Mine Safety and Health Administration
Contact: Amy Louviere
Phone: (703) 235-1452
Released Tuesday, August 28, 2001
MSHA Extends Comment Period On Hazard Communication Standard
WASHINGTON-The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today published a notice in the Federal Register announcing a delay in the effective date of the interim final rule for hazard communication. The rule requires that operators meet new standards related to chemicals in the mining industry such as maintaining written plans for hazardous materials. Originally the interim final rule was slated to go into effect on Oct. 3, 2001. The new effective date is June 30, 2002.
"There was some concern and confusion within the mining community about their compliance obligations under the interim final rule," said Dave D. Lauriski, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "Re-opening the record for additional public hearings and comment will enable us to put together a regulation that best reflects the mining community's concerns and promotes the public interest."
MSHA will hold seven public hearings around the country in September and October. All public hearings will begin at 9 a.m.
The schedule is as follows:
Sept. 25 - Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hyatt Regency
1111 Airport Blvd.
(724) 899-6072
Sept. 27 - Beckley, W.Va.
Nat'l Mine Health and Safety Academy
1301 Airport Road
(304) 256-3400
Oct. 2 - Dallas, Texas
Wilson World Hotel and Suites
4600 West Airport Freeway
Irving, Texas
(972) 513-0800
Oct. 2 - Salt Lake City, Utah
Airport Comfort Suites
171 North 2100 W.
(801) 715-8688
Oct. 4 - Birmingham, Ala.
Radisson Hotel
808 20th St., S.
(205) 933-9000
Oct. 4 - Reno, Nev.
Best Western Airport
Plaza Hotel
1981 Terminal Way
(800) 648-3525
Oct. 10 - Evansville, Ind.
Days Inn Airport
5701 Highway 41 N.
(775) 348-6370
MSHA will accept written comments by electronic mail, fax or regular mail until Oct. 17, 2001. The electronic mail address is zzMSHA-Comments@dol.gov. The fax number is (703) 235-5551. The mailing address is MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances, 4015 Wilson Blvd., Room 631, Arlington, Va., 22203-1984.
