Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-252. Top person

(1) Be on duty when individuals are being hoisted or lowered at the beginning and end of each shift.

(2) Personally attend to the signals and see that the provisions of this act in respect to lowering and hoisting individuals in shafts or slopes are complied with. The trip rider may also perform this duty.

(3) Not allow any tools to be placed on the same cage with persons or on either cage when persons are being lowered into the mine, except for the purpose of repairing the shaft or the machinery in the shaft. Individuals shall place their tools in containers or cars provided for that purpose, which containers or cars shall be lowered before or after the individuals have been lowered.

(4) If located on a slope or incline plane, close the safety block or other device as soon as the cars have reached the landing in order to prevent any loose or runaway cars from descending the slope or incline plane, and in no case shall the safety block or other device be withdrawn until the cars are coupled to the rope or chain and the proper signal given.

(5) Carefully inspect each day all the machinery in and about the headframe and the rope used, promptly report to the superintendent any defect discovered and securely attach the cars to the rope before lowering them down the incline.

(6) Ring the alarm bell in case of an accident and, when necessary, immediately set free the drop logs or safety switch to act.

(7) If located in a shaft, see that the springs or keeps for the cage rest upon and are kept in good working order.

(8) When taking off the full car, see that no coal or other material falls down the shaft.