W.Va. considers tighter mine rescue team rules

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia mine rescue teams would need additional equipment and training under a proposal being considered by a state rulemaking panel.

Much of the proposal would bring state rules in line with new federal regulations adopted by the Mine Safety and Health Administration last month. But the proposal from the state Mine Safety Technology Taskforce suggests stronger rules for West Virginia in several instances.

Among other things, mine rescue stations would need oxygen bottles designed to help injured people breathe and mines that don’t have rescue teams would have to provide firefighting training every other year.

The rules now go to the Board of Coal Mine Health & Safety for consideration.