Mine Safety and Health Administration
Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978
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U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Protecting Miners' Safety and Health Since 1978 |
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[May 16, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 93)] [Unified Agenda] [Page 27192] Department of Labor (DOL) Final Rule Stage Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) _______________________________________________________________________ 1916. HIGH-VOLTAGE CONTINUOUS MINING MACHINE STANDARDS 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 current standards require that high-voltage equipment and transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas in underground coal mines. These requirements are intended to eliminate an ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the work area. The use of new mining technology, in the form of high- voltage continuous mining machines, is becoming more widespread in the mining industry. This equipment uses high-voltage electrical equipment and associated cables. Mine operators, however, must apply to MSHA for a petition for modification from the existing standards if they want to use this high-voltage equipment. The rule will eliminate the need for a modification to use this equipment, and will establish safety requirements for its use. The rule will also include design approval requirements for high-voltage continuous mining machines operated in face areas of underground coal mines. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/16/04 69 FR 42812 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/04 69 FR 51784 Final Action 09/00/05Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Smith, Acting Director, Office of Standards, Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Rm 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 693-9440 Fax: 202 693-9441 Email: smith.rebecca@dol.gov RIN: 1219-AB34 |
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Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 1100 Wilson Boulevard, 21st Floor Arlington, VA 22209-3939 |
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