In the matter of Petition for Modification
Oxbow Carbon & Minerals, Incorporated
Sanborn Creek Mine
I.D. No. 05-04452 Docket No. M-97-110-C
PROPOSED DECISION AND ORDER
On September 8, 1997, a petition was filed seeking a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 to Petitioner’s Sanborn Creek Mine, located in Gunnison County, Colorado. The Petitioner alleges that the alternative method proposed in the petition will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded by the standard.
MSHA personnel conducted an investigation of the petition and filed a report of their findings and recommendations with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health. After a careful review of the entire record, including the petition, and MSHA’s investigative report and recommendation, this Proposed Decision and Order is issued.
Finding of Fact and Conclusion of Law
The alternative method proposed by the Petitioner (as amended by the recommendations of MSHA) will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners under 30 CFR 75.1002.
On the basis of the petition and the findings of MSHA’s investigation, Oxbow Carbon & Minerals, Incorporated is granted a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 to its Sanborn Creek Mine.
ORDER
Wherefore, pursuant to the authority delegated by the Secretary of Labor to the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, and pursuant to Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, 30 U.S.C., sec. 811(c), it is ordered that Oxbow Carbon & Minerals, Incorporated’s Petition for Modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.1002 in the Sanborn Creek Mine is hereby:
GRANTED, for the 2,400-volt longwall equipment conditioned upon compliance with the following terms and conditions:
1. The nominal voltage of the longwall power circuit(s) shall not exceed 2,400 volts.
2. The nominal voltage of the longwall control circuit shall not exceed 120 volts.
3. Ground-fault current for the 2,400-volt circuits shall be limited by a neutral grounding resistor to not more than 1 ampere.
4. Each high-voltage motor circuit and shearer circuit shall be provided with instantaneous ground-fault protection set at not more than 40 percent of the ground-fault current limited by the neutral grounding resistor or 0.125 ampere, whichever is less.
5. The longwall power center shall be provided with ground-fault protection set at not more than 40 percent of the ground-fault current limited by the neutral grounding resistor or 0.125 ampere, whichever is less. A time delay may be permitted for coordination with the downstream ground-fault protection devices. The time delay shall be set at the lowest practical value that permits reliable coordination; however, in no case shall the time delay exceed 0.25 seconds.
6. The longwall power center shall be provided with backup ground-fault protection that shall deenergize the 2,400-volt circuit breaker in the longwall power center if a ground-fault occurs with the neutral grounding resistor open. This protection shall be set at 40 percent of the maximum voltage that could appear across the neutral ground resistor if a ground-fault occurs. A time delay for coordination with downstream ground-fault protection devices shall be set at the lowest practical value that permits reliable coordination; however, in no case shall the time delay exceed 0.25 seconds.
7. The high-voltage neutral grounding resistor shall be provided with thermal protection that will deenergize the longwall power center if the grounding resistor is subjected to a sustained ground-fault. The thermal protection shall not be dependent upon control power and may consist of a current transformer and overcurrent relay in the grounding resistor circuit that will deenergize the power center.
8. Each high-voltage motor shall be provided with instantaneous short-circuit protection by means of vacuum circuit breaker set at not more than the setting specified in the longwall approval documentation or 75 percent of the minimum phase-to-phase short-circuit current available at the motor terminals, whichever is less. All components that provide short-circuit protection shall have sufficient interrupting rating to safely interrupt the maximum calculated available fault current.
9. The 2,400-volt circuit(s) from the longwall power center to the longwall controller shall be provided with short-circuit protection by means of a high-voltage circuit breaker in the longwall power center. This circuit breaker shall be set at not more than 75 percent of the minimum available phase-to-phase short-circuit current at the longwall controller or the setting specified in the longwall approval documentation, whichever is less. A time delay may be permitted for coordination with downstream short-circuit protection devices. The time delay shall in no case exceed 0.25 seconds.
10. Where two high-voltage cables are used to supply power to a common bus in the longwall controller and each cable has an overcurrent relay, each overcurrent relay shall be set at an appropriate value determined by the number of relays used. A time delay may be permitted for coordination with downstream short-circuit protection devices. The time delay shall not exceed the setting specified in the approval documentation, or 0.25 seconds, whichever is less.
11. Where two high-voltage cables are used to supply power to a common bus in the longwall controller, each cable shall be provided with ground-wire monitoring. The ground-wire monitoring circuits shall deenergize both cable(s) when any of the grounding or ground wire conductor(s) of either cable becomes severed or open. One breaker shall be used in the power center to protect both cables. The cables shall be interlocked such that the vacuum breaker will open when any cable is disconnected.
12. The longwall power center shall be equipped with a primary visible disconnecting device installed to deenergize the primary of the high-voltage transformer(s) when the device is open.
13. The longwall power center shall be equipped with a secondary (2,400-volt) disconnecting device installed to deenergize all high-voltage cables extending to the longwall controller when the device is open.
14. The longwall controller shall be provided with a main visible disconnecting device installed to deenergize all high-voltage power conductors extending from the enclosure.
15. Each disconnecting device shall be installed so that:
(a) It can be determined by visual observation that the contacts are opened without removing any cover(s);
(b) All high-voltage load power conductors can be grounded when the disconnecting device is in the "open" position;
(c) The disconnecting device can be locked in the "open" position; and
A sign shall be located near the disconnecting device identifying the circuit(s) the device disconnects.
16. Each 2,400-volt cable installed as part of the longwall mining system shall be type SHD-GC or other similar cable that meets the requirements of 30 CFR 75.804, with a minimum rating of 5,000 volts, and shall have an outer jacket that has been accepted by MSHA as flame-resistant.
17. Each splice or repair in a high-voltage cable shall be made in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer of the splice or repair materials. The outer jacket of each splice or repair shall be vulcanized with flame-resistant material or made with a kit that has been accepted by MSHA as flame-resistant. Each splice or major repair shall be made so that all cable components are replaced with similar components. Repairs are considered major if there is any damage to the insulation, shielding, or conductors. Minor repairs to the cable jacket may be made by using tape accepted by MSHA as flame-resistant. Kits having tape as the outer jacket are not acceptable.
18. The 2,400-volt cables shall be guarded at the following locations:
(a) Where miners regularly work or travel over or under the cables;
(b) Where the cables leave the cable handling and support systems to extend to electric components; and
(c) Where the cables are in the same raceway as low-voltage cables.
The guarding shall protect the cables from damage and shall minimize the possibility of miners contacting the cables. The guarding shall be of grounded metal or reinforced non-conductive flame-resistant material. Additionally, guarding shall be provided on high-voltage cables in belt conveyor entries during cleanup, and conveyor belt or belt structure removal if the cable is within 12 inches of mobile equipment, unless the cable is deenergized.
19. Cable handling and support systems (for example, Bretby and monorail systems) that are designed, installed, and maintained to protect the 2,400volt cables from damage and to minimize the possibility of miners contacting the cables shall be used.
20. Adequate means to secure the connection box or in-line connector at mid-face shall be installed to provide secure connections of the high-voltage cable.
21. Energized high-voltage cables shall not be handled except when the shearer cable needs to be trained (shearer cable inadvertently coming out of the cable trough). When the shearer cable needs to be trained, high-voltage insulating gloves or high-voltage insulating sticks shall be used for protection against shock hazard. Miners shall not handle any other energized high-voltage cable.
22. High-voltage personal protective equipment, including rubber gloves, shall be visually inspected before each use. High-voltage rubber gloves shall be field air tested before each use to ensure their effectiveness. Damaged or defective protective equipment shall be removed from the mine or destroyed. A sufficient storage facility shall be provided for the cable handling equipment. The storage facility location shall be clearly marked to indicate its purpose and examined weekly to assure protective equipment is present. Insulated personal protective equipment shall be rated for a minimum of 7,500 volts and electrically tested every six months in accordance with a nationally recognized standard.
23. Barriers shall be provided and covers shall be arranged so that miners can work in the 2,400-volt section of the power center or starter enclosure without being exposed to energized high-voltage conductors or parts, including capacitors, when the appropriate onboard disconnect switch is in the "open" and "grounded" position.
24. Barriers shall be provided and covers shall be arranged so that miners can work in the control compartment(s) of the power center without being exposed to energized conductors or parts that exceed nominal 120 volts (except for the capacitance tripping circuit) regardless of the position of the main disconnect switch.
25. Barriers shall be provided and covers shall be arranged so that miners can work in the motor contactor compartments of the longwall controller without being exposed to energized high-voltage conductors or parts that exceed nominal 120 volts (except for the capacitance tripping circuit) regardless of the position of the main disconnect.
26. Barriers shall be provided and covers shall be arranged so that miners can work in the longwall communication and control compartments of the longwall controller without being exposed to energized conductors or parts that exceed nominal 120 volts when the main disconnect switch is in the “open” and “grounded” position.
27. Cover interlock switches shall be provided to automatically deenergize the incoming high-voltage circuit to the power center, when any cover that provides access to energized high-voltage conductors or parts, including capacitors, is removed.
28. Cover interlock switches shall be provided and wired to automatically deenergize the 2,400 volt circuit supplying power to the longwall controller, when any cover that provides access to energized 2,400 volt conductors or parts is removed. This condition does not apply to covers installed on motor junction boxes.
29. The control circuit for the power center shall be interlocked with the primary disconnecting device in the power center so that:
(a) When the primary disconnecting device is in the "open" position, the control circuit can only be powered through an auxiliary switch in the "test" position; and
(b) When the main disconnecting device is in the "closed" position, the control circuit can be powered only through an auxiliary switch in the "normal" position.
30. The control circuits for high-voltage and other circuits in the longwall controller shall be interlocked with the main disconnecting device so that:
(a) When the main disconnecting device is in the "open" position, the control circuit can only be powered through an auxiliary control switch in the "test" position (in the test position no voltage greater than 120 volts nominal shall exit the controller), and
(b) When the main disconnecting device is in the "closed" position, the control circuit can be powered only through an auxiliary control switch in the "normal" position.
31. Caution labels shall be installed and maintained on the covers of the compartments of the longwall power center enclosure containing the main disconnect device to warn miners against entering these compartments before deenergizing the incoming power. Also, caution labels shall be installed and maintained on all covers that provide access to 2,400-volt conductors and parts to warn miners against entering these compartments before all 2,400-volt capacitors have been discharged. A means shall be available to ground these capacitors. Also, when low- or medium-voltage equipment can be energized with the input disconnect in the open position, caution labels shall be installed and maintained on the covers of the compartments to warn miners that the input disconnect only deenergizes high-voltage circuits.
32. Caution labels shall be installed and maintained on the covers of the compartment of the longwall controller containing controller main disconnect device to warn miners against entering this compartment before deenergizing the incoming power to the shearer.
33. Splices and repairs in high-voltage cables shall be made only by a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) who has received "hands-on" training in the proper methods of splicing and repairing high-voltage cables.
34. Before any electrical work (including testing, troubleshooting and faultfinding) is performed inside the input high-voltage compartments or 2,400 volt compartments of the power center, a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) shall:
(a) Determine that the contacts of the appropriate disconnecting device are "open" and "grounded";
(b) Lockout and tag the disconnecting device; and
(c) Assure that capacitors have been discharged and "grounded."
35. Before any electrical work (including testing, troubleshooting, and faultfinding) is performed inside any high-voltage compartment of the controller or on the high-voltage cables supplying the controller, a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) shall:
(a) Determine, at the power center, that the contacts of the secondary disconnecting device are "open" and "grounded";
(b) Lockout and tag the disconnecting device, and
(c) Assure that all capacitors have been discharged and "grounded."
36. Before any electrical work (including testing, trouble-shooting, or faultfinding) is performed inside the contactor compartments for the controller, a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) shall:
(a) Determine that the contacts of the main disconnecting device in the controller are "open" and "grounded", and
(b) Lockout and tag the disconnect device in this position.
37. If a visible disconnecting device is located at the longwall controller for the circuit(s), then before any electrical work (including testing, trouble-shooting, or faultfinding) is performed on any high-voltage equipment or cable supplied from the longwall controller, a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) shall:
(a) Determine that the contacts of the disconnecting device for the circuit are “open” and “grounded”, and
(b) Lockout and tag the disconnecting device.
38. If a visible disconnecting device is not located at the longwall controller for the circuit(s), then before any electrical work (including testing, trouble-shooting, or faultfinding) is performed on any high-voltage equipment or cable supplied from the longwall controller, a qualified person (as provided in 30 CFR 75.153) shall:
(a) Determine if the high-voltage cable is disconnected from the longwall controller;
(b) Connect the phase conductors in the high-voltage cable to the grounded frame of the longwall controller by means of the grounding receptacle provided;
(c) Lockout and tag the disconnected high-voltage cable coupler , and
(d) Place a dust cover on the longwall controller receptacle from which the high-voltage cable was disconnected.
39. The Petitioner's alternative method shall not be implemented until all personnel who perform maintenance on the longwall have received training in high-voltage safety and maintenance procedures. Also, all personnel who work in proximity of the high-voltage equipment or who move high-voltage equipment or cables shall be trained in high-voltage safety procedures. A record of this training shall be maintained and made available to authorized MSHA representatives and to other interested parties.
40. The high-voltage longwall mining equipment shall be MSHA approved.
41. The high-voltage longwall mining equipment shall not be put into service until after MSHA has inspected the equipment and determined that it is in compliance with all the above terms and conditions. The Petitioner shall notify MSHA before mining equipment is put into service in any subsequent longwall panel. The notice shall advise MSHA of any modifications to the equipment and provide a reasonable time for MSHA to schedule an inspection of the equipment if necessary.
42. Methane monitors shall be installed and maintained on the longwall face in accordance with 30 CFR 75.342.
43. Within 60 days after this Proposed Decision and Order becomes final, the Petitioner shall submit proposed revisions for its approved 30 CFR Part 48 training plan to the Coal Mine Safety and Health District Manager. These proposed revisions shall specify initial and refresher training regarding the terms and conditions stated in the Proposed Decision and Order.
Any party to this section desiring a hearing on this matter must file in accordance with 30 CFR 44.14, within 30 days. The request for hearing must be filed with the Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. If a hearing is requested, the request shall contain a concise summary of position on the issues of fact or law desired to be raised by the party requesting the hearing, including specific objections to the proposed decision. A party other than Petitioner who has requested a hearing shall also comment upon all issues of fact or law presented in the petition, and any party to this action requesting a hearing may indicate a desired hearing site. If no request for a hearing is filed within 30 days after service thereof, the Decision and Order will become final and must be posted by the operator on the mine bulletin board at the mine.
_________________________________
Robert A. Elam
Deputy Administrator
for Coal Mine Safety and Health