting equipment established by rule.

(a) The inspector shall establish by rule requirements for the operation of hoisting equipment. The rules shall include permissible materials, manning and training requirements, load limitations, guard requirements for trolley and power wires, and illumination and recordkeeping requirements. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-210 Cages; standards and use established by rule.

(a) Cages used for hoisting persons shall be of substantial construction with: (i) Adequate steel bonnets; (ii) Enclosed sides; (iii) Gates, safety chains or bars across the ends of the cage when persons are being hoisted or lowered; (iv) Sufficient handholds or chains for all persons on the cage to maintain their balance. (b) The floor of the cage shall be adequate to carry the load and so constructed that it will be impossible for a person's foot or body to enter any opening in the bottom of the cage. (c) Cages used for handling persons shall be equipped with safety catches that act quickly and effectively in an emergency. (d) Cages shall be inspected daily. Safety catches on cages shall be tested at least every two (2) months. A written record shall be kept of inspections and tests. The record may be inspected by interested persons. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (n) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (o) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (p) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (q) The inspector shall establish by rule standards for cages used for hoisting persons. To the extent possible, emergency hoists shall comply with these standards.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-301 Telephone service or communication facilities; location; insulation; protection; additional standards by rule.

(a) Telephone service or equivalent communication facilities installed to reduce the possibility of interruption of service shall be provided in underground mines at the bottom of each main shaft or slope and in all mines from the surface to the working sections of the mine. (b) Telephone lines, other than cables, shall be: (i) Carried on insulators; (ii) Installed on the opposite side from power or trolley wires; (iii) Adequately insulated where they cross power or trolley wires. (c) Telephone circuits shall be protected by lightning arresters. (d) The inspector shall adopt additional rules for telephone and communication safety.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-302 Fire-fighting equipment; fire prevention regulations.

(a) Each mine shall be provided with suitable fire-fighting equipment, adequate for the size of the mine, such as supplies of rock dust at doors and at other strategic places, water lines and hose, water chemical trucks and fire extinguishers to provide reasonably effective means of controlling fires. The inspector shall establish by rule additional fire protection requirements, including: (i) Equipment required to be available at specified areas of the mine; (ii) Required examinations for fire after blasting and other operations; (iii) Storage requirements for materials and equipment; and (iv) Procedures to be followed in the event of a mine explosion or fire. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (h) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (j) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (k) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (m) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-303 Fire danger to be minimized; when open flame prohibited.

(a) All structures or installations either underground or above ground shall be constructed to minimize the danger of fire. (b) No material shall be stored underground or above ground that creates or constitutes a fire hazard. (c) Smoking or the use of an open flame is prohibited where it constitutes a serious hazard.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-304 Use of arc, spark or open flame prohibited; exceptions; search for flame-producing devices; welding and cutting operations; nonpermissible electric lamps prohibited.

(a) All persons in underground workings of a mine are prohibited from intentionally creating any arc, spark or open flame, except those that cannot be avoided in the normal performance of work. Carrying smoking material or matches, or other flame-making devices into a mine or smoking underground is prohibited. (b) Before entering the mine, employees shall be subject to search by the mine foreman or his certified designee for smoking materials or matches, or other flame-producing devices. (c) In all underground mines welding and cutting with electricity or flame is restricted from places where flammable gases are present or where flammable gases may enter the air course except necessary welding and cutting in face regions. In the face regions of gassy mines, necessary welding and cutting in face regions shall be under the direct supervision of a qualified person, who shall test for gas before starting operations and frequently thereafter. Continuous monitoring devices may be used after the initial gas test has been made. In all welding and cutting operations, precautions shall be taken against starting a fire. (d) All persons underground shall use only permissible electric lamps for portable illumination.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-305 First-aid equipment and training standards established by rule.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) The inspector shall establish by rule standards for first-aid equipment and training, and ambulance and physician services required on the surface and throughout the mine.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-401 Electric installations and equipment.

(a) The inspector shall adopt rules for electrical installation and equipment safety requirements for mines. The rules shall establish: (i) Placement and other safety requirements for high potential power lines; (ii) Placement, housing, cooling, encasing and other access restrictions for transformers; (iii) Mounting requirements for pull switches, circuit breakers and other power controls and requirements for entrances, illumination and clearances for switchboards; (iv) Standards for the installation and support of power lines and cables, including track used as a power conductor, trolley wires and feeder wires. The rules shall require that, where practicable, power be disconnected during repair work and shall include required protective clothing and equipment for persons repairing power lines and cables, and trolley wire and feeder wire; (v) Installation requirements and load restrictions for signal wires; (vi) Standards for the use of electrical equipment and testing standards at specific areas of the mine, including areas containing specified levels of methane or other explosive gases.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-501 Ventilation regulations generally; quantity of air required; record of measurements.

(a) The operator shall provide and maintain, at all times, for all persons in every working place, a good and sufficient amount of ventilation circulating an adequate quantity of fresh air sufficient to dilute and render harmless any noxious gases or powder smoke that may be present. (b) The number of men on a split shall be no more than the ventilation system can support. Where dust or fumes in harmful quantities result from mining, milling or processing operations, some mechanical or other means which will alleviate this condition shall be used wherever and whenever practical. The operator shall furnish and encourage the use of personal protective devices for alleviating harmful effects of dust and fumes. Each person shall use the devices furnished by the operator. (c) The quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in any pair or set of entries shall not be less than nine thousand (9,000) cubic feet a minute. However, the quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in any pair or set of entries in pillar sections may be less than nine thousand (9,000) cubic feet of air a minute, if at least nine thousand (9,000) cubic feet of air a minute is being delivered to the intake end of the pillar line. In any underground mine, the operator shall provide on the surface or underground a fan or other mechanical means for producing and controlling air circulation within the mine. (d) The air current at working faces shall under any condition have a sufficient volume and velocity to dilute and carry away smoke from blasting and any flammable or harmful gases. (e) At least once each week, the mine foreman or other certified persons designated by him, shall measure the volume of air near the main intake or main return, the amount passing through the last open crosscut of entries, and the volume of air in each split. A record of these measurements shall be kept in a book on the surface and shall be open for inspection by interested persons. (f) The main-intake and main-return air currents in mines shall be in separate openings. (g) All slopes or entries in coal mines shall be driven in sets of two (2) or more. (h) In gassy mines haulage roads shall be in intake air. (j) Battery-charging stations and transformer stations containing liquid-filled transformers shall be well ventilated by separate splits of air conducted through vents to the return air courses and returning direct to the surface. (k) Changes in ventilation that materially affect the main air current or any split thereof shall be made when the mine is idle and with no men in the mine, other than those engaged in changing the ventilation. (m) In gassy mines air that has passed through abandoned sections or that has been used to ventilate pillar lines shall not be reused to ventilate live workings. (n) The inspector shall establish by rule ventilation requirements for mines and associated surface facilities. The rules may be generally applicable to all mines or promulgated for specific types of mines or mining operation and may: (i) Establish minimum and maximum volumes of air required for specified areas of mines; (ii) Specify the means for ventilation, including the use, installation and operation of main mine fans, booster fans, blower fans, exhausting and other fans, and associated equipment including warning and monitoring devices; (iii) Specify the use, placement and construction of crosscuts, doors and line brattice needed to provide ventilation; (iv) Specify personal protective devices to be used to alleviate the effects of dust and harmful gases; (v) Specify areas of the mine and times for monitoring, and training requirements for persons monitoring ventilation and associated equipment or providing ventilation in accordance with this act or rules adopted under this act; (vi) Establish appropriate procedures for making changes in ventilation; (vii) Specify required actions in response to hazards due to inadequate ventilation, including the existence of specified levels of dust or gases; and (viii) Require recordkeeping in accordance with applicable federal law.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-503 Booster fans prohibited; exceptions; safeguards required when used.

(a) Booster fans are prohibited unless the inspector determines their installation is necessary for the safe operation and proper ventilation of the mine and gives permission in writing to install them. In mines where such fans are now being used their use may be continued but they, and any new installations, shall be surrounded with safeguards established by rule of the inspector and as follows: (i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (iii) In case of booster-fan stoppage, the procedure outlined in this act with respect to stoppage of main fans shall apply to the section of the mine affected; (iv) Inspected at least twice each shift during which the fan operates by a certified official designated by the mine foreman. (b) The following applies to auxiliary fans with tubing used in underground mines: (i) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (iii) The fan tubing of an auxiliary fan shall be maintained in good condition. The discharge end of the tubing shall be kept within forty-five (45) feet of the face, and not more than three hundred fifty (350) feet of the tubing shall be extended from the fan unless otherwise authorized in writing by the inspector to accommodate larger mining equipment. (iv) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (v) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (vi) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 30-3-509 Prevention of dust; standards established by rule.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (b) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (c) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (d) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (e) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (f) Repealed by Laws 1995, ch. 31, § 2. (g) The inspector shall by rule establish standards for preventing dust from endangering the safe operation of the mine, including the enclosure of electric motors, switches and controls. CHAPTER 4 INTERSTATE MINING COMPACT
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title30.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026