The operator of a mine shall provide and maintain safe appliances, approved by the deputy mine inspector, for the ingress and egress of persons in each shaft, designated by such owner, lessee, or agent as a means of ingress and egress for persons employed therein. When there is but one shaft available for ingress and egress from any unavoidable cause, the appliances therein shall be kept available at all times to persons employed in such mine. When such appliances in any shaft are rendered unavailable, the same shall be restored without delay.
No operator of a mine shall refuse or neglect to comply with this section.