27-341. Escapement shafts
A. Every operator maintaining in a mine a vertical or incline shaft or an adit to a
distance greater than one hundred feet and who has drifted a distance of two hundred feet
or more and commenced to stope, shall provide and maintain to the hoisting shaft or
opening through which men are let into or out of the mine, and where the ore is
extracted, a separate escapement shaft, raise or opening, or an underground opening, or
communication with another contiguous mine. If the contiguous mine is owned or operated
by a different person, the right to use the outlet through the contiguous mine, in all
cases when necessary, or in case of accident shall be secured and kept in use.
B. Where an escapement shaft or opening is not in existence at the time stoping is
commenced, work upon an escapement shaft or opening shall be commenced as soon as stoping
begins and diligently prosecuted until completed, and the escapement shaft, raise or
opening shall be continued to and connected with the lowest workings in the mine in which
mining operations are being conducted.
C. The escapement shaft or exit shall be of sufficient size to afford an easy
passageway, and if it is a raise or shaft, shall be provided with substantial ladders
from the deepest workings to the surface.
D. When the exit or outlet is not in a direct or continuous course, signboards
plainly marked showing the direction to be taken shall be placed at each departure from
the continuous course.
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