Illinois Statutes Chapter 225. Professions,Occupations and Business Operations § 705/29.07. Mine Technology Task Force; provision of rescue chambers and wireless devices

(a) The Director shall establish a Mine Technology Task Force composed of representatives of an organization representing mine employees, coal operators, academia, and the communications industry. Each group shall submit the name of its representative to the Director. The task force shall review and make recommendations to the Mining Board regarding the best available mine safety technologies, including, but not limited to, rescue chambers, wireless communications equipment, and wireless tracking devices for use in underground mines. The task force shall submit its initial findings to the Mining Board within 3 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly.

(b) Rescue chambers, wireless emergency communications devices, and wireless tracking devices must be provided in each underground mine within 90 days after the equipment is approved by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. To the extent that any of these devices have already been approved by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, the operator shall provide the equipment in each underground mine within 90 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly.

(c) A temporary waiver of the requirements of subsection (b) of this Section of up to 90 days may be issued by the Mining Board if (i) the mine operator submits to the Mining Board a receipt of the product order and (ii) the manufacturer has certified that the product will be delivered within 90 days of the product order.