In the matterof: Petition for Modification
Spartan Mining Company
Laurel Creek Coalburg Mine
I.D. No. 46-08387 Docket No. M-2004-021-C
PROPOSED DECISIONAND ORDER
On May 17, 2004, a petition was filed seekinga modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 to Petitioner’s Laurel CreekCoalburg Mine, locatedin Boone County,West Virginia. The Petitioner allegesthat the alternative method outlined in the petitionwill at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection affordedby the standard.
MSHApersonnel conducted an investigation of the petitionand filed a report of their findings and recommendations with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health. After a carefulreview of the entirerecord, including the petition,and MSHA’s investigative report and recommendation, this Proposed Decisionand Order was issued.
Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law
The alternative method proposedby the Petitioner (as amended by the recommendations of MSHA) will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the minersunder 30 CFR 75.1002.
On the basis of the petition and the findingsof MSHA’s investigation, Spartan Mining Company is granted a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 to its Laurel Creek Coalburg Mine.
ORDER
Wherefore, pursuant to the authoritydelegated by the Secretaryof Labor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safetyand Health, and pursuant to Section 101(c)of the Federal Mine Safetyand Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C.,Sec. 811(c), it is orderedthat Spartan Mining Company’s Petition for Modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 in the LaurelCreek Coalburg Mine is hereby:
GRANTED, for the use of the 2,400-volt high-voltage continuous miner(s) at the Bowie No. 2 Mine, conditioned upon compliance with the following terms and conditions:
1. The nominal voltage of power circuits must not exceed 2,400 volts.
2. The nominal voltage of the control circuitsmust not exceed 120 volts.
3. Each output circuitfrom the power center must be equipped with an MSHA-approved ground-wire monitoring system. Each receptacle must be interlocked with the ground wire monitor circuit in such a way that the circuit-interrupting device will open when the trailing cable isdisconnected from the powercenter receptacle.
4. The trailing cable extending to the high-voltage continuous mining machinemust be protected againstshort-circuits, overloads, ground-faults, and undervoltage by a circuitinterrupting device of adequateinterrupting capacity as follows:
(a) Trailing cable protection:
(1) Short-circuit protection:
(i) The current setting must be either the setting specified in the approvaldocumentation or 75 percentof the minimum availablephase-to-phase short circuit current, whicheveris less.
(ii) The time-delay settingof the short-circuit protective device must be eitherthe setting specified in approval documentation or 0.05 second,whichever is less.
(2) Ground-fault protection:
(i) The ground-fault currentmust be limitedby a neutral grounding resistorto not more than 0.5 ampere.
(ii) A ground-fault device must cause de-energization of the circuitat not more than 0.125 ampere.The time-delay setting of the devicemust not exceed 0.05 second.
(iii) A look-ahead circuitmust detect a ground condition and prevent the circuit-interrupting devicefrom closing.
(iv) A backup ground-fault device must cause de-energization of the circuitat not more than 40 percentof the voltage developed across the neutralgrounding resistor when a ground-fault occurs with the neutral grounding resistor open. The time delay settingof the backup device must not exceed 0.25 second.
(v) A thermal device must detect a sustainedground-fault current in the neutralgrounding resistor and de-energize the incomingpower. The devicemust operate at either 50 percent of the maximum temperature rise of the grounding resistor, or 150oC (302oF), whichever is less. The thermal protection must not be dependent upon control power and may consistof a current transformer and overcurrent relay in the grounding resistorcircuit.
(vi) A single window-type current transformer that encirclesall three-phase conductors must be used to activatethe ground-fault currentdevice specified in (a)(2)(ii). The equipmentgrounding conductor(s) must not pass throughthe current transformer.
(vii) A test circuit for the ground-fault devicespecified in (a)(2)(ii) must inject no more than 50 percentof the current rating of the neutralgrounding resistor throughthe current transformer. When the test circuit is activated, the circuit-interrupting devicemust open.
(3) Undervoltage protection:
Theundervoltage protection devicemust operate on a loss of voltage,de-energize the circuit, and prevent the equipmentfrom automatically restarting.
(b) Circuit-interrupting devices must not re-closeautomatically.
(c) If a ground-fault indicator light is providedon a high-voltage continuous mining machine and it indicates a grounded phase, the following procedures must be implemented:
(1) The continuous mining machine must be moved immediately to a location with a properlysupported roof and
(2) The ground-fault must be located and correctedprior to placingthe continuous mining machine back into operation.
(d) All components that provideshort-circuit protection must have an interruption rating in accordance with maximumshort-circuit currents available inby that circuitinterrupting device(s), and must be rated for the maximumphase-to-phase voltage of the circuit.
(e) Installation and guarding of trailing cables:
That portion of the high-voltage trailing cable extending from the power center to the followinglocations must be either supported on insulators or located in an unused entry that is barricaded from vehicular travel and providedwith warning signs:
(1) The last open crosscut duringadvance mining;
(2) Within 150 feet of the working place during retreator second mining; or
(3) Up to 150 feet of the continuous mining machine when the machine is used in outby areas to cut overcasts, underpasses, and sumps,to clean rock falls, and for other,similar functions.
(f) Temporary storage:
Item (4)(e) does not preclude the temporary lacing of cable into a sled or a crosscut. The sled or crosscut used for this purpose must be barricaded againstvehicular or foot travel and equipped with high-voltage warningsigns.
(g) Guarding:
The high-voltage trailingcable must be guardedin the following locations using grounded metalor nonconductive flame-resistant material:
(1) Between the power center and the first cable insulator, if supported, or where the cable enters the used entry;
(2) From the entrancegland for a minimum distanceof 10 feet outby the last strain clamp on the continuous mining machine; and
(3) At any location where the trailingcable may be damagedby moving equipment.
(h) Suspended cable or cable crossover:
When equipmentmust cross any portion of the high-voltage trailingcable:
(1) The cable must be suspended from the mine roof and
(2) Cable crossovers shall not be used.
5. Trailing cable design:
The high-voltage trailingcable must be designedas follows:
(a) The high-voltage trailingcable must have 100 percent semi-conductor tape shielding and metallicbraid shielding coverageover each insulatedpower conductor;
(b) The protective jacketmust consist of two layers, an outer and an inner;
(c) The color black must not be used for eitherof the two protective insulation layers;
(d) The innermost layer of the two-layered insulation jacket must of a color distinctive from the outerlayer to allow easy recognition of damagedareas of the outer insulation;
(e) Be MSHA-accepted as flame-resistant under part 30 CFR 18 or approvedunder 30 CFR, Subpart K of Part 7; and
(f) Either meet the requirements of 30 CFR 75.804 or be a type SHD cable with a centerground-check conductor not smallerthan No. 16 A.W.G. stranded conductor.
6. Trailing cable handlingand pulling:
(a) Miners must not handle the energized trailingcable unless they are wearingproperly tested and rated insulating glovesas specified in item number11. If mitts, hooks,tongs, slings, aprons,or other personalprotective equipmentis used to handle energizedcables, high-voltage insulating gloves must be used in conjunction to provide protection against shock hazards.
(b) The trailing cable must be de-energized prior to being pulled by any equipment otherthan the continuous mining machine.
7. Splicing and repairof cables:
Splices and repairsto high-voltage trailingcables must comply with the following:
(a) Be made only by a qualified personas provided in 30 CFR 75.153who has received hands-on trainingin the proper methodsof splicing and repairing these high-voltage trailing cables;
(b) Be made in a workman-like manner and in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the repair materials;
(c) Be made in accordance with 30 CFR 75.810. The outerjacket of each splice or repair shall be vulcanized with flame-resistant material or made with a kit that has been acceptedby MSHA as flame-resistant. Each splice or major repair shallbe made so that all cable components are replaced with similarcomponents. Repairsare considered major if there is any damage to the metallicshielding, semi-conductor tape, inner conductorinsulation, or conductors. Minor repairs to the outer cable jacketmay be made by using tape acceptedby MSHA as flame-resistant;
(d) Temporary and/orpermanent tape-type splicesin any high-voltage trailing cable are prohibited. Only MSHA approvedhigh-voltage splice kits containing outer jacket repairsand splices will be acceptable; and
(e) Splicing of the high-voltage trailingcable within 35 feet of the continuous miner is prohibited.
8. Power centers:
(a) The power center(s)supplying power to the high-voltage continuous mining machine shallbe equipped with a main disconnecting device installed to de-energize the primaryof all transformers when the device is in the open position.
(b) All compartments that provideaccess to energizedhigh-voltage conductors or parts must have the following:
(1) Barriers and coversthat prevent minersfrom contacting high-voltage conductors or parts and
(2) Caution label(s)to warn miners againstentering the compartment(s) beforede energizing the incominghigh-voltage circuits.
(c) The power center must also be equipped with a disconnecting device that de energizes the trailingcable when the device is in the open position.
(d) Each disconnecting devicemust be designed and installed as follows:
(1) Rated for the maximumphase-to-phase voltageof the circuit in which they are installed;
(2) Rated for the full-loadcurrent of the circuitthat is suppliedpower through the device;
(3) It can be determined by visual observation that the contactsare open withoutremoving any cover;
(4) Marked to clearlyidentify the circuitit disconnects;
(5) Grounds all power conductors on the load side when the deviceis in the “open” position;
(6) Can be locked in the “open”position; and
(7) Be capable of interrupting the full-loadcurrent of the circuit or designed to cause automatic de-energization of the currentprior to opening the disconnecting device.
(e) The control circuitmust be interlocked with the main disconnecting device in the power center so that:
(1) When the primary disconnecting device is in the “open” position, the control circuitcan only be powered throughan auxiliary switch in the test position;and
(2) When the primary disconnecting device is in the “closed”position, the controlcircuit can be powered only throughan auxiliary switchin the normal position.
(f) Each cover or removablebarrier providing accessto energized high-voltage conductors or parts must be equippedwith at least two interlockswitches. Removalof any of these coversmust automatically de-energize the incominghigh-voltage to the power center.
(g) The power center must be equippedwith an emergency stop switch that de-energizes the incominghigh-voltage in the event of an emergency.
(h) The power centermust be equipped with a groundingstick to dischargethe high voltagecapacitors and circuits. The power center must have a label readilyidentifying the locationof the grounding stick. The grounding stick must be storedin a dry location.
9. Electrical work; troubleshooting and testing:
(a) Electrical work on all circuits associated with high-voltage continuous mining machines must be performed only by personsqualified under 30 CFR 75.153.
(b) Prior to performing electrical work on the high-voltage trailing cable and the continuous mining machine, exceptfor trouble shootingand testing, the energized circuitsand equipment as providedfor in item (e) of this section, a qualified personmust:
(1) Open the circuitdisconnecting device;
(2) Disconnect the cable coupler;and
(3) Connect the cable couplerto a grounding receptacle.
(i) A dust cover must be used on the receptacle from which the cable was disconnected.
(ii) When troubleshooting, the de-energized high-voltage cable may be disconnected from the groundingreceptacle only for that period of time necessary to locate and determinethe fault condition. The high-voltage cable must be reconnected to the groundingreceptacle prior to work beingperformed to correct the defectivecondition.
(4) Lock out the cable couplerwith a padlock; when more than one qualifiedperson is performing work, each personmust install an individual padlock; and
(5) Tag the cable coupler to identify the circuiton which work is being performed. When more than one person is performing work, each personmust tag the coupler.
(c) Prior to performing electrical work on the power center containing high-voltage components and parts, exceptfor troubleshooting and testingof energized circuitsand equipment as providedfor in item (e) of this section, a qualified personmust:
(1) Open the main disconnecting device;
(2) Verify that the contacts of the main disconnecting device are grounded;
(3) Lockout the disconnecting device with a padlock;when more than one qualified personis performing work, each personmust install an individual padlock;
(4) Tag the disconnecting device to identify the circuiton which work is being performed. When more than one qualifiedperson is performing work, each personmust tag the disconnecting device; and
(5) Discharge all high-voltage capacitors before any work is performedinside any compartment of the power center.
(d) Each padlock and tag must be removed only by the person who installed them, exceptthat, if that person is unavailable at the mine, the lock and tag may be removedby a person authorized by the mine operator,provided:
(1) The authorized personis qualified under item (a) of this section; and
(2) The operator ensuresthat the person who installed the lock and tag is aware of the removal beforethat person resumes work on the affected circuitor equipment.
(e) Before troubleshooting and testing a low- or medium-voltage circuit contained in an enclosure with exposed high-voltage conductors or parts, the high-voltage circuitmust be de-energized, grounded, locked-out, and tagged in accordance with items (b) or (c) of this section,whichever is applicable. Troubleshooting and testing energizedcircuits must be performed only:
(1) On low- and medium-voltage circuits;
(2) To determine voltages and currents; and
(3) By persons qualified to perform electrical work under Paragraph(a) of this section and who wear protective gloves in accordance with the following table:
|
CIRCUIT VOLTAGE |
TYPE OF GLOVE REQUIRED |
|---|---|
|
Greater than 120-volts (nominal) (not |
Rubber insulating gloves with |
|
intrinsically safe) |
leather protectors |
|
40-volts to 120-volts (nominal) (both |
Either rubber insulating gloves |
|
intrinsically safe and non-intrinsically safe) |
with leather protectors or dry |
|
|
work gloves |
|
Greater than 120-volts (nominal) |
Either rubber insulating gloves |
|
(intrinsically safe) |
with leather protectors or dry |
|
|
work gloves |
10. Frequency of examination; record keeping:
(a) At least once every seven days, a person qualifiedin accordance with 30 CFR 75.153must test and examinehigh-voltage continuous mining machines to determinethat electrical protection, equipment grounding, permissibility, cableinsulation, and controldevices are being properlyinstalled and maintained.
(b) At least once every seven days, a person qualifiedin accordance with 30 CFR 75.153must activate the ground-fault test circuit requiredin Item 4(a)(2)(vii) to verify that it willcause the corresponding circuit-interrupting deviceto open.
(c) At least once every seven days, a person qualifiedin accordance with 30 CFR 75.153must examine and test each high-voltage continuous mining machine ground-wire monitor circuit to verify that it will cause the corresponding circuit-interrupting device to open.
(d) Trailing cable must be inspectedas follows:
(1) Once each day, a person qualifiedin accordance with 30 CFR 75.153must inspect the entire length of the de-energized high-voltage trailingcable from the power center to the continuous mining machine. The inspection must includethe outer jacket repairs,all splices, and areas where guarding is required.
(2) At the beginning of each production shift, a responsible person designated by the mine operatormust visually inspectfor damage the outer jacketof the de energized high-voltage trailing cable from the last open crosscutto the continuous mining machine.
(e) If the continuous miningmachine is equippedwith a grounded-phase detection circuit, the test circuit must be activated at the startof each production shift to ensure that the detection circuit is functioning properly.
(f) When examinations or tests of equipment describedin items (a) through(e) of this section reveala potential fire, electrical shock, ignition, or operational hazard, the equipment must be immediately removedfrom service untilsuch conditions are corrected.
(g) Record of tests:
At the completion of examinations and tests requiredunder items (a), (b), and (c) of this section, the person conducting such examinations and tests must certifyby signature and date that they have been conducted. A record must be made of any unsafecondition found and any corrective actiontaken. Certifications and records must be kept for at least one year and must be made availablefor inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of miners.
11. High-voltage insulating gloves must:
(a) Have a voltage rating of at least Class 1 (7500 volts)that meets or exceedsASTM F496-02a, “StandardSpecification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves” (2002);
(b) Be air tested (rubber gloves only)at the beginning of each shiftto ensure their effectiveness;
(c) Be visually examined beforeeach use for signs of damageor defects;
(d) Be removed from the underground area of the mine or destroyed when damagedor defective; and
(e) Be electrically testedevery 30 days in accordance with publication ASTM F496-02a.
12. Tramming continuous mining machines into and out of the mine, and from sectionto section:
(a) When tramming the continuous mining machine into and out of the mine, and from section to section, one of the power sourcesspecified in item (c) of this sectionmust be used. Additionally, the following requirements apply:
(1) Tramming must not occur in areaswhere permissible equipmentis required;
(2) The continuous mining machine must not be used for mining or cutting purposes;
(3) Low-, medium-, or high-voltage cables must complywith 30 CFR 75.600-1, 75.907,and 75.826, respectively;
(4) The energized high-voltage cable must be mechanically secured on-board the continuous mining machine. This provision appliesonly to Paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2)of this section.
(b) Prior to moving the continuous mining machine:
(1) The power sourcesspecified in Paragraph (c) of this section must pass a functional test of the ground-fault and ground-wire monitor circuits.The tests must be performed by a qualifiedelectrician who meets the requirements of 30 CFR 75.153. A record of each test must be maintained and made available to authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of the miners and
(2) The test circuitfor the grounded-phase detection circuiton the continuous mining machine, if applicable, must be activated to ensurea grounded-phase conditiondoes not exist.
(c) The following alternative sourcesof electrical powermay be utilized to energizethe tram motors, essentialhydraulic systems and machinecontrols for the purpose of trammingthe continuous miner into,out of, or around the mine if they meet the requirements set forth below:
(1) Portable transformer that supplies power to the 995-volt tramming motorsmay be used when the tractiontransformer and the controltransformer on the continuous miner are reconnected to operate at 995 volts. The control circuitmust not be used to back-feed the 2,400 volt circuits on the continuous miner. The portable transformer shall not operate2,400-volt motors.When used, the portable transformer shallprovide all of the electrical protective featuresand devices requiredof a section power center.The portable transformer used to power the continuous miner for tramming must not be moved when energized or
(2) A temporary onboard transformer that steps up the voltageto 2,400 volts may be used when the temporaryonboard transformer meets the requirements specifiedabove in Items 1 through 4 and 10 through 13. The temporary transformer must comply with the following:
(i) The input trailingcable to the transformer must supplyeither low or medium voltage and comply with the applicable sections of 30 CFR 75;
(ii) The transformer enclosure must be connected to the incoming ground-wire of the low-or medium-voltage trailing cable and be bondedto the frame of the continuous mining machineby a No. 1/0 or larger A.W.G. groundingconductor. The metallic shellof the cable couplermust be grounded to the frame of the continuous mining machine;
(iii) The transformer must be securelymounted on-boardthe continuous mining machine and installed to minimizevibration; and
(iv) Be equipped with cover switchesand an emergency stop switch to removeinput power.
13. All electrical protective equipment used to handleenergized high-voltage trailingcables shall be provided by the mine operator.
14. Petitioner’s alternative method shall not be implemented until all personnel who perform maintenance on the high-voltage continuous miner system have receivedtraining in high-voltage safety, testing, and maintenance procedures. In addition,all personnel who work in the proximityof the high-voltage equipment or who move high-voltage equipment or cables shall be trained in high-voltage safetyprocedures. The training shallbe “hands on” specific,and shall be incorporated into the Part 48 training plan and in the annualrefresher training plan for the mine. A recordof this training shall be maintained and made availableto authorized MSHA representatives and to other interested parties.
15. The high-voltage continuous mining systemshall not be put into service until after MSHA has inspected the equipmentand determined that it is in compliance with all the above terms and conditions.
16. Within 60 days after this ProposedDecision and Order becomesfinal, the Petitioner shall submitproposed revisions for its approved30 CFR Part 48 TrainingPlan to the Coal Mine Safetyand Health DistrictManager. These proposed revisions shall include, but are not limited to, task training,hazard training, specialized training for qualified persons under 30 CFR 75.153,and annual refresher training. In additionthe following shall be adopted:
(a) Safety precautions for the handlingand use of high-voltage trailing cables, for all miners assigned to work in the area of the high-voltage trailing cable; and
(b) Specialized trainingfor qualified electricians who will be requiredto repair, maintain,and/or trouble-shoot the high-voltage trailing cable or equipment. This trainingshall focus on the requirements of this modification.
Any party to this action desiring a hearingon this matter must file in accordance with 30 CFR 44.14,within 30 days. The requestfor hearing must be filed with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safetyand Health, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939.
Ifa hearing is requested, the requestshall contain a concisesummary of positionon the issues of fact or law desired to be raisedby the party requesting the hearing, including specific objections to the proposeddecision. A partyother than Petitioner who has requested a hearing shall also comment upon all issuesof fact or law presentedin the petition, and any party to this action requesting a hearing may indicate a desiredhearing site.
If no requestfor a hearing is filed within 30 days after servicethereof, the Decisionand Order will become final and must be postedby the operator on the mine bulletinboard at the mine.
John F. Langton
Deputy Administrator for
Coal Mine Safetyand Health