[Federal Register: August 29, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 167)]
[Notices]
[Page 51220-51221]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
1. Eastern Associated Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M-2006-024-C]
Eastern Associated Coal, LLC, HCR 78, Box 113, Wharton, West
Virginia 25208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Harris No. 1 Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-01271) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit
the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby the
last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
2. Eastern Associated Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M-2006-025-C]
Eastern Associated Coal, LLC, HCR 78, Box 113, Wharton, West
Virginia 25208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Matewan Tunnel Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-08610) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit
the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby the
last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
3. Eastern Associated Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M-2006-026-C]
Eastern Associated Coal, LLC, St. Rt. 85, HCR 78, P.O. Box 113,
Wharton, WV 25208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Powellton Tunnel
Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-08762) located in Boone County, West Virginia.
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
permit the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby
the last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
4. Eastern Associated Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M-2006-027-C]
Eastern Associated Coal, LLC, P.O. Box 29, Wharton, West Virginia
25208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Wharton 1 Tunnel Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-05071) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit
the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby the
last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
5. Rivers Edge Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M-2006-028-C]
Rivers Edge Mining, Inc., P.O. Box 120, Wharton, West Virginia
25208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Rivers Edge Mine
(MSHA I.D. No. 46-08890) located in Boone County, West Virginia. The
petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to permit
the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby the
last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
6. Pine Ridge Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-029-C]
Pine Ridge Coal Company, 50 Schoolhouse Road, Seth, West Virginia
25181 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.500(d) (Permissible electric equipment) to its Big Mountain No. 16
Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-07908) located in Boone County, West Virginia.
The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard to
permit the use of battery-powered non-permissible computers in or inby
the last open crosscut, including in the return airway. The petitioner
proposes to use the hand-held computers to allow supervisors and
selected miners to collect and record data pertinent to safety
observations during work processes. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard.
7. Orchard Coal Company
[Docket No. M-2006-030-C]
Orchard Coal Company, 214 Vaux Road, Tremont, Pennsylvania 17981
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1714-2(c)
(Self-rescue devices; use and location requirements) to its Orchard
Slope Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 36-08346) located in Schuylkill County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit self-contained self-rescue (SCSR) devices to be
stored within 200 feet of the working face. The petitioner states that
in steeply pitching, conventional anthracite mines, entries are
advanced as far as 200 feet vertically, which exposes the miner to trip
and fall hazards. The petitioner further states that the necessity of
carrying supplies up narrow entries while wearing the SCSRs may result
in damage to the SCSR and also may result in a diminution of safety to
the miner. The petitioner asserts that modification of the standard
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing
standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit
comments via e-mail to zzMSHA-Comments@dol.gov. Include ``petitions for
modification'' in the subject line of the e-mail. Comments can also be
submitted by fax, regular mail, or hand-delivery. If faxing your
comments, include ``petitions for modification'' on the subject line of
the fax. Comments by regular mail or hand-delivery should be submitted
to the Mine Safety and Health Administration, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, Virginia 22209. If hand-delivered, you are required to stop
by the 21st floor to check in with the receptionist. All comments must
be postmarked or received by the Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances on or before September 28, 2006. Copies of the petitions are
available for inspection at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia, this 21st day of August 2006.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. E6-14308 Filed 8-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
