Section 690-258 - Transportation of individuals(a) General rule.--The speed of mantrips shall be governed by the mine foreman, and mantrips shall be operated at safe speeds consistent with the condition of roads and type of equipment used. Each mantrip shall be under the charge of a competent individual designated by the mine foreman or the assistant mine foreman and operated independently of any loaded trip of coal or other heavy material, but may transport tools, small machine parts and supplies.(a.1) Rail as exclusive means of transport.--Where transportation of personnel is exclusively by rail, track shall be maintained to within 750 feet of the tailpiece on the longwall section or the nearest working face on development sections. The distance can be extended to a distance of up to 1,500 feet if a self-propelled transport vehicle with rubber tires is readily available in the working section for transportation of sick or injured miners.(a.2) Variance.--The operator may request in writing from the department a variance to permit track distances in excess of 1,500 feet. A variance not disapproved within 30 days after receipt by the department is deemed approved. If a variance is granted, a self-propelled transport vehicle with rubber tires shall be readily available in the working section for transportation of sick or injured miners.(b) Prohibition.--No individual shall: (1) Ride under the trolley wire unless suitable covered mantrips are used.(2) Load or unload before the cars in which they are to ride or are riding come to a full stop. Individuals shall proceed in an orderly manner to and from mantrips.(c) Adequate clearance and proper illumination.--Adequate clearance and proper illumination shall be provided where individuals load or unload mantrips.(d) Adequate precautions.--Adequate precautions shall be taken so that moving trips and standing cars are subject to proper control by derailing or braking devices.2008, July 7, P.L. 654, No. 55, §258, effective in 180 days [ 1/5/2009].