Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-213. Mine foreman's responsibilities for blasting

(1) The mine foreman shall direct that the coal is properly mined before it is blasted, shot or broken. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “properly mined” shall mean that the coal shall be undercut, centercut, overcut or sheared by pick or machine, and, in any case, the cutting shall be as deep as the holes are laid.

(2) The mine foreman or assistant mine foreman, under instructions from the mine foreman, shall direct that the holes for blasting shall be properly placed and shall designate the angle and depth of holes, which shall not be deeper than the undercutting, centercutting, overcutting or shearing, the maximum quantity of explosives required for each hole and the method of charging and tamping.

(3) The mine foreman shall employ a sufficient number of competent and legally certified individuals to act as shot-firers.