Illinois Code § 38

§ 38.

In every mine, where, under the provisions of section 38 of this Act, only one outlet is required and where a single shaft affords the only means of ingress and egress to persons employed underground, such shafts if more than 200 feet deep shall be divided into at least two compartments. One of said compartments shall be set aside for uses as a ladderway and no hoisting conveyance shall be allowed therein. Whenever such ladderway compartment shall be covered by a non-fireproof building, it shall be the duty of the operator of said mine to cause said ladder-way to be securely bulkheaded at a point at least 25 feet below the collar of the shaft; and below this bulkhead a passageway shall be driven to the surface so as to have its outlet in no case less than 30 feet beyond the walls of the building covering the main shaft. The said passageway shall be equipped with a ladderway when necessary, as provided in sections 45.32 to 45.39, each inclusive, and shall be kept in good repair and shall afford an easy exit in the event of fire. Every mine opened by adit, level or tunnel or by an inclined shaft or slope of less than 20 angle from the horizontal, which is less than 1,000 feet in length, shall have a similar side outlet. A failure on the part of the operator of any mine coming within the provisions of this section to carry out or cause to be carried out the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation of this Act. (Source: Laws 1955, p. 1791.)