225 ILCS 705/6.04

(225 ILCS 705/6.04) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 604)

Sec. 6.04. In all mines:

1. When the mine is to be operated, he shall examine the prescribed working places of such mine within 3 hours before any workers in such shift, other than the examiner or the examiners designated by the mine manager to make the examination, enter the underground areas of the mine. Examine every active working place in the mine and make tests therein with a multi-gas detector for accumulation of methane and oxygen deficiency in the air therein; examine intake seals used to ventilate a working section and doors to determine whether they are functioning properly; inspect and test the roof, face, and rib conditions in the working areas and on active roadways and travelways; inspect active roadways, travelways, approaches to abandoned workings, and accessible falls in active sections for explosive gas and other hazards; and inspect to determine whether the air in each split is traveling in its proper course and in normal volume.

2. On non-coal producing shifts, if the mine has a constructed minimum of 120 psi seals, he shall examine the mine in any area where any person is scheduled to work or travel underground. If the mine has less constructed than 120 psi seals, he shall examine the mine in its entirety the same as for a coal producing shift, except where men are to work only in the shaft, slope, or drift or on the immediate shaft bottom, then only that area immediately surrounding the bottom need be examined. If the mine has a minimum of 120 psi seals and the mine has not been examined in its entirety for 7 consecutive days, a full mine examine shall be conducted, including seals and escape ways, prior to anyone other than the examiner or the examiners designated by the mine manager to make the examination enter the underground areas of such mine. If it is known that the air downwind of a minimum 120 psi seals when tested at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, or rib contains more than 1.0% of methane as determined by permissible methane detector, air analysis, or other recognized means of accurately detecting such gas, he shall examine the mine in its entirety the same as for a coal producing shift, except where persons are to work only in the shaft, slope, or drift or on the immediate shaft or slope bottom, then only that area immediately surrounding the bottom shall be examined.

3. If the mine has constructed a minimum of 120 psi seals, he shall conduct weekly examinations at each seal along return and bleeder air courses and at each seal along intake air courses where intake air passing by the seal is not used to ventilate a working section. If such mine has constructed less than 120 psi seals, he shall conduct a daily examination of each seal along return and bleeder air courses. If it is known that the air downwind of a minimum 120 psi seals when tested at a point not less than 12 inches from the roof, face, or rib contains more than 1.0% of methane as determined by permissible methane detector, air analysis, or other recognized means of accurately detecting such gas, he shall examine each seal along return and bleeder air courses and at each seal along intake air courses where intake air passing by the seal not used to ventilate a working section before the workers of any shift may enter the underground areas of such mine.

4. Conduct weekly examinations of escape ways required by Sections 19.11 and 19.13.

(Source: P.A. 99-538, eff. 1-1-17.)