Section 690-207 - Certification of mining machine operators and shot-firers(a) General rule.--It shall be unlawful to employ as a mining machine operator or shot-firer in any bituminous coal mine any individual who has not given evidence to the department as to his fitness and competency to handle and use an approved gas detection device and his ability to determine the presence or absence of explosive gas and other dangerous conditions. The manner of determining fitness and competency shall be prescribed by the department. The department shall issue a certificate to those found competent, on a form prescribed by the department. The cost of the examination and certification shall be borne by the candidates.(b) Eligibility.--An individual possessing a certificate of qualification issued by the Commonwealth entitling the individual to act as a mine foreman, assistant mine foreman, mine examiner or mine electrician is eligible to engage as a mining machine operator in a bituminous coal mine.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §207, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].