In any place that is being driven towards, or in dangerous proximity to, an abandoned mine or part of mine, suspected of containing inflammable, noxious or poisonous gases, or which may be inundated with water, boreholes shall be kept not less than twelve (12) feet in advance of the face and on the sides of such working places, said side holes of the same depth shall be drilled diagonally, not more than eight (8) feet apart, and at any place driven to tap water or gas, shall not be more than ten (10) feet wide, and no water or gas, from an abandoned mine, or part of a mine, and no boreholes from the surface shall be tapped until the employees, except those engaged at such work, are out of the mines, and such work is to be done under the immediate supervision of the mine foreman.
R.L.1910, § 3980.