At any mine where there is a stream or body of water on the surface, or in the workings of the mine, at a higher level, which is likely to break through into such mine, and inundate either the traveling or escapement way of such mine, so as to prevent the egress of persons employed therein, the operator shall provide and maintain and additional opening by means of which such persons may escape without using the traveling or escapement way likely to be inundated.
No operator of a mine shall refuse or neglect to comply with this section.