[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 30, Volume 1]
[Revised as of July 1, 2006]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 30CFR77]

[Page 660-661]
 
                       TITLE 30--MINERAL RESOURCES
 
  CHAPTER I--MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
 
PART 77_MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS, SURFACE COAL MINES AND SURFACE WORK 
AREAS OF UNDERGROUND COAL MINES--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart P_Auger Mining
 
Sec.  77.1501  Auger mining; inspections.

    (a) The face of all highwalls, to a distance of 25 feet on both 
sides of each drilling site, shall be inspected by a certified person 
before any augering operation is begun, and at least once during each 
coal producing shift and all loose material shall be removed from the 
drilling site before persons

[[Page 661]]

are permitted to enter the drilling area. The results of all such 
inspections shall be recorded daily in a book approved by the Secretary.
    (b) In addition, the face of all highwalls, to a distance of 25 feet 
on both sides of each drilling site, shall be inspected frequently by a 
certified person during any auger operation conducted either during or 
after a heavy rainfall or during any period of intermittent freezing and 
thawing and the results of such inspections shall be recorded as 
provided in paragraph (a) of this section.
    (c) When an auger hole penetrates an abandoned or mined out area of 
an underground mine, tests for methane and oxygen deficiency shall be 
made at the collar of the hole by a qualified person using devices 
approved by the Secretary to determine if dangerous quantities of 
methane or oxygen-deficient air are present or being emitted. If such is 
found no further work shall be performed until the atmosphere has been 
made safe.
    (d) Tests for oxygen deficiency shall be conducted with a 
permissible flame safety lamp or other means approved by the Secretary 
and all tests for methane shall be conducted with a methane detector 
approved by the Secretary.
    (e) Internal combustion engines shall not be operated in the 
vicinity of any auger hole in which tests for methane or oxygen 
deficiency are being made.