---
kind: "section"
citation: "30 U.S.C. § 863"
title: "30"
title_heading: "Mineral Lands and Mining"
number: "863"
heading: "Ventilation"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/30/863"
units:
  - "Chapter 22 — Mine Safety and Health"
  - "Subchapter III — Interim Mandatory Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mines"
---

# §863. Ventilation

- (a) **Equipment; approval; daily examinations—** All [coal mines](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) shall be ventilated by mechanical ventilation equipment installed and operated in a manner approved by an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) and such equipment shall be examined daily and a record shall be kept of such examination.
- (b) **Standards for air in work areas—** All [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) shall be ventilated by a current of air containing not less than 19.5 volume per centum of oxygen, not more than 0.5 volume per centum of carbon dioxide, and no harmful quantities of other noxious or poisonous gases; and the volume and velocity of the current of air shall be sufficient to dilute, render harmless, and to carry away, flammable, explosive, noxious, and harmful gases, and dust, and smoke and explosive fumes. The minimum quantity of air reaching the last open crosscut in any pair or set of developing entries and the last open crosscut in any pair or set of rooms shall be nine thousand cubic feet a minute, and the minimum quantity of air reaching the intake end of a pillar line shall be nine thousand cubic feet a minute. The minimum quantity of air in any [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) reaching each [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1) shall be three thousand cubic feet a minute. Within three months after the operative date of this subchapter, the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall prescribe the minimum velocity and quantity of air reaching each [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1) of each [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) in order to render harmless and carry away methane and other explosive gases and to reduce the level of respirable dust to the lowest attainable level. The authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) may require in any [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) a greater quantity and velocity of air when he finds it necessary to protect the health or safety of [miners](/usc/30/802.md?p=g). Within one year after the operative date of this subchapter, the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative shall prescribe the maximum respirable dust level in the intake aircourses in each [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) in order to reduce such level to the lowest attainable level. In robbing areas of [anthracite](/usc/30/878.md?p=e) mines, where the air currents cannot be controlled and measurements of the air cannot be obtained, the air shall have perceptible movement.
- (c) **Line brattice; functions; exceptions; repairs; flame resistant material—**
  - (1) Properly installed and adequately maintained line brattice or other approved devices shall be continuously used from the last open crosscut of an entry or room of each [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) to provide adequate ventilation to the [working faces](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1) for the [miners](/usc/30/802.md?p=g) and to remove flammable, explosive, and noxious gases, dust, and explosive fumes, unless the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative permits an exception to this requirement, where such exception will not pose a hazard to the [miners](/usc/30/802.md?p=g). When damaged by falls or otherwise, such line brattice or other devices shall be repaired immediately.
  - (2) The space between the line brattice or other approved device and the rib shall be large enough to permit the flow of a sufficient volume and velocity of air to keep the [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1) clear of flammable, explosive, and noxious gases, dust, and explosive fumes.
  - (3) Brattice cloth used underground shall be of flame-resistant material.
- (d) **Pre-shift examinations and tests; scope; violations of mandatory standards; notification; posting of “DANGER” signs; restriction of entry; records; re-entry—**
  - (1) Within three hours immediately preceding the beginning of any shift, and before any [miner](/usc/30/802.md?p=g) in such shift enters the [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) of a [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l), certified [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) of the mine shall examine such workings and any other underground area of the mine designated by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative. Each such examiner shall examine every [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) in such workings and shall make tests in each such [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) for accumulations of methane with means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane and shall make tests for oxygen deficiency with a permissible flame safety lamp or other means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a); examine seals and doors to determine whether they are functioning properly; examine and test the roof, face, and rib conditions in such [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3); examine active roadways, travelways, and belt conveyors on which men are carried, approaches to [abandoned areas](/usc/30/878.md?p=h), and accessible falls in such section for hazards; test by means of an anemometer or other device approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) to determine whether the air in each split is traveling in its proper course and in normal volume and velocity; and examine for such other hazards and violations of the [mandatory health or safety standards](/usc/30/802.md?p=l), as an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) may from time to time require. Belt conveyors on which coal is carried shall be examined after each coal-producing shift has begun. Such mine examiner shall place his initials and the date and time at all places he examines. If such mine examiner finds a condition which constitutes a violation of a [mandatory health or safety standard](/usc/30/802.md?p=l) or any condition which is hazardous to [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) who may enter or be in such area, he shall indicate such hazardous place by posting a “DANGER” sign conspiciously[^1] at all points which [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) entering such hazardous place would be required to pass, and shall notify the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) of the mine. No [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), other than an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or a [State](/usc/30/802.md?p=c) mine inspector or [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) authorized by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to enter such place for the purpose of eliminating the hazardous condition therein, shall enter such place while such sign is so posted. Upon completing his examination, such mine examiner shall report the results of his examination to a [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to receive such reports at a designated station on the surface of the mine, before other [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) enter the underground areas of such mine to work in such shift. Each such mine examiner shall also record the results of his examination with ink or indelible pencil in a book approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) kept for such purpose in an area on the surface of the mine chosen by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard, and the record shall be open for inspection by interested [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
  - (2) No [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) (other than certified [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated under this subsection) shall enter any underground area, except during any shift, unless an examination of such area as prescribed in this subsection has been made within eight hours immediately preceding his entrance into such area.
- (e) **Daily examinations and tests; scope; imminent danger; withdrawal of persons; abatement of danger—** At least once during each coal-producing shift, or more often if necessary for safety, each [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) shall be examined for hazardous conditions by certified [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to do so. Any such condition shall be corrected immediately. If such condition creates an [imminent danger](/usc/30/802.md?p=j), the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall withdraw all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from the area affected by such condition to a safe area, except those [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), until the danger is abated. Such examination shall include tests for methane with a means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane and for oxygen deficiency with a permissible flame safety lamp or other means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a).
- (f) **Weekly examination for hazardous conditions; scope; notification; repairs; imminent danger; withdrawal of persons; abatement; records—** In addition to the pre-shift and daily examinations required by this section, examinations for hazardous conditions, including tests for methane, and for compliance with the [mandatory health or safety standards](/usc/30/802.md?p=l), shall be made at least once each week by a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) in the return of each split of air where it enters the main return, on pillar falls, at seals, in the main return, at least one entry of each intake and return aircourse in its entirety, idle workings, and, insofar as safety considerations permit, [abandoned areas](/usc/30/878.md?p=h). Such weekly examination need not be made during any week in which the mine is idle for the entire week, except that such examination shall be made before any other [miner](/usc/30/802.md?p=g) returns to the mine. The [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) making such examinations and tests shall place his initials and the date and time at the places examined, and if any hazardous condition is found, such condition shall be reported to the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) promptly. Any hazardous condition shall be corrected immediately. If such condition creates an [imminent danger](/usc/30/802.md?p=j), the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall withdraw all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from the area affected by such condition to a safe area, except those [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), until such danger is abated. A record of these examinations, tests, and actions taken shall be recorded in ink or indelible pencil in a book approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) kept for such purpose in an area on the surface of the mine chosen by the mine [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard, and the record shall be open for inspection by interested [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
- (g) **Weekly ventilation examinations; scope; records—** At least once each week, a [qualified person](/usc/30/878.md?p=b) shall measure the volume of air entering the main intakes and leaving the main returns, the volume passing through the last open crosscut in any pair or set of developing entries and the last open crosscut in any pair or set of rooms, the volume and, when the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) so prescribes, the velocity reaching each [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1), the volume being delivered to the intake end of each pillar line, and the volume at the intake and return of each split of air. A record of such measurements shall be recorded in ink or indelible pencil in a book approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) kept for such purpose in an area on the surface of the [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) chosen by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard, and the record shall be open for inspection by interested [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
- (h) **Methane examinations at working place; periodic intervals; standards; procedures for different air contents of methane—**
  - (1) At the start of each shift, tests for methane shall be made at each [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) immediately before electrically operated equipment is energized. Such tests shall be made by [qualified persons](/usc/30/878.md?p=b). If 1.0 volume per centum or more of methane is detected, electrical equipment shall not be energized, taken into, or operated in, such [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) until the air therein contains less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. Examinations for methane shall be made during the operation of such equipment at intervals of not more than twenty minutes during each shift, unless more frequent examinations are required by an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a). In conducting such tests, such [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) shall use means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane.
  - (2) If at any time the air at any [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2), when tested at a point not less than twelve inches from the roof, face, or rib, contains 1.0 volume per centum or more of methane, changes or adjustments shall be made at once in the ventilation in such mine so that such air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. While such changes or adjustments are underway and until they have been achieved, power to electric face equipment located in such place shall be cut off, no other work shall be permitted in such place, and due precautions shall be carried out under the direction of the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) or his [agent](/usc/30/802.md?p=e) so as not to endanger other areas of the mine. If at any time such air contains 1.5 volume per centum or more of methane, all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), except those referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), shall be withdrawn from the area of the mine endangered thereby to a safe area, and all electric power shall be cut off from the endangered area of the mine, until the air in such [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
- (i) **Methane examination of air returning from working section; periodic intervals; standards; procedures for different air contents; virgin territory—**
  - (1) If, when tested, a split of air returning from any [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) contains 1.0 volume per centum or more of methane, changes or adjustments shall be made at once in the ventilation in the mine so that such returning air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. Tests under this paragraph and paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be made at four-hour intervals during each shift by a [qualified person](/usc/30/878.md?p=b) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) of the mine. In making such tests, such [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) shall use means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane.
  - (2) If, when tested, a split of air returning from any [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) contains 1.5 volume per centum or more of methane, all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), except those [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), shall be withdrawn from the area of the mine endangered thereby to a safe area and all electric power shall be cut off from the endangered area of the mine, until the air in such split shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
  - (3) In virgin territory, if the quantity of air in a split ventilating the [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) in such territory equals or exceeds twice the minimum volume of air prescribed in [subsection (b)](#b) of this section for the last open crosscut, if the air in the split returning from such workings does not pass over trolley wires or trolley feeder wires, and if a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) is continually testing the methane content of the air in such split during mining operations in such workings, it shall be necessary to withdraw all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), except those referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), from the area of the mine endangered thereby to a safe area and all electric power shall be cut off from the endangered area only when the air returning from such workings contains 2.0 volume per centum or more of methane.
- (j) **Abandoned area air; pre-shift examination—** Air which has passed by an opening of any abandoned area shall not be used to ventilate any [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) in the [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) if such air contains 0.25 volume per centum or more of methane. Examinations of such air shall be made during the pre-shift examination required by [subsection (d)](#d) of this section. In making such tests, a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall use means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane. For the purposes of this subsection, an area within a [panel](/usc/30/802.md?p=m) shall not be deemed to be abandoned until such [panel](/usc/30/802.md?p=m) is abandoned.
- (k) **Abandoned area air; inaccessible or unsafe for inspection; air from where pillars have been removed—** Air that has passed through an abandoned area or an area which is inaccessible or unsafe for inspection shall not be used to ventilate any [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) in any mine. No air which has been used to ventilate an area from which the pillars have been removed shall be used to ventilate any [working place](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) in a mine, except that such air, if it does not contain 0.25 volume per centum or more of methane, may be used to ventilate enough advancing [working places](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) immediately adjacent to the line of retreat to maintain an orderly sequence of pillar recovery on a set of entries.
- (l) **Methane monitors; required equipment; maintenance; warnings; deenergizing of equipment—** The [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative shall require, as an additional device for detecting concentrations of methane, that a methane monitor, approved as reliable by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) after the operative date of this subchapter, be installed, when available, on any electric face cutting equipment, continuous [miner](/usc/30/802.md?p=g), longwall face equipment, and loading machine, except that no monitor shall be required to be installed on any such equipment prior to the date on which such equipment is required to be permissible under [section 865(a) of this title](/usc/30/865.md?p=a). When installed on any such equipment, such monitor shall be kept operative and properly maintained and frequently tested as prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a). The sensing device of such monitor shall be installed as close to the [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1) as practicable. Such monitor shall be set to deenergize automatically such equipment when such monitor is not operating properly and to give a warning automatically when the concentration of methane reaches a maximum percentage determined by an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) which shall not be more than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. An authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall require such monitor to deenergize automatically equipment on which it is installed when the concentration of methane reaches a maximum percentage determined by such representative which shall not be more than 2.0 volume per centum of methane.
- (m) **Idle area inspections; authorized inspectors—** Idle and [abandoned areas](/usc/30/878.md?p=h) shall be inspected for methane and for oxygen deficiency and other dangerous conditions by a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) with means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) as soon as possible but not more than three hours before other [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) are permitted to enter or work in such areas. [Persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f), such as pumpmen, who are required regularly to enter such areas in the performance of their duties, and who are trained and qualified in the use of means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane and in the use of a permissible flame safety lamp or other means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting oxygen deficiency are authorized to make such examinations for themselves, and each such [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) shall be properly equipped and shall make such examinations upon entering any such area.
- (n) **Intentional roof falls; prior inspections; safeguards—** Immediately before an intentional roof fall is made, pillar workings shall be examined by a [qualified person](/usc/30/878.md?p=b) designated by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to ascertain whether methane is present. Such [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) shall use means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane. If in such examination methane is found in amounts of 1.0 volume per centum or more, such roof fall shall not be made until changes or adjustments are made in the ventilation so that the air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
- (o) **Methane and dust control plans; contents—** A ventilation system and methane and dust control plan and revisions thereof suitable to the conditions and the mining system of the [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) and approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall be adopted by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) and set out in printed form within ninety days after the operative date of this subchapter. The plan shall show the type and location of mechanical ventilation equipment installed and operated in the mine, such additional or improved equipment as the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) may require, the quantity and velocity of air reaching each [working face](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-1), and such other information as the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) may require. Such plan shall be reviewed by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) and the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) at least every six months.
- (p) **Devices for detection of methane and oxygen deficiency; maintenance—** Each [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall provide for the proper maintenance and care of the permissible flame safety lamp or any other approved device for detecting methane and oxygen deficiency by a [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) trained in such maintenance, and, before each shift, care shall be taken to insure that such lamp or other device is in a permissible condition.
- (q) **Pillar recovery; areas without bleeder systems—** Where areas are being pillared on the operative date of this subchapter without bleeder entries, or without bleeder systems or an equivalent means, pillar recovery may be completed in the area, to the extent approved by an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a), if the edges of pillar lines adjacent to [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) are ventilated with sufficient air to keep the air in open areas along the pillar lines below 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
- (r) **Overcast and undercast intake air split requirements; time extension—** Each mechanized mining section shall be ventilated with a separate split of intake air directed by overcasts, undercasts, or the equivalent, except an extension of time, not in excess of nine months, may be permitted by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a), under such conditions as he may prescribe, whenever he determines that this subsection cannot be complied with on the operative date of this subchapter.
- (s) **Blasting; prior and subsequent examinations for methane—** In all underground areas of a [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l), immediately before firing each shot or group of multiple shots and after blasting is completed, examinations for methane shall be made by a [qualified person](/usc/30/878.md?p=b) with means approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) for detecting methane. If methane is found in amounts of 1.0 volume per centum or more, changes or adjustments shall be made at once in the ventilation so that the air shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane. No shots shall be fired until the air contains less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
- (t) **Mine fan stop plans; requisites—** Each [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall adopt a plan within sixty days after the operative date of this subchapter which shall provide that when any mine fan stops, immediate action shall be taken by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) or his [agent](/usc/30/802.md?p=e) (1) to withdraw all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from the [working sections](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3), (2) to cut off the power in the mine in a timely manner, (3) to provide for restoration of power and resumption of work if ventilation is restored within a reasonable period as set forth in the plan after the [working places](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2) and other [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) where methane is likely to accumulate are reexamined by a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) to determine if methane in amounts of 1.0 volume per centum or more exists therein, and (4) to provide for withdrawal of all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from the mine if ventilation cannot be restored within such reasonable time. The plan and revisions thereof approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall be set out in printed form and a copy shall be furnished to the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative.
- (u) **Modifications affecting main air current or any split; withdrawal of personnel; removal of power—** Changes in ventilation which materially affect the main air current or any split thereof and which may affect the safety of [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) in the [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) shall be made only when the mine is idle. Only those [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) engaged in making such changes shall be permitted in the mine during the change. Power shall be removed from the areas affected by the change before work starts to make the change and shall not be restored until the effect of the change has been ascertained and the affected areas determined to be safe by a certified [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
- (v) **Reading and countersigning of daily and weekly reports; foreman; superintendent—** The mine foreman shall read and countersign promptly the daily reports of the pre-shift examiner and assistant mine foremen, and he shall read and countersign promptly the weekly report covering the examinations for hazardous conditions. Where such reports disclose hazardous conditions, they shall be corrected promptly. If such conditions create an [imminent danger](/usc/30/802.md?p=j), the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) shall withdraw all [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from, or prevent any [person](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) from entering, as the case may be, the area affected by such conditions, except those [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f) referred to in [section 814(d) of this title](/usc/30/814.md?p=d), until such danger is abated. The mine superintendent or assistant superintendent of the mine shall also read and countersign the daily and weekly reports of such [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
- (w) **Daily mine condition reports; requisites; signatures—** Each day, the mine foreman and each of his assistants shall enter plainly and sign with ink or indelible pencil in a book approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) provided for that purpose a report of the condition of the mine or portion thereof under his supervision, which report shall [state](/usc/30/802.md?p=c) clearly the location and nature of any hazardous condition observed by him or reported to him during the day and what action was taken to remedy such condition. Such book shall be kept in an area on the surface of the mine chosen by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard, and shall be open for inspection by interested [persons](/usc/30/802.md?p=f).
- (x) **Reopening of abandoned or declared inactive mine; notification; inspection—** Before a [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) is reopened after having been abandoned or declared inactive by the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d), the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall be notified, and an inspection shall be made of the entire mine by an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) before mining operations commence.
- (y) **Separation of intake and return aircourses from belt haulage entries; standards—**
  - (1) In any [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) opened after the operative date of this subchapter, the entries used as intake and return aircourses shall be separated from belt haulage entries, and each [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) of such mine shall limit the velocity of the air coursed through belt haulage entries to the amount necessary to provide an adequate supply of oxygen in such entries, and to insure that the air therein shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane, and such air shall not be used to ventilate active [working places](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2). Whenever an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) finds, in the case of any [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) opened on or prior to the operative date of this subchapter which has been developed with more than two entries, that the conditions in the entries, other than belt haulage entries, are such as to permit adequately the coursing of intake or return air through such entries, (1) the belt haulage entries shall not be used to ventilate, unless such entries are necessary to ventilate, active [working places](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2), and (2) when the belt haulage entries are not necessary to ventilate the active [working places](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-2), the [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) of such mine shall limit the velocity of the air coursed through the belt haulage entries to the amount necessary to provide an adequate supply of oxygen in such entries, and to insure that the air therein shall contain less than 1.0 volume per centum of methane.
  - (2) In any [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) opened on or after the operative date of this subchapter, or, in the case of a [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l) opened prior to such date, in any new [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) of such mine, where trolley haulage systems are maintained and where trolley wires or trolley feeder wires are installed, an authorized representative of the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) shall require a sufficient number of entries or rooms as intake aircourses in order to limit, as prescribed by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a), the velocity of air currents on such haulageways for the purpose of minimizing the hazards associated with fires and dust explosions in such haulageways.
- (z) **Pillar extractions; bleeder systems and sealing requirements; standards—**
  - (1) While pillars are being extracted in any area of a [coal mine](/usc/30/878.md?p=l), such area shall be ventilated in the manner prescribed by this section.
  - (2) Within nine months after the operative date of this subchapter, all areas from which pillars have been wholly or partially extracted and [abandoned areas](/usc/30/878.md?p=h), as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative, shall be ventilated by bleeder entries or by bleeder systems or equivalent means, or be sealed, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) or his authorized representative. When ventilation of such areas is required, such ventilation shall be maintained so as continuously to dilute, render harmless, and carry away methane and other explosive gases within such areas and to protect the [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) of the mine from the hazards of such methane and other explosive gases. Air coursed through underground areas from which pillars have been wholly or partially extracted which enters another split of air shall not contain more than 2.0 volume per centum of methane, when tested at the point it enters such other split. When sealing is required, such seals shall be made in an approved manner so as to isolate with explosion-proof bulkheads such areas from the [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) of the mine.
  - (3) In the case of mines opened on or after the operative date of this subchapter, or in the case of [working sections](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) opened on or after such date in mines opened prior to such date, the mining system shall be designed in accordance with a plan and revisions thereof approved by the [Secretary](/usc/30/802.md?p=a) and adopted by such [operator](/usc/30/802.md?p=d) so that, as each [working section](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-3) of the mine is abandoned, it can be isolated from the [active workings](/usc/30/878.md?p=g-4) of the mine with explosion-proof seals or bulkheads.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “conspicuously”.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 91–173, title III, § 303, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 767.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

For the operative date of this subchapter, referred to in subsecs. (b), (l), (o), (q), (r), (t), (y), and (z)(2), (3), see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as an Effective Date note under section 801 of this title.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section operative 90 days after Dec. 30, 1969, except to the extent an earlier date is specifically provided for in Pub. L. 91–173, see section 509 of Pub. L. 91–173, set out as a note under section 801 of this title.

### Belt Haulage Entries for Ventilation

Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title I, § 112(a), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2168, provided that: “Not later than June 20, 2008, the Secretary of Labor shall propose regulations pursuant to section 303(y) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 [30 U.S.C. 863(y)], consistent with the recommendations of the Technical Study Panel established pursuant to section 11 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act (Public Law 109–236) [enacting section 963 of this title], to require that in any coal mine, regardless of the date on which it was opened, belt haulage entries not be used to ventilate active working places without prior approval from the Assistant Secretary. Further, a mine ventilation plan incorporating the use of air coursed through belt haulage entries to ventilate active working places shall not be approved until the Assistant Secretary has reviewed the elements of the plan related to the use of belt air and determined that the plan at all times affords at least the same measure of protection where belt haulage entries are not used to ventilate working places. The Secretary shall finalize the regulations not later than December 31, 2008.”