Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-251. Number of individuals to be hoisted

(a) General rule.--No greater number of individuals shall be lowered or hoisted at any one time in any shaft or slope than is permitted by the department. Whenever the number of individuals returning from work shall arrive at the bottom of the shaft or slope in which individuals are regularly hoisted or lowered, they shall be promptly furnished with an empty cage, car or elevator and be hoisted to the surface. In cases of emergency, a lesser number than permitted shall be promptly hoisted.

(b) Posting of notice.--A notice of the number permitted to be lowered or hoisted at any one time shall be posted by the operator or superintendent in conspicuous places at the top and bottom of the shaft, and the cage or cages or other safe means of egress shall be available at all times for the individuals employed in any mine that has no second outlet available.