West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 196 - Diesel Equipment Commission
Here’s a detailed overview of WV Agency 196 – Diesel Equipment Commission (Title 196 of the Code of State Rules):
🛠️ 1. Current Regulation Series
Series 196‑01 – Rules for Operating Diesel Equipment in Underground Mines in West Virginia covers §§ 196‑1‑1 through 196‑1‑27:
It includes general provisions, definitions, underground use, fuel storage, exhaust control, ventilation, fire suppression, fueling, training, maintenance, record‑keeping, duties, diagnostics, inspector training, and more (regulations.justia.com).
2. Regulatory Authority
These rules fall under Title 196 – Legislative Rule Diesel Equipment Commission (law.cornell.edu).
3. Rule Content Highlights
Some key sections include:
§ 196‑1‑2 Definitions – clarifies terms used.
§ 196‑1‑5 Exhaust Emissions Control – sets limits and control methods.
§ 196‑1‑6 Ventilation – mandates airflow requirements.
§ 196‑1‑11 Fire Suppression (Equipment & Storage) – safety standards.
§ 196‑1‑15 Training & § 196‑1‑22 Training and General Requirements – require operators to submit an approved training plan to the Commission (regulations.justia.com, casetext.com).
§ 196‑1‑27 Diesel Inspector – Training Course – details certification for inspectors.
4. Commission’s Status (Abolished)
According to WV Code § 22A‑2A‑301, the original Diesel Equipment Commission has been abolished.
Its duties, records, and authority transferred to the Director of the Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training (code.wvlegislature.gov).
Existing rules remain in effect until the director updates or replaces them.
Prior approvals of diesel equipment, power packages, exhaust control systems, etc., remain valid under the new authority (code.wvlegislature.gov).
✅ Summary Snapshot
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | 196‑01 (Diesel rules for underground mines) |
| Sections | §§ 196‑1‑1 to 196‑1‑27 |
| Key Areas | Emissions, training, fuel storage, ventilation, fire safety, maintenance |
| Regulatory Authority | Initially Diesel Equipment Commission, now under Director of Miners’ Safety |
| Commission Status | Abolished via WV Code § 22A‑2A‑301 |
| Effect on Existing Rules | Rules and approvals remain in force until updated by Director |
📄 Where to Access the Full Text
Justia and Cornell LII provide the full Series 196‑01 text (regulations.justia.com, law.cornell.edu, apps.sos.wv.gov).
The PDF version is available via the WV Mine Safety site (minesafety.wv.gov).
Legal authority and administrative changes are documented in the WV Code § 22A‑2A‑301 (code.wvlegislature.gov).
📌 What You Might Want Next
I can help locate a specific section text, regulatory history, or recent updates if you've got particular topics in mind.
Just let me know – whether you're focused on emission standards, training requirements, or regulatory compliance.
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