March 4, 1997

COMMENT PERIOD FOR NOISE RULE EXTENDED

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has extended the public comment period regarding the Agency's proposed rule for occupational noise exposure. The rule, which applies to all surface and underground mines, would require mine operators to use all feasible engineering and administrative controls to reduce miners' exposure to noise. It would also call for hearing conservation plans and provide for yearly hearing examinations for miners.

MSHA will accept public comments until June 20, 1997. Members of the mining community can review the written text of the rule at any MSHA area office, on MSHA's Internet home page, or by requesting a personal copy.

MSHA also will hold public hearings on the proposed rule. The Agency prefers that all requests to make oral presentations for the record be submitted at least 5 days prior to each hearing date. One does not have to submit a written request, however, to be given an opportunity to speak.

The public hearings, which are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will be held at the following locations on the dates indicated:

For further information, contact MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, 4015 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203, tel: (703) 235-1910. The Internet home page address is http://www.msha.gov.