New regulatory laws come into effect from March 8.

The law was established by the Board of Coal Mine Safety, which includes representatives from DEP, the United Mine Workers of America and coal mine operators.

The defibrillators, better known as AEDs, will be required near the entry on the surface to every Pennsylvania coal mine as well as every working section underground.

Additionally, the law also requires emergency medical technicians be trained in using the equipment.

“This requirement, which was overwhelmingly supported by mine operators and workers, is the first of its kind in the nation and is just another example of how Pennsylvania leads the world in deep-mine safety,” DEP secretary Mike Krancer said.

“These defibrillators will help save lives in our underground mines.”

The DEP accepted public comments on the rulemaking last month.

Pennsylvania has 36 active underground bituminous coal mines operated by more than 5000 workers.

The state has gone an unprecedented 42 months without an underground fatality.