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Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-405. Fuel storage facilities

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a) General rule.--An underground diesel fuel storage facility shall be any facility designed and constructed to provide for the storage of any mobile diesel fuel transportation units or the dispensing of diesel fuel.

(b) Diesel fuel standards.--Diesel-powered equipment shall be used underground only with fuel that meets the standards of the most recently approved Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for over-the-road fuel. Additionally, the fuel shall also meet the ASTM D975 standards with a flash point of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater at standard temperature and pressure. The operator shall maintain a copy of the most recent delivery receipt from the supplier to verify that the fuel used underground meets this standard.

(c) Requirements.--Underground diesel fuel storage facilities shall meet the following general requirements:

(1) Fixed underground diesel fuel storage tanks are prohibited.

(2) No more than 500 gallons of diesel fuel shall be stored in each underground diesel fuel storage facility.

(d) Location.--Underground diesel fuel storage facilities shall be located as follows:

(1) at least 100 feet from shafts, slopes, shops and explosives magazines;

(2) at least 25 feet from trolley wires, haulage ways, power cables and electric equipment not necessary for the operation of the storage facilities; and

(3) in an area that is as dry as practicable.

(e) Construction requirements.--

(1) Underground diesel fuel storage facilities shall meet the construction requirements and safety precautions under this subsection.

(2) Underground diesel fuel storage facilities shall meet all of the following:

(i) Be constructed of noncombustible materials and provided with either self-closing or automatic closing doors.

(ii) Be ventilated directly into the return air course using noncombustible materials.

(iii) Be equipped with an automatic fire suppression system complying with section 408. 1 The technical advisory committee may recommend for approval an alternate method of complying with this section on a mine-by-mine basis in accordance with section 424. 2

(iv) Be equipped with at least two portable 20-pound multipurpose dry-chemical-type fire extinguishers.

(v) Be marked with conspicuous signs designating combustible liquid storage.

(vi) Be included in the preshift examination.

(3) Welding or cutting other than that performed in accordance with paragraph (4) shall not be done within 50 feet of a diesel fuel storage facility.

(4) When it is necessary to weld, cut or solder pipelines, cylinders, tanks or containers that may have contained diesel fuel, the following requirements shall apply:

(i) Cutting or welding shall not be performed on or within containers or tanks that have contained combustible or flammable materials until the containers or tanks have been thoroughly purged and cleaned or rendered inert and a vent or opening is provided to allow for sufficient release of any buildup pressure before heat is applied.

(ii) Diesel fuel shall not be allowed to enter pipelines or containers that have been welded, soldered, brazed or cut until the metal has cooled to ambient temperature.

1 52 P.S. § 690-408.
2 52 P.S. § 690-424.
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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-405. Fuel storage facilities - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-52-ps-mines-and-mining/pa-st-sect-52-690-405/

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