Public Act 0543 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB2255 Enrolled LRB098 02572 MGM 41060 b

Public Act 098-0543

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Coal Mining Act is amended by changing Section 2.05 and by adding Article 40 as follows:

(225 ILCS 705/2.05) (from Ch. 96 1/2, par. 305)

Sec. 2.05. For the examination of persons seeking certificates of competency as mine managers, hoisting engineers, and mine examiners, the Board shall hold meetings at such times and places within the State as shall, in the judgment of the members, afford the best facilities to the greatest number of candidates. They shall also call an examination at least once a year for electrical hoisting engineers and at least twice a year for mine electricians.

(Source: Laws 1953, p. 701.)

(225 ILCS 705/Art. 40 heading new)

ARTICLE 40.

MINE ELECTRICIANS.

(225 ILCS 705/40.1 new)

Sec. 40.1. Mine electrician. Each applicant for a certificate of competency as mine electrician shall produce evidence of at least one year of experience in performing electrical work in a coal mine or acceptable related industry. The applicant shall pass an examination as to his or her practical and technical knowledge of the nature and properties of electricity, direct and alternating currents, electrical equipment and circuits, permissibility of electrical equipment, the National Electrical Code, and the laws of this State relating to coal mine electricity. To be eligible for taking a mine electrician examination administered by the State Mining Board, the applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria:

(1) be classified as an apprentice mine electrician and have met the requirements for an apprentice;

(2) possess a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and provide evidence of experience;

(3) possess a current coal mine electrician certification from another state coal mine electrical program; or

(4) be qualified as a mine electrician, but have not taken a State-approved coal mine electrician examination or a federal coal mine electrician examination.

"Qualified mine electrician" means an individual who has completed the required classroom instruction from an approved college or university and can produce evidence of at least one year of experience in performing electrical work in a coal mine or acceptable related industry.

(225 ILCS 705/40.2 new)

Sec. 40.2. Electrical equipment and systems; examination, testing, and maintenance. All electrical equipment and systems shall be frequently examined and tested and properly maintained by a mine electrician to ensure safe operating conditions. When a potentially dangerous condition is found in electrical equipment or an electrical system, the equipment or system shall be removed from service until the condition is corrected. A record of the examinations shall be kept and made available to the company, the State Mine Inspector, and all other persons interested.