Bill Text: WV HB2437 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Requiring study relating to mandating the utilization of devices that case underground mining machines to shut-off when methane is detected

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)

Status: (Passed) 2011-06-10 - Effective Date [HB2437 Detail]

Download: West_Virginia-2011-HB2437-Enrolled.html

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ENROLLED
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE
FOR
H. B. 2437
( By Delegates Caputo, Manchin, Longstreth,
Poore, Manypenny, L. Phillips and D. Poling )

[Passed March 12, 2011; in effect ninety days from passage.]

AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §22A-6-11; relating to directing the Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety to conduct study of whether to require installation of mining machines automatic shut-offs when methane is detected.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931 as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §22A-6-11, to read as follows:
ARTICLE 6. BOARD OF COAL MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY.
§22A-6-11. Study of methane detecting shut off devices.
Study of Automatic shut-down of mining machines. -- The Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety is directed to conduct a study of the safety of installation of methane detection shut-off devices on machine extraction apparatus, including, but not limited to, long wall sheers and cutter heads. The Office shall study the benefits and appropriateness of requiring the installation of these devices, to determine if there are safety benefits, and whether the Office recommends to the Legislature that requirements regarding mandating these devises in underground mines is warranted. The Office shall report to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2011 with recommendations regarding whether it is appropriate to implement any requirements.