What is required relative to second openings in a mine?

In mining operations, second openings, which are alternative paths in and out of the mine, are crucial for safety and emergency preparedness. The answer regarding the requirement to work a limited number of men, specifically 20 or less when there is no second outlet, recognizes the inherent risks when a mine lacks proper ventilation and escape routes. This limitation is essential to ensure that in case of an emergency, the number of individuals in such a confined space is manageable for evacuation and response procedures.

The rationale behind this requirement hinges on maintaining safety standards. When there is only one outlet, the potential for emergencies, such as cave-ins or gas leaks, escalates significantly. Limiting the number of workers helps minimize the risk of excessive exposure to hazardous situations and allows for a more effective evacuation process.

In contrast, always having two outlets is crucial for safe mine operation but doesn't apply when under special circumstances like limited workforce in a single outlet setting. Notifying the mine operator may be significant in other contexts, but does not directly address the safety regulation surrounding workforce limits in relation to second openings. Thus, the focus on managing the number of personnel in conjunction with the infrastructure of the mine ensures a facilitation of safety protocols.