1900 - Coalmininghistorypa.org

cxiv MINING LAWS OF PENNSYLVANIA. Off. Doc.
Section 2.
The shaft or outlet, other than the main shatt or outlet
shall be separated from the main outlet and from the furnace shaft
bj natural strata at all points by a distance of not less than one hundred
and fifty feet (except in all mines opened prior to June thirtieth,
one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, where such distances
may be less, if in the judgment of the mine inspector one hundred
and fifty feet is impracticable). If the mine be worked by drift, two
openings exclusive of the furnace upcast shaft and not less than
thiity feet apart, shall be required (except in drift mines opened prior
to June thirtieth, one thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, where
the mine inspector of the district shall deem the same impracticable).
Where the two openings shall not have been provided as required
hereinbefore by this act, the mine inspector shall cause the second
to be made without delay; and in no case shall furnace ventilation
be used where there is only one opening into the mine.
all
Section 3. Unless the mine inspector shall deem it impracticable,
mines shall have at least two entries or other passage ways, one
of which shall lead from the main entrance and the other from the
opening into the body of the mine, and said two passageways shall
be kept well drained and in a safe condition for persons to travel
therein, throughout their whole length so as to obtain, in cases of
emergency, a second way for egress from the workings. No part of
said workings shall at any time be driven more than three hundred
feet in advance of the aforesaid passageways, except entries, airways
or other narrow work, but should an opening to the surface be
provided from the interior of the mine, the passageways aforesaid
may be made and maintained therefrom into the working part of
the mine, and this shall be deemed sufficient compliance with the
provisions of this act relative thereto; said two passageways shall
be separated by pillars of coal or other strata of sufficient strength
and width.
Section 4. Where necessary to secure access to the two passageways
required in section three of article two of this act in any slope
mine where the coal seam inclines and has workings on both sides
of said slope, there shall be provided an overcast for the use of persons
working therein, the dimensions of which shall not be less than
four feet wide and five feet high. Said overcast shall connect the
workings on both sides of said slope and the intervening strata between
the slope and the overcast shall be of sufficient strength and
thickness at all points for its purpose: Provided, That if said over
cast be substantially constructed of masonry or other incombustible
material it shall be deemed sufficient.
Section 5. When the opening or outlet, other than the main opening,
is made and does not exceed seventy-five feet in vertical depth,
it shall be set apart exclusively for the purpose of ingress to or egress
from the mine by any person or persons employed therein it shall be