The mine foreman shall notify, in writing, the operator or superintendent of the mine, and the director, of his inability to comply with any of the requirements of this law, and it shall then become the duty of such operator or superintendent promptly to attend to the matter complained of by the mine foreman so as to enable him to comply with the provisions hereof. Every operator of a mine shall furnish all supplies necessary for the mine foreman to comply with the requirements of this law after being requested to do so in writing by the mine foreman.