§ 33.145. Props and timbering.

 (a)  Any person having charge of a working place in any mine shall keep the roof and sides of the working place properly secured by timber or other material so as to prevent the roof and sides from falling. He shall not permit any work to be done under loose or dangerous materials except for the purpose of securing them. He shall also be instructed in the proper methods of testing the roof and sides. The mine superintendent and the mine foreman shall be jointly responsible for insuring that this subsection is complied with.

 (b)  No person working in a mine shall cut or remove any props or timbers which support roofs or sides unless he has obtained permission from the mine superintendent or foreman.

 (c)  The owner, operator, or superintendent of each mine shall furnish to the miners or loaders all props, ties, rails, and timbers necessary for safe mining operations and the protection of the lives of workmen. Props, ties, rails and timbers shall be delivered to the workmen as near to their working places as these materials can be conveyed in ordinary mine cars.

 (d)  Each miner or loader requiring props, ties, rails or timbers shall notify the mine superintendent, or foreman at least 1 day in advance, giving the number of props or timbers required. In the event of danger from loose sides or roof the miner or loader shall not continue to work until the time as the necessary props or timbers have been received, placed in position, and the working place has been made secure.

 (e)  No split props shall be permitted in any mine to support the sides or roof unless they are of a cross section equal to or greater than 6 inches round or square.

 (f)  Timbering methods shall be subject to approval by the Department or its authorized representative.

 (g)  No hemlock, chestnut, poplar, or other soft brittle wood shall be used as collars in any mine.