Section 690-201 - General safety requirementsThe following are general safety requirements:
(1) All work must be performed in a safe manner.(2) All equipment must be maintained in safe operating condition.(3) No individual shall be employed as a mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine examiner, mine electrician, mining machine operator, shot-firer or miner unless that individual holds a current, valid certification from the department to work in that capacity. An individual who holds a current, valid certification to be a mine foreman may also work as an assistant mine foreman or mine examiner. Only a mine official shall direct the work force in matters involving the safety of employees. An individual who holds a current, valid certification as an assistant mine foreman may also work as a mine examiner.(4) It shall be the duty of the operator and all mine officials to comply with and see that others comply with the provisions of this act, the regulations promulgated pursuant to this act, all orders and approvals and the safety conditions in permits issued to the mine. It shall also be the duty of the operator and all mine officials to cooperate with the department in implementing the provisions of this act and effectuating the purposes of this act.(5) The operator and all mine officials shall comply with and follow all mining plans, approvals and orders issued by the department, rules and regulations of the operator, all provisions of law that are in harmony with this act and all other applicable laws. The operator is responsible for assuring that all activities in and around the mine, including those conducted by contractors, are conducted in compliance with this act, regulations promulgated under this act, approvals and orders issued by the department and any safety conditions included in permits.(6) During coal production, an assistant mine foreman shall be assigned to only one working section. The assistant mine foreman shall supervise individuals engaged in the coal-cutting operation. The assistant mine foreman may perform additional duties provided that he spends a majority of his time supervising individuals engaged in the coal-cutting operation.(7) Every superintendent, mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine electrician and mine examiner shall represent the Commonwealth in the mine in which he is employed and shall be deemed an officer of the Commonwealth in enforcing the provisions of this act and performing the mine official's duties under this act. The superintendent, mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine electrician or mine examiner shall perform these duties during such times as the mine is in operation and at such other times as the department deems to be necessary or appropriate to make the mine safe and to protect the health and safety of those who work in and around the mine.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §201, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].