30 CFR § 75.381
Escapeways; anthracite mines.
(a) Except as provided in §§75.385 and
75.386, at least two separate and distinct
travelable passageways shall be designated as escapeways and shall meet the
requirements of this section.
(b) Escapeways shall be provided from each working section continuous to
the surface.
(c) Each escapeway shall be--
(1) Maintained in a safe condition to always assure passage of anyone,
including disabled persons;
(2) Clearly marked to show the route of travel to the surface;
(3) Provided with ladders, stairways, ramps, or similar facilities
where the escapeways cross over obstructions; and
(4) Maintained at least 4 feet wide by 5 feet high. If the pitch or
thickness of the coal seam does not permit these dimensions to be maintained
other dimensions may be approved in the ventilation plan.
(5) Provided with a continuous, durable directional lifeline or
equivalent device that shall be--
(i) Installed and maintained throughout the entire length of each
escapeway as defined in paragraph (b) of this section;
(ii) Flame-resistant in accordance with the requirements of part 18
of this chapter upon replacement of existing lifelines; but in no case
later than June 15, 2009;
(iii) Marked with a reflective material every 25 feet;
(iv) Located in such a manner for miners to use effectively to
escape;
(v) Equipped with directional indicators, signifying the route of
escape, placed at intervals not exceeding 100 feet. When cones are used
as directional indicators, they shall be installed so that the tapered
section points inby; and
(vi) Securely attached to and marked to provide tactile feedback
indicating the location of any SCSR storage locations in the
escapeways.
(d) Surface openings shall be adequately protected to prevent surface
fires, fumes, smoke, and flood water from entering the mine.
(e) Primary escapeway. One escapeway that shall be ventilated
with intake air shall be designated as the primary escapeway.
(f) Alternate escapeway. One escapeway that shall be
designated as the alternate escapeway shall be separated from the primary
escapeway for its entire length.
(g) Mechanical escape facilities shall be provided--
(1) For each shaft or slope opening that is part of a primary
escapeway; and
(2) For slopes that are part of escapeways, unless ladders are
installed.
(h) Within 30 minutes after mine personnel on the surface have been
notified of an emergency requiring evacuation, mechanical escape facilities
shall be operational at the bottom of each shaft and slope opening that is
part of an escapeway.
(i) Except where automatically activated hoisting equipment is used, the
bottom of each shaft or slope opening that is part of a primary escapeway
shall be equipped with a means of signaling a surface location where a person
is always on duty when anyone is underground. When the signal is activated or
the evacuation of personnel is necessary, the person on duty shall assure
that mechanical escape facilities are operational as required by paragraph
(h) of this section.