Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 14438-14440 [2012-5711]
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srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
14438
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Notices
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method of compliance to permit the use
of battery-powered non-permissible
surveying equipment within 150 feet of
pillar workings, including, but not
limited to, portable battery operated
mine transits, total station surveying
equipment, distance meters, and data
loggers. The petitioner states that:
(1) In order to comply with
requirements of 30 CFR 75.372,
75.1002(a), and 75.1200, use of the most
practical and accurate surveying
equipment is necessary. In order to
ensure the safety of the miners in active
mines and to protect miners in future
mines which may mine in close
proximity to these same active mines it
is necessary to determine the exact
location and extents of the mine
workings.
(2) Application of the existing
standard would result in a diminution
of safety to the miners. Underground
mining by its nature, size, and
complexity of mine plans requires that
accurate and precise measurements be
completed in a prompt and efficient
manner. The petitioner proposes the
following as an alternative to the
existing standard:
(a) Non-permissible electronic
surveying equipment will be used when
equivalent permissible electronic
surveying equipment is not available.
Such non-permissible surveying
equipment includes portable battery
operated total station surveying
equipment, mine transits, distance
meters, and data loggers.
(b) All non-permissible electronic
surveying equipment to be used within
150 feet of pillar workings will be
examined by surveying personnel prior
to use to ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating
condition. These examinations will
include the following steps:
(i) Checking the instrument for any
physical damage and the integrity of the
case.
(ii) Removing the battery and inspect
for corrosion.
(iii) Inspecting the contact points to
ensure a secure connection to the
battery.
(iv) Reinserting the battery and power
up and shut down to ensure proper
connections.
(v) Checking the battery compartment
cover to ensure that it is securely
fastened.
(c) The results of such examinations
will be recorded and retained for one
year and made available to MSHA upon
request.
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(d) A qualified person as defined in
30 CFR 75.151 will continuously
monitor for methane immediately before
and during the use of non-permissible
surveying equipment within 150 feet of
pillar workings.
(e) Non-permissible surveying
equipment will not be used if methane
is detected in concentrations at or above
one percent for the area being surveyed.
When methane is detected at such levels
while the non-permissible surveying
equipment is being used, the equipment
will be deenergized immediately and
the non-permissible electronic
equipment withdrawn further than 150
feet from pillar workings.
(f) All hand-held methane detectors
will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition as defined in 30
CFR 75.320.
(g) Batteries contained in the
surveying equipment must be changed
out or charged in fresh air more than
150 feet from pillar workings.
(h) Qualified personnel engaged in the
use of surveying equipment will be
properly trained to recognize the
hazards and limitations associated with
the use of non-permissible surveying
equipment in areas where methane
could be present.
(i) The non-permissible surveying
equipment will not be put into service
until MSHA has initially inspected the
equipment and determined that it is in
compliance with all the terms and
conditions in this petition.
(j) Within 60 days after the Proposed
Decision and Order becomes final, the
petitioner will submit proposed
revisions for its approved 30 CFR part
48 training plan to the District Manager.
The revisions will specify initial and
refresher training regarding the terms
and conditions in the Proposed Decision
and Order.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection as that afforded
by the existing standard.
Dated: March 5, 2012.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012–5713 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification of
Application of Existing Mandatory
Safety Standards
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Section 101(c) of the Federal
Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and
Title 30 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (30 CFR), part 44 govern the
application, processing, and disposition
of petitions for modification. This notice
is a summary of petitions for
modification submitted to the Mine
Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) by the parties listed below to
modify the application of existing
mandatory safety standards.
DATES: All comments on the petitions
must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances
on or before April 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your
comments, identified by ‘‘docket
number’’ on the subject line, by any of
the following methods:
1. Electronic Mail: zzMSHAcomments@dol.gov. Include the docket
number of the petition in the subject
line of the message.
2. Facsimile: 202–693–9441.
3. Regular Mail: MSHA, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances,
1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, Virginia 22209–3939,
Attention: Roslyn B. Fontaine, Acting
Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances.
4. Hand-Delivery or Courier: MSHA,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209–
3939. Individuals who submit
comments by hand-delivery are required
to check in at the receptionist’s desk on
the 21st floor. Individuals may inspect
copies of the petitions and comments
during normal business hours at the
address listed above.
MSHA will consider only comments
postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or
proof of delivery from another delivery
service such as UPS or Federal Express
on or before the deadline for comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barbara Barron, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at (202) 693–
9447 (Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov
(Email), or 202–693–9441 (Facsimile).
[These are not toll-free numbers.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Notices
I. Background
Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine
Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine
Act) allows the mine operator or
representative of miners to file a
petition to modify the application of any
mandatory safety standard to a coal or
other mine. The petition may be granted
if the Secretary of Labor determines
that:
(1) An alternative method of
achieving the result of such standard
exists which will at all times guarantee
no less than the same measure of
protection afforded the miners of such
mine by such standard; or
(2) That the application of such
standard to such mine will result in a
diminution of safety to the miners in
such mine.
In addition, the regulations at 30 CFR
44.10 and 44.11 establish the
requirements and procedures for filing
petitions for modification.
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M–2012–004–C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company,
33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D.
No. 36–09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
75.1200(d) & (i) Mine map).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the use of crosssections in lieu of contour lines on mine
maps through the intake slope, at
locations of rock tunnel connections
between veins, and at 1,000 feet
intervals of advance from the intake
slope. In addition, the petitioner
proposes to limit the required mapping
of mine workings above and below to
those present within 100 feet of the
vein(s) being mined unless the veins are
interconnected to other veins beyond
the 100 feet limit through rock tunnels.
The petitioner states that:
(1) Due to the steep pitch encountered
in mining anthracite coal veins,
contours provide no useful information
and their presence would make portions
of the map illegible.
(2) The use of cross-sections in lieu of
contour lines has been practiced since
the late 1800’s and provides critical
information about spacing between
veins and proximity to other mine
workings, which fluctuate considerably.
(3) The vast majority of current
underground anthracite mining involves
either second mining of remnant pillars
from previous mining or the mining of
veins of lower quality in proximity to
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inaccessible and frequently flooded
abandoned mine workings that may or
may not be mapped.
(4) All mapping for mines above and
below is researched by the petitioner’s
contract engineer for the presence of
interconnecting rock tunnels between
veins in relation to the mine, and a
hazard analysis is done when mapping
indicates the presence of known or
potentially flooded workings.
(5) When no rock tunnel connections
are found, mine workings that exist
beyond 100 feet from our mine, are
recognized as presenting no hazard to
the mine due to the pitch of the vein
and rock separation.
(6) Additionally, the mine workings
above and below are usually inactive
and abandoned and, therefore, are not
usually subject to changes during the
life of the mine.
(7) Where evidence indicates prior
mining was conducted on a vein above
or below and research exhausts the
availability of mine mapping, the vein
will be considered mined and flooded
and appropriate precautions will be
taken through § 75.388, which addresses
drilling boreholes in advance of mining,
where possible.
(8) Where potential hazards exist and
in-mine drilling capabilities limit
penetration, surface boreholes may be
used to intercept the workings and the
results analyzed prior to beginning
mining in the affected area.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure
of protection afforded the miners under
the existing standard.
Docket Number: M–2012–005–C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company,
33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D.
No. 36–09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202
and 75.1202–1(a) (Temporary notations,
revisions and requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the interval of survey
to be established on an annual basis
from the initial survey in lieu of every
6 months as required. The petitioner
proposes to continue to update the mine
map by hand notations on a daily basis
and conduct subsequent surveys prior to
commencing retreat mining, and
whenever either a drilling program
under § 75.388 or plan for mining into
inaccessible areas under § 75.389 is
required. The petitioner states that:
(1) The low production and slow rate
of advance in anthracite mining make
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14439
surveying on 6-month intervals
impractical. In most cases annual
development is frequently limited to
less than 500 feet of gangway advance
with associated up-pitch development.
(2) The vast majority of small
anthracite mines are non-mechanized
and use hand-loading mining methods.
(3) Development above the active
gangway is designed to mine into the
level above at designated intervals
thereby maintaining sufficient control
between both surveyed gangways.
(4) The available engineering/
surveyor resources are limited in the
anthracite coal fields and surveying on
an annual basis is difficult to achieve
with four individual contractors
currently available.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure
of protection afforded the miners under
the existing standard.
Docket Number: M–2012–006–C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company,
33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove, Pennsylvania
17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D.
No. 36–09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400
(Hoisting equipment; general).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard for cages, platforms, or other
devices used to transport persons in
shafts or slopes in underground coal
mines. The petitioner seeks to permit
the use of a slope conveyance (gunboat)
to transport persons without installing
safety catches or other no less effective
devices but instead use an increased
rope strength/safety factor and
secondary safety rope connection in
place of such devices. The petitioner
states that:
(1) The haulage slope of this
anthracite mine is typical of those in the
anthracite region, with a relatively high
angle and frequently changing pitches.
(2) A functional safety catch capable
of working in slopes with knuckles and
curves is not commercially available. A
makeshift device would be activated on
or by knuckles or curves when no
emergency exists. Activation of a safety
catch can or will damage the haulage
system and subject persons being
transported to hazards from dislodged
timbering, roof material, or guide rails,
and to being battered about within the
conveyance.
(3) A safer alternative is to provide
secondary safety connections securely
fastened around the gunboat and to the
hoisting rope above the main
termination and use a hoisting rope
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srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 47 / Friday, March 9, 2012 / Notices
having a safety factor greater than that
recommended in the American
Standards Specifications for the Use of
Wire Rope in Mines or at least three
times greater than the strength required
under section § 75.1431(a).
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure
of protection afforded the miners under
the existing standard.
Docket Number: M–2012–007–C.
Petitioner: RoxCoal, Inc., 1576
Stoystown Road, Friedens,
Pennsylvania 15541.
Mines: Agustus Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
36–08636; Barbara #2 Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 36–08508; Horning Mine, MSHA
I.D. No. 36–09666; Kimberly Run Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 36–09549; Quecreek #1
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36–08746;
Roytown Deep Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
36–09260; Sarah Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
36–08571; all located in Somerset
County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503
(Permissible electric face equipment;
maintenance) and 30 CFR 18.35(a)(2)
(Portable (trailing) cables and cords).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method of compliance with the 10
American Wire Gauge (AWG) Cable.
The petitioner proposes to use MSHA
approved five (5) conductor 10 AWG
cable (SO cable) with a diameter of .77
with a tolerance of +/¥0.03. The
petitioner states that:
(1) The cable will hang on insulated
hangers for the entire length at all times.
(2) Within 60 days after the Proposed
Decision and Order becomes final, the
petitioner will submit proposed
revisions for its approved 30 CFR part
48 training plan to the District Manager.
In addition to the requirement specified
in item 1, these proposed revisions will
specify initial and refresher training
regarding the terms and conditions
stated in the Proposed Decision and
Order.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded by the
standard.
Dated: March 5, 2012.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012–5711 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Notice of Information Collection
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA).
NOTICE: (12–020).
ACTION: Notice of information collection.
AGENCY:
The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, as part of its
continuing effort to reduce paperwork
and respondent burden, invites the
general public and other Federal
agencies to take this opportunity to
comment on proposed and/or
continuing information collections, as
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13, 44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: All comments should be
submitted within 60 calendar days from
the date of this publication.
ADDRESSES: All comments should be
addressed to Ms. Frances Teel, JF000,
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, Washington, DC 20546–
0001.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument(s) and instructions should
be directed to Frances Teel, NASA
Clearance Officer, NASA Headquarters,
300 E Street SW., JF0000, Washington,
DC 20546, Frances.C.Teel@nasa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
I. Abstract
To ensure accurate reporting of
Government-owned, contractor-held
property on the financial statements and
to provide information necessary for
effective property management, NASA
obtains summary data annually from the
official Government property records
maintained by its contractors, on the
NASA Form 1018, as of the end of the
fiscal year.
II. Method of Collection
Electronic.
III. Data
Title: NASA Property in the Custody
of Contractors.
OMB Number: 2700–0017.
Type of Review: Revision of currently
approved collection.
Affected Public: Business or other forprofit and not-for-profit institutions.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
1092.
Estimated Time per Response:
Variable.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 9805 hours.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: $0.00.
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IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of NASA, including
whether the information collected has
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of
NASA’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (3)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including automated
collection techniques or the use of other
forms of information technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and
included in the request for OMB
approval of this information collection.
They will also become a matter of
public record.
Frances Teel,
NASA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012–5681 Filed 3–8–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR THE
ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
National Council on the Arts 175th
Meeting
National Endowment for the
Arts, National Foundation on the Arts
and Humanities.
ACTION: Notice—Meeting.
AGENCY:
Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub.
L. 92–463), as amended, notice is hereby
given that a meeting of the National
Council on the Arts will be held on
March 30, 2012, in Room M–09 at the
Nancy Hanks Center, 1100 Pennsylvania
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20506.
This meeting, from 9 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. on Friday, March 30th in Room M–
09 (ending time is approximate), will be
open to the public on a space available
basis. The meeting will begin with
opening remarks and voting on
recommendations for funding and
rejection and guidelines, followed by
updates by the Chairman. From 10 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m. there will be presentations
on Operation Homecoming and the
healing arts programs at Walter Reed
National Military Medical Center, Arts
and Achievement in At-Risk Youth:
Findings From Four Longitudinal
Studies, and an overview of NEA Arts
and podcasts. The meeting will adjourn
following concluding remarks and
announcement of voting results.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 47 (Friday, March 9, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14438-14440]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-5711]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory
Safety Standards
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 and Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR), part 44
govern the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for
modification. This notice is a summary of petitions for modification
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the
parties listed below to modify the application of existing mandatory
safety standards.
DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before April 9, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
1. Electronic Mail: zzMSHA-comments@dol.gov. Include the docket
number of the petition in the subject line of the message.
2. Facsimile: 202-693-9441.
3. Regular Mail: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and
Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209-
3939, Attention: Roslyn B. Fontaine, Acting Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
4. Hand-Delivery or Courier: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939. Individuals who submit comments by
hand-delivery are required to check in at the receptionist's desk on
the 21st floor. Individuals may inspect copies of the petitions and
comments during normal business hours at the address listed above.
MSHA will consider only comments postmarked by the U.S. Postal
Service or proof of delivery from another delivery service such as UPS
or Federal Express on or before the deadline for comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Barron, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at (202) 693-9447 (Voice),
barron.barbara@dol.gov (Email), or 202-693-9441 (Facsimile). [These are
not toll-free numbers.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 14439]]
I. Background
Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act) allows the mine operator or representative of miners to file
a petition to modify the application of any mandatory safety standard
to a coal or other mine. The petition may be granted if the Secretary
of Labor determines that:
(1) An alternative method of achieving the result of such standard
exists which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure
of protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or
(2) That the application of such standard to such mine will result
in a diminution of safety to the miners in such mine.
In addition, the regulations at 30 CFR 44.10 and 44.11 establish
the requirements and procedures for filing petitions for modification.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M-2012-004-C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove,
Pennsylvania 17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1200(d) & (i) Mine map).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of cross-sections in lieu of
contour lines on mine maps through the intake slope, at locations of
rock tunnel connections between veins, and at 1,000 feet intervals of
advance from the intake slope. In addition, the petitioner proposes to
limit the required mapping of mine workings above and below to those
present within 100 feet of the vein(s) being mined unless the veins are
interconnected to other veins beyond the 100 feet limit through rock
tunnels. The petitioner states that:
(1) Due to the steep pitch encountered in mining anthracite coal
veins, contours provide no useful information and their presence would
make portions of the map illegible.
(2) The use of cross-sections in lieu of contour lines has been
practiced since the late 1800's and provides critical information about
spacing between veins and proximity to other mine workings, which
fluctuate considerably.
(3) The vast majority of current underground anthracite mining
involves either second mining of remnant pillars from previous mining
or the mining of veins of lower quality in proximity to inaccessible
and frequently flooded abandoned mine workings that may or may not be
mapped.
(4) All mapping for mines above and below is researched by the
petitioner's contract engineer for the presence of interconnecting rock
tunnels between veins in relation to the mine, and a hazard analysis is
done when mapping indicates the presence of known or potentially
flooded workings.
(5) When no rock tunnel connections are found, mine workings that
exist beyond 100 feet from our mine, are recognized as presenting no
hazard to the mine due to the pitch of the vein and rock separation.
(6) Additionally, the mine workings above and below are usually
inactive and abandoned and, therefore, are not usually subject to
changes during the life of the mine.
(7) Where evidence indicates prior mining was conducted on a vein
above or below and research exhausts the availability of mine mapping,
the vein will be considered mined and flooded and appropriate
precautions will be taken through Sec. 75.388, which addresses
drilling boreholes in advance of mining, where possible.
(8) Where potential hazards exist and in-mine drilling capabilities
limit penetration, surface boreholes may be used to intercept the
workings and the results analyzed prior to beginning mining in the
affected area.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners
under the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2012-005-C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove,
Pennsylvania 17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1202 and 75.1202-1(a) (Temporary
notations, revisions and requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the interval of survey to be established on
an annual basis from the initial survey in lieu of every 6 months as
required. The petitioner proposes to continue to update the mine map by
hand notations on a daily basis and conduct subsequent surveys prior to
commencing retreat mining, and whenever either a drilling program under
Sec. 75.388 or plan for mining into inaccessible areas under Sec.
75.389 is required. The petitioner states that:
(1) The low production and slow rate of advance in anthracite
mining make surveying on 6-month intervals impractical. In most cases
annual development is frequently limited to less than 500 feet of
gangway advance with associated up-pitch development.
(2) The vast majority of small anthracite mines are non-mechanized
and use hand-loading mining methods.
(3) Development above the active gangway is designed to mine into
the level above at designated intervals thereby maintaining sufficient
control between both surveyed gangways.
(4) The available engineering/surveyor resources are limited in the
anthracite coal fields and surveying on an annual basis is difficult to
achieve with four individual contractors currently available.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners
under the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2012-006-C.
Petitioner: Little Buck Coal Company, 33 Pine Lane, Pine Grove,
Pennsylvania 17963.
Mine: Little Buck Slope, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09958, 33 Pine Lane, Pine
Grove, Pennsylvania 17963, located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard for cages, platforms, or other devices used to
transport persons in shafts or slopes in underground coal mines. The
petitioner seeks to permit the use of a slope conveyance (gunboat) to
transport persons without installing safety catches or other no less
effective devices but instead use an increased rope strength/safety
factor and secondary safety rope connection in place of such devices.
The petitioner states that:
(1) The haulage slope of this anthracite mine is typical of those
in the anthracite region, with a relatively high angle and frequently
changing pitches.
(2) A functional safety catch capable of working in slopes with
knuckles and curves is not commercially available. A makeshift device
would be activated on or by knuckles or curves when no emergency
exists. Activation of a safety catch can or will damage the haulage
system and subject persons being transported to hazards from dislodged
timbering, roof material, or guide rails, and to being battered about
within the conveyance.
(3) A safer alternative is to provide secondary safety connections
securely fastened around the gunboat and to the hoisting rope above the
main termination and use a hoisting rope
[[Page 14440]]
having a safety factor greater than that recommended in the American
Standards Specifications for the Use of Wire Rope in Mines or at least
three times greater than the strength required under section Sec.
75.1431(a).
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will
provide no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners
under the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2012-007-C.
Petitioner: RoxCoal, Inc., 1576 Stoystown Road, Friedens,
Pennsylvania 15541.
Mines: Agustus Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-08636; Barbara 2
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-08508; Horning Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09666;
Kimberly Run Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09549; Quecreek 1 Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 36-08746; Roytown Deep Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09260;
Sarah Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-08571; all located in Somerset County,
Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (Permissible electric face
equipment; maintenance) and 30 CFR 18.35(a)(2) (Portable (trailing)
cables and cords).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an alternative method of compliance with
the 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG) Cable. The petitioner proposes to use
MSHA approved five (5) conductor 10 AWG cable (SO cable) with a
diameter of .77 with a tolerance of +/-0.03. The petitioner states
that:
(1) The cable will hang on insulated hangers for the entire length
at all times.
(2) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes
final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for its approved
30 CFR part 48 training plan to the District Manager. In addition to
the requirement specified in item 1, these proposed revisions will
specify initial and refresher training regarding the terms and
conditions stated in the Proposed Decision and Order.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded by the standard.
Dated: March 5, 2012.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Certifying Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-5711 Filed 3-8-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
