West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 56 - Miners' Health, Safety And Training
Here's an enhanced and structured overview of West Virginia Code of State Rules — Agency 56: Miners’ Health, Safety & Training (Title 56):
🛡️ Agency 56 — Office of Miners’ Health, Safety & Training
This agency enacts regulatory rules to ensure safe mining environments in West Virginia, covering coal, surface, underground, diesel equipment, drug testing, dust control, and more.
📚 Title 56 – Active Rule Series
The Title includes the following key series (each referenced via Cornell or Justia summaries) (law.cornell.edu):
Series 56‑01 – Procedure and Practice Before the Office (administrative procedures)
56‑02 – Safety Provisions for Clearing Crews
56‑03 – Safety of Those Employed In and Around Surface Mines
56‑04 – Protective Clothing & Equipment
56‑05 – (Reserved) Certification of Blasters
56‑08 – Mine Safety Program Submission & Approval
56‑10 – Reporting Requirements for Independent Contractors
56‑11 – First Aid Training for Shaft/Slope Employees (Repealed)
56‑12 – Assessing Health and Safety Violation Penalties
56‑13 – Drug Testing of Mine Inspectors and Safety Instructors
56‑14 – Tax Credit Act: Mine Safety Technology
56‑17 – Coal Dust & Rock Dust Control Standards
56‑18 – Sharing Information Among Employers
56‑19 – Substance Abuse Screening Standards & Procedures
56‑20 – Safety in and Around Quarries
56‑21 – Self-Contained Self-Rescue Device Interpretive Rule
56‑22 – EMT‑Miner Certification and Training
56‑23 – Operating Diesel Equipment in Underground Mines (law.cornell.edu, regulations.justia.com)
🔍 Highlights of Select Series
Series 56‑02 & 56‑03 (Clearing crews and surface mines): Set safety standards and guidelines for workers operating in clearing and surface mining activities .
Series 56‑08: Establishes rules for developing and obtaining approval of a comprehensive mine safety program prior to coal operations (apps.sos.wv.gov).
Series 56‑12: Defines how penalties are assessed for violation of health and safety rules (law.cornell.edu).
Series 56‑19: Details substance abuse protocols, screening methods, and procedures to maintain mine safety standards .
Series 56‑23: Specifies requirements for safely operating diesel-powered equipment underground, including maintenance, ventilation, and operator competency (minesafety.wv.gov).
⏰ Recent Rule Updates (per WV Code §64‑10‑3)
Authorized amendments were filed in 2023, covering updates to cross-series rules such as clearance, clothing, reporting, penalties, tax credits, employer info-sharing, substance abuse, and diesel operations—reflecting the state's ongoing review process .
✅ Purpose & Utility
These rules are vital for:
Mine operators and safety professionals – to ensure compliance with operational, reporting, and safety program requirements.
Inspectors and trainers – drug testing, EMT certification, and protective equipment regs.
Employees and contractors – understanding rights, reporting duties, PPE standards, and safety training protocols.
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