West Virginia Code Chapter 22A. Miners' Health, Safety and Training § 22A-2-46. Welding and cutting

(a) A record shall be kept of oxygen and gas tanks or cylinders taken into a mine and the date shall be recorded when they are removed from the mine. No more tanks or cylinders than necessary to perform the work efficiently shall be permitted underground at one time.

(b) Propane torches may be used in lieu of blowtorches. Only approved apparatus such as torches, regulators, pressure reducing valves, hoses, check valves, and gas cylinders shall be used.

(c) Welding and cutting may be done in mines: Provided, That all equipment and gauges are maintained in safe condition and not abused, that suitable precautions are taken against ignition of methane, coal dust, or combustible materials, that means are provided for prompt extinguishment of fires accidentally started, and that only persons who have demonstrated competency in welding and cutting are entrusted to do this work. Adequate eye protection shall be used by all persons doing welding or cutting, and precautions shall be taken to prevent other persons from exposure that might be harmful to their eyes. A suitable wrench designed for compressed tanks shall be provided to the person authorized to use the equipment.

(d) Transportation of oxygen and gas tanks or cylinders shall be permitted on self-propelled machinery or belt conveyors specially equipped for safe holding of the containers in transportation. In no instance shall such transportation be permitted in conjunction with any mantrip, unless such mantrip is especially equipped with a compartment, lined with at least four inches of foam rubber or the equivalent, and capable of tightly securing the tank inside the manufactured frame of the vehicle.

(e) Empty oxygen and gas tanks or cylinders shall be marked “empty” and shall be removed from the mine promptly in safe containers provided for transportation of the same.

(f) When tanks and cylinders are not in use and when they are being transported, valve protection caps and plugs shall be placed on all tanks or cylinders for which caps and plugs are available. No oxygen tanks, gas tanks, or cylinders shall be transported with the hoses and gauges attached thereto.

(g) In all mines a certified person, pursuant to § 22A-2-12 of this code, shall examine for gas with an approved gas detector before and during welding or cutting. The safety of the equipment and methods used in such cases shall be subject to approval of the director. If equipment is mobile, it shall be removed outby the last open breakthrough before cutting and welding may be performed on such equipment.