(a) Shelter holes should be provided on track haulage roads at
intervals of not more than 105 feet unless otherwise approved by the Coal
Mine Safety District Manager(s).
(b) Shelter holes should be readily accessible and should be at least
5 feet in depth, not more than 4 feet in width (except crosscuts used as
shelter holes) and at least the height of the coal seam where the coal seam
is less than 6 feet high and at least 6 feet in height where the coal seam is
6 feet or more in height.
(c) Shelter holes should be kept free of refuse and other
obstructions. Crosscuts used as shelter holes should be kept free of refuse
or other materials to a depth of at least 15 feet.
(d) Shelter holes should be provided at all manually operated doors
and at switch throws except: (1) At room switches, or (2) at switches where
more than 6 feet of side clearance is provided. The Coal Mine Safety
District Manager(s) may permit exemption of this requirement if such shelter
holes create a hazardous roof condition.
(e) At each underground slope landing where men pass and cars are
handled, a shelter hole at least 10 feet in depth, 4 feet in width, and 6
feet in height should be provided.
