[Unified Agenda]
Department of Labor (DOL)
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
Final Rule Stage
_______________________________________________________________________
1812. HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARD FOR UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
Priority: Other Significant
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811; 30 USC 957; 30 USC 961
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18; 30 CFR 75
Legal Deadline: None
Abstract: Our July 16, 2004, NPRM (69 FR 42812) proposed to establish design requirements for approval of high-voltage continuous mining machines operating where miners work in underground coal mines. The rule also proposed to establish new mandatory electrical safety standards for the installation, use, and maintenance of the high- voltage continuous mining machines. MSHA published a supplemental NPRM on March 28, 2006 (71 FR 15359). This supplemental NPRM proposed and requested comments on two issues that arose from oral and written comments that MSHA received during the hearing and post-hearing comment period on the NPRM. These issues involved: (1) Types of trailing cables that can be used with high-voltage continuous mining machines; and (2) a requirement to use high-voltage insulating gloves or other personal protective equipment when handling energized high-voltage trailing cables. MSHA regularly receives petitions for modifications from coal mine operators seeking permission to use high-voltage continuous mining machines. MSHA believes that, with appropriate safeguards, such machines are safe for use and are routinely granted in these petitions.
Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/04 69 FR 42812 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/04 69 FR 51784 Second NPRM 03/28/06 71 FR 15359 Second NPRM Comment Period End 05/30/06 Final Action 09/00/07
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No
Government Levels Affected: None
URL For More Information:
www.msha.gov/regsinfo.htm www.regulations.gov
URL For Public Comments:
www.regulations.gov
Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health
Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone: 202 693-9440
Fax: 202 693-9441
Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov
RIN: 1219-AB34
_______________________________________________________________________
