| U.S. Department of
Labor |
Mine Safety and Health Administration 1100 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939 |
 |
| EFFECTIVE DATE: May 22, 2012 | EXPIRATION DATE: 03/31/2014 (Reissue of I10-V-05) |
PROCEDURE INSTRUCTION LETTER NO. I12-V-16
FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN 
Administrator for
Coal Mine Safety and Health
SUBJECT: Reissue of I10-V-05 - Measuring Methane Levels at Underground Coal Mines Using
Belt Air to Ventilate Working Sections
Scope
This Procedure Instruction Letter (PIL) applies to Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) District Managers, Supervisors, Specialists, and Inspectors.
Purpose
This PIL provides instruction for district personnel regarding the measurement of methane during inspections of underground coal mines using belt air to ventilate a working section.
Procedure Instructions
When evaluated and approved by the District Manager in a mine ventilation plan, air from a belt air course may be used to ventilate a working section. At least once on every regular inspection of mines using belt air to ventilate a working section the MSHA inspector shall measure methane in the belt entry at least 200 feet outby the tailpiece, but outby the point at which point feeding of air into the belt entry occurs.
Background
Section 75.323(b) requires that prescribed remedial actions be taken when methane exceeds certain action levels at working places and intake air courses, beginning when 1.0 percent or more methane is present. Section 75.350(b) permits the use of air from a belt air course to ventilate a working section when evaluated and approved by the District Manager in the mine ventilation plan. This PIL is intended to ensure that MSHA inspections accurately measure the amount of methane in belt entries when the
air flowing through those entries is being used to ventilate working sections. It reflects the fact that, when air is point fed into the belt entry outby the working section tailpiece, the level of methane in the air in the belt entry outby the point-feed regulator may not correlate with the level of methane in the air reaching the working face, yet may nonetheless require remedial action under Section 75.323(b).
Authority
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. ยง 801, et seq.;
30 C.F.R. §§ 75.323(b) and 75.350(b).
Filing Instructions
This instruction letter should be filed behind the tab marked "Procedure Instruction Letters" in the binder for Program Policy Handbooks and Procedure Instruction Letters.
Issuing Office and Contact Person
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division
Michael G. Kalich, (202) 693-9714
E-mail: kalich.michael@dol.gov
Internet Availability
This instruction letter may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home Page (www.msha.gov) and then choosing "Compliance Info" and Procedure Instruction Letters.
Distribution
MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders
