Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 7458-7460 [2013-02190]
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7458
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2013 / Notices
A copy of this ICR with
applicable supporting documentation;
including a description of the likely
respondents, proposed frequency of
response, and estimated total burden
may be obtained from the RegInfo.gov
Web site, https://www.reginfo.gov/
public/do/PRAMain, on the day
following publication of this notice or
by contacting Michel Smyth by
telephone at 202–693–4129 (this is not
a toll-free number) or sending an email
to DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.
Submit comments about this request
to the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk
Officer for DOL–BLS, Office of
Management and Budget, Room 10235,
725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC
20503, Fax: 202–395–6881 (this is not a
toll-free number), email:
OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michel Smyth by telephone at 202–693–
4129 (this is not a toll-free number) or
by email at DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov.
ADDRESSES:
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D).
This ICR
seeks a three-year extension of BLS
authority to obtain information needed
to enroll participants in BLS
international training programs. The
BLS is one of the largest labor statistics
organizations in the world and has
provided international training in labor
market information and price indexes
since 1945. Each year, the BLS conducts
training programs of 1 to 2 weeks
duration at its training facilities in
Washington, DC.
This information collection is subject
to the PRA. A Federal agency generally
cannot conduct or sponsor a collection
of information, and the public is
generally not required to respond to an
information collection, unless it is
approved by the OMB under the PRA
and displays a currently valid OMB
Control Number. In addition,
notwithstanding any other provisions of
law, no person shall generally be subject
to penalty for failing to comply with a
collection of information that does not
display a valid Control Number. See 5
CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6. The DOL
obtains OMB approval for this
information collection under Control
Number 1220–0179. The current
approval is scheduled to expire on
February 28, 2013; however, it should
be noted that existing information
collection requirements submitted to the
OMB receive a month-to-month
extension while they undergo review.
For additional information, see the
related notice published in the Federal
Register on September 26, 2012 (77 FR
59225).
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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17:26 Jan 31, 2013
Jkt 229001
Interested parties are encouraged to
send comments to the OMB, Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs at
the address shown in the ADDRESSES
section within 30 days of publication of
this notice in the Federal Register. In
order to help ensure appropriate
consideration, comments should
mention OMB Control Number 1220–
0179. The OMB is particularly
interested in comments that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses.
Agency: DOL–BLS.
Title of Collection: International
Training Application.
OMB Control Number: 1220–0179.
Affected Public: Individuals or
Households.
Total Estimated Number of
Respondents: 100.
Total Estimated Number of
Responses: 100.
Total Estimated Annual Burden
Hours: 34.
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs
Burden: $0.
Dated: January 24, 2013.
Michel Smyth,
Departmental Clearance Officer.
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
codified in Title 30 of the Code of
Federal Regulations.
DATES: All comments on the petitions
must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations and Variances
on or before March 4, 2013.
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 or Hand Delivery:
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations
and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard,
Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209–
3939, Attention: George F. Triebsch,
Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances. Persons
delivering documents 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:
I. Background
[FR Doc. 2013–02135 Filed 1–31–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
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
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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 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.
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01FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2013 / Notices
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 No: M–2013–001–C.
Petitioner: Sterling Mining
Corporation, P.O. Box 217, North Lima,
Ohio 44452.
Mines: Shean Hill, MSHA I.D. No. 33–
04591, located in Jefferson County,
Ohio, and Carroll Hollow #6, MSHA I.D.
No. 33–04605, located in Carroll
County, Ohio.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100–
2(b) (Quantity and location of
firefighting equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit fire hose outlets and
valves required every 300 feet along
conveyor belt entries to be maintained
at the main waterline located in the
common entry adjacent to the conveyor
belt entry, rather than projected from
the waterline across the entry where the
waterline is located and into the
crosscut separating the conveyor belt
entry from the adjacent entry. The
petitioner states that:
1. The alternative location of outlets
and valves will be more accessible and
will allow the fire hose outlets and
valves to be located in an area less likely
to be struck by a miner or equipment.
This will result in less likelihood of
injury to a miner or damage to the outlet
and valves before or during their
potential use and could make them
more likely to function properly in the
event they are needed.
2. The existing standard requires
waterlines to be installed parallel to the
entire length of belt conveyors and be
equipped with fire hose outlets with
valves at intervals no greater than 300
feet along the conveyors and at
tailpieces.
3. The existing standard allows for the
waterlines to be installed in entries
adjacent to the conveyor belt entry as
long as the outlets project into the
conveyor belt entry.
4. Currently the waterlines for the
mines listed in this petition are
maintained in an adjacent common air
entry to the beltline. The adjacent entry
is the secondary escapeway and most
traveled roadway in the mine. The
waterline runs along the side of the
adjacent entry and against the stopping
line separating the neutral belt air
course from the return or intake air
course, which eliminates the potential
of the waterline inhibiting travel
between the belt entry and the adjacent
roadway.
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17:26 Jan 31, 2013
Jkt 229001
5. Every 300 feet along the conveyor
belt, a 2-inch water pipe is plumbed
into the main waterline, projected along
the roof above the roadway, and into the
crosscut separating the belt and adjacent
entries where they are fitted with the
proper outlets and valves.
6. Due to the thin coal seam and low
mining height, the pipes placed along
the roof line result in a hazardous
condition where miners could contact a
pipe, potentially causing head and neck
injuries. The pipes placed along the roof
are also at risk of being hit and damaged
by equipment, which could cause the
damaged pipe and perhaps the entire
mine water system to be temporarily
inoperative while the damage is being
repaired.
7. Placing the outlets and valves at the
main waterline rather than projected
across the roadway into the crosscut
adjacent to the conveyor belt entry will
move their location 20 feet from the
current location. This move will have
no effect on the coverage of the fire
protection system and will make the fire
outlets and valves more accessible.
8. Travel in the belt entry is relatively
difficult. It is only traveled during
inspection and maintenance of the
conveyor belt entry. Most of the travel
is in the adjacent entry common to the
conveyor belt entry where the main
waterline is located. In the event of a
fire in the beltline, the miners who
retrieve the fire hose and mobilize to
fight the fire will travel the roadway to
the necessary outlet and valve.
9. Once the miners have traveled the
roadway to the necessary outlet and
valve, they will be able to hook up the
fire hose in the adjacent entry, and
move safely into the conveyor belt entry
and begin fighting the fire.
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.
Docket Number: M–2013–001–M.
Petitioner: Specialty Granules (Ione)
LLC, 1101 Opal Court, Suite 315,
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.
Mine: Ione Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 04–
05533, 1900 Highway 104, Ione,
California 95640, located in Amador
County, California.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 56.13020
(Use of compressed air).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method for implementing a clothes
cleaning process that uses regulated
compressed air for cleaning miners’
dust-laden clothing. The petitioner
states that:
PO 00000
Frm 00073
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
7459
1. Only miners trained in the
operation of the clothes cleaning booth
will be permitted to use the booth to
clean their clothes.
2. The petitioner will incorporate the
NIOSH Clothes Cleaning Process and
Manufacturer’s Instruction Manuals into
their MSHA Part 46 Training Plan and
train affected miners in the process.
3. Miners entering the booth will
examine valves and nozzles for damage
or malfunction and will close the door
fully before opening the air valve. Any
defects will be repaired prior to the
booth being used.
4. Miners entering the booth will wear
eye protection; ear plugs or muffs for
hearing protection; and, a full-face or
half-mask respirator that meets or
exceeds the minimum requirements of a
N95 filter to which the miner has been
fit-tested. As an alternative, the use of
a full-face respirator will meet the
requirement for eye protection. A sign
will be conspicuously posted requiring
the use of personal protective
equipment when entering the booth.
5. Airflow through the booth will be
at least 2,000 cubic feet per minute to
maintain negative pressure during use
of the cleaning system to prevent
contamination of the environment
outside the booth. Airflow will be in a
downward direction to move
contaminants away from the miner’s
breathing zone.
6. Air pressure through the spray
manifold will be limited to 30 pounds
per square inch or less. A lock box with
a single key controlled by the plant
manager will be used to prevent
regulator tampering.
7. The air spray manifold will consist
of a 11⁄2 inch, square tube with 1⁄4-inch
wall thickness capped at the base and
actuated by an electrically controlled
valve at the top.
8. Air nozzles will not exceed 30
pounds per square inch gauge.
9. The uppermost spray of the spray
manifold will be located below the
booth users’ breathing zone. Some type
of mechanical device may be used to
cover the upper air nozzles to meet the
specific height of the user.
10. Air nozzles will be guarded to
eliminate the possibility of incidental
contact that could create mechanical
damage to the air nozzles during the
clothes cleaning process.
11. The petitioner will conduct
periodic maintenance checks of the
booth according to the
recommendations contained in the
Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual.
12. The air receiver tank supplying air
to the manifold system will be of
sufficient volume to permit no less than
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01FEN1
srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 22 / Friday, February 1, 2013 / Notices
20 seconds of continuous clothes
cleaning time.
13. An appropriate hazard warning
sign will be posted on the booth to state,
at a minimum, ‘‘Compressed Air’’ and
‘‘Respirable Dust’’.
14. A pressure relief valve designed
for the booth’s air reservoir will be
installed.
15. The mine will exhaust dust-laden
air from the booth into a local exhaust
ventilation system or duct outside the
facility while ensuring there is no reentrainment back into the structure.
The petitioner further states that:
1. The alternative method provides a
direct reduction of miners’ exposure to
respirable dust, thus reducing their
health risks while providing no less
than the same degree of safety provided
by the existing standard.
2. The alternative method has been
jointly developed between Unimin
Corporation and the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) and successfully tested by
NIOSH.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded by the
existing standard.
Docket Number: M–2013–002–M.
Petitioner: Specialty Granules, Inc.,
1101 Opal Court, Suite 315,
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.
Mines: Annapolis Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 23–00288, #1 Hillcrest Drive,
Annapolis, Missouri 63620, located in
Iron County, Missouri; Charmian Mine,
MSHA I.D. No. 36–03460, 1455 Old
Waynesboro Road, Blue Ridge Summit,
Pennsylvania 17214, located in Franklin
County, Pennsylvania; and Kremlin
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 47–00148, 248
Kremlin Road, Pembine, Wisconsin
54156; located in Marinette County,
Wisconsin.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 56.13020
(Use of compressed air).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method for implementing a clothes
cleaning process that uses regulated
compressed air for cleaning miners’
dust-laden clothing. The petitioner
states that:
1. Only miners trained in the
operation of the clothes cleaning booth
will be permitted to use the booth to
clean their clothes.
2. The petitioner will incorporate the
NIOSH Clothes Cleaning Process and
Manufacturer’s Instruction Manuals into
their MSHA Part 46 Training Plan and
train affected miners in the process.
3. Miners entering the booth will
examine valves and nozzles for damage
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:26 Jan 31, 2013
Jkt 229001
or malfunction and will close the door
fully before opening the air valve. Any
defects will be repaired prior to the
booth being used.
4. Miners entering the booth will wear
eye protection; ear plugs or muffs for
hearing protection; and, a full-face or
half-mask respirator that meets or
exceeds the minimum requirements of a
N95 filter to which the miner has been
fit-tested. As an alternative, the use of
a full-face respirator will meet the
requirement for eye protection. A sign
will be conspicuously posted requiring
the use of personal protective
equipment when entering the booth.
5. Airflow through the booth will be
at least 2,000 cubic feet per minute to
maintain negative pressure during use
of the cleaning system to prevent
contamination of the environment
outside the booth. Airflow will be in a
downward direction to move
contaminants away from the miner’s
breathing zone.
6. Air pressure through the spray
manifold will be limited to 30 pounds
per square inch or less. A lock box with
a single key controlled by the plant
manager will be used to prevent
regulator tampering.
7. The air spray manifold will consist
of a 11⁄2; inch, square tube with 1⁄4-inch
wall thickness capped at the base and
actuated by an electrically controlled
valve at the top.
8. Air nozzles will not exceed 30
pounds per square inch gauge.
9. The uppermost spray of the spray
manifold will be located below the
booth users’ breathing zone. Some type
of mechanical device may be used to
cover the upper air nozzles to meet the
specific height of the user.
10. Air nozzles will be guarded to
eliminate the possibility of incidental
contact that could create mechanical
damage to the air nozzles during the
clothes cleaning process.
11. The petitioner will conduct
periodic maintenance checks of the
booth according to the
recommendations contained in the
Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual.
12. The air receiver tank supplying air
to the manifold system will be of
sufficient volume to permit no less than
20 seconds of continuous clothes
cleaning time.
13. An appropriate hazard warning
sign will be posted on the booth to state,
at a minimum, ‘‘Compressed Air’’ and
‘‘Respirable Dust’’.
14. A pressure relief valve designed
for the booth’s air reservoir will be
installed.
15. The mine will exhaust dust-laden
air from the booth into a local exhaust
ventilation system or duct outside the
PO 00000
Frm 00074
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
facility while ensuring there is no reentrainment back into the structure.
The petitioner further states that:
1. The alternative method provides a
direct reduction of miners’ exposure to
respirable dust, thus reducing their
health risks while providing no less
than the same degree of safety provided
by the existing standard.
2. The alternative method has been
jointly developed between Unimin
Corporation and the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) and successfully tested by
NIOSH.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded by the
existing standard.
Dated: January 29, 2013.
George F. Triebsch,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and
Variances.
[FR Doc. 2013–02190 Filed 1–31–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–43–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
[Docket No. OSHA–2012–0055]
Stakeholder Meeting on the Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory
Program
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), Labor.
ACTION: Notice of stakeholder meeting.
AGENCY:
OSHA invites interested
parties to attend an informal stakeholder
meeting concerning Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
Program policies. The meeting will
focus on the following topics: NRTL
independence; the NRTL initial
application process and timeline; the
NRTL renewal process; and, at OSHA’s
discretion and as time permits, other
topics raised by participants or OSHA
staff. OSHA plans to use the information
gathered at this meeting to explore
development of new or revised policies,
procedures, or guidelines for the NRTL
Program.
DATES: The stakeholder meeting will be
held on Wednesday, March 6, 2013,
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., e.t., in
Washington, DC. The deadline to
register to attend the meeting as a
participant or an observer is Friday,
February 22, 2013. Those who submit
their registrations after February 22,
2013, may not receive confirmation of
their attendance from OSHA. The
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 22 (Friday, February 1, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7458-7460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02190]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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 codified in Title 30
of the Code of Federal Regulations.
DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by the Office of
Standards, Regulations and Variances on or before March 4, 2013.
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 or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards,
Regulations and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington,
Virginia 22209-3939, Attention: George F. Triebsch, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations and Variances. Persons delivering documents 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:
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 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.
[[Page 7459]]
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 No: M-2013-001-C.
Petitioner: Sterling Mining Corporation, P.O. Box 217, North Lima,
Ohio 44452.
Mines: Shean Hill, MSHA I.D. No. 33-04591, located in Jefferson
County, Ohio, and Carroll Hollow 6, MSHA I.D. No. 33-04605,
located in Carroll County, Ohio.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1100-2(b) (Quantity and location of
firefighting equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit fire hose outlets and valves required every
300 feet along conveyor belt entries to be maintained at the main
waterline located in the common entry adjacent to the conveyor belt
entry, rather than projected from the waterline across the entry where
the waterline is located and into the crosscut separating the conveyor
belt entry from the adjacent entry. The petitioner states that:
1. The alternative location of outlets and valves will be more
accessible and will allow the fire hose outlets and valves to be
located in an area less likely to be struck by a miner or equipment.
This will result in less likelihood of injury to a miner or damage to
the outlet and valves before or during their potential use and could
make them more likely to function properly in the event they are
needed.
2. The existing standard requires waterlines to be installed
parallel to the entire length of belt conveyors and be equipped with
fire hose outlets with valves at intervals no greater than 300 feet
along the conveyors and at tailpieces.
3. The existing standard allows for the waterlines to be installed
in entries adjacent to the conveyor belt entry as long as the outlets
project into the conveyor belt entry.
4. Currently the waterlines for the mines listed in this petition
are maintained in an adjacent common air entry to the beltline. The
adjacent entry is the secondary escapeway and most traveled roadway in
the mine. The waterline runs along the side of the adjacent entry and
against the stopping line separating the neutral belt air course from
the return or intake air course, which eliminates the potential of the
waterline inhibiting travel between the belt entry and the adjacent
roadway.
5. Every 300 feet along the conveyor belt, a 2-inch water pipe is
plumbed into the main waterline, projected along the roof above the
roadway, and into the crosscut separating the belt and adjacent entries
where they are fitted with the proper outlets and valves.
6. Due to the thin coal seam and low mining height, the pipes
placed along the roof line result in a hazardous condition where miners
could contact a pipe, potentially causing head and neck injuries. The
pipes placed along the roof are also at risk of being hit and damaged
by equipment, which could cause the damaged pipe and perhaps the entire
mine water system to be temporarily inoperative while the damage is
being repaired.
7. Placing the outlets and valves at the main waterline rather than
projected across the roadway into the crosscut adjacent to the conveyor
belt entry will move their location 20 feet from the current location.
This move will have no effect on the coverage of the fire protection
system and will make the fire outlets and valves more accessible.
8. Travel in the belt entry is relatively difficult. It is only
traveled during inspection and maintenance of the conveyor belt entry.
Most of the travel is in the adjacent entry common to the conveyor belt
entry where the main waterline is located. In the event of a fire in
the beltline, the miners who retrieve the fire hose and mobilize to
fight the fire will travel the roadway to the necessary outlet and
valve.
9. Once the miners have traveled the roadway to the necessary
outlet and valve, they will be able to hook up the fire hose in the
adjacent entry, and move safely into the conveyor belt entry and begin
fighting the fire.
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.
Docket Number: M-2013-001-M.
Petitioner: Specialty Granules (Ione) LLC, 1101 Opal Court, Suite
315, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.
Mine: Ione Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 04-05533, 1900 Highway 104, Ione,
California 95640, located in Amador County, California.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 56.13020 (Use of compressed air).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an alternative method for implementing a
clothes cleaning process that uses regulated compressed air for
cleaning miners' dust-laden clothing. The petitioner states that:
1. Only miners trained in the operation of the clothes cleaning
booth will be permitted to use the booth to clean their clothes.
2. The petitioner will incorporate the NIOSH Clothes Cleaning
Process and Manufacturer's Instruction Manuals into their MSHA Part 46
Training Plan and train affected miners in the process.
3. Miners entering the booth will examine valves and nozzles for
damage or malfunction and will close the door fully before opening the
air valve. Any defects will be repaired prior to the booth being used.
4. Miners entering the booth will wear eye protection; ear plugs or
muffs for hearing protection; and, a full-face or half-mask respirator
that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of a N95 filter to which
the miner has been fit-tested. As an alternative, the use of a full-
face respirator will meet the requirement for eye protection. A sign
will be conspicuously posted requiring the use of personal protective
equipment when entering the booth.
5. Airflow through the booth will be at least 2,000 cubic feet per
minute to maintain negative pressure during use of the cleaning system
to prevent contamination of the environment outside the booth. Airflow
will be in a downward direction to move contaminants away from the
miner's breathing zone.
6. Air pressure through the spray manifold will be limited to 30
pounds per square inch or less. A lock box with a single key controlled
by the plant manager will be used to prevent regulator tampering.
7. The air spray manifold will consist of a 1\1/2\ inch, square
tube with \1/4\-inch wall thickness capped at the base and actuated by
an electrically controlled valve at the top.
8. Air nozzles will not exceed 30 pounds per square inch gauge.
9. The uppermost spray of the spray manifold will be located below
the booth users' breathing zone. Some type of mechanical device may be
used to cover the upper air nozzles to meet the specific height of the
user.
10. Air nozzles will be guarded to eliminate the possibility of
incidental contact that could create mechanical damage to the air
nozzles during the clothes cleaning process.
11. The petitioner will conduct periodic maintenance checks of the
booth according to the recommendations contained in the Manufacturer's
Instruction Manual.
12. The air receiver tank supplying air to the manifold system will
be of sufficient volume to permit no less than
[[Page 7460]]
20 seconds of continuous clothes cleaning time.
13. An appropriate hazard warning sign will be posted on the booth
to state, at a minimum, ``Compressed Air'' and ``Respirable Dust''.
14. A pressure relief valve designed for the booth's air reservoir
will be installed.
15. The mine will exhaust dust-laden air from the booth into a
local exhaust ventilation system or duct outside the facility while
ensuring there is no re-entrainment back into the structure.
The petitioner further states that:
1. The alternative method provides a direct reduction of miners'
exposure to respirable dust, thus reducing their health risks while
providing no less than the same degree of safety provided by the
existing standard.
2. The alternative method has been jointly developed between Unimin
Corporation and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) and successfully tested by NIOSH.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded by the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2013-002-M.
Petitioner: Specialty Granules, Inc., 1101 Opal Court, Suite 315,
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740.
Mines: Annapolis Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 23-00288, 1 Hillcrest
Drive, Annapolis, Missouri 63620, located in Iron County, Missouri;
Charmian Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-03460, 1455 Old Waynesboro Road, Blue
Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania 17214, located in Franklin County,
Pennsylvania; and Kremlin Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 47-00148, 248 Kremlin
Road, Pembine, Wisconsin 54156; located in Marinette County, Wisconsin.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 56.13020 (Use of compressed air).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an alternative method for implementing a
clothes cleaning process that uses regulated compressed air for
cleaning miners' dust-laden clothing. The petitioner states that:
1. Only miners trained in the operation of the clothes cleaning
booth will be permitted to use the booth to clean their clothes.
2. The petitioner will incorporate the NIOSH Clothes Cleaning
Process and Manufacturer's Instruction Manuals into their MSHA Part 46
Training Plan and train affected miners in the process.
3. Miners entering the booth will examine valves and nozzles for
damage or malfunction and will close the door fully before opening the
air valve. Any defects will be repaired prior to the booth being used.
4. Miners entering the booth will wear eye protection; ear plugs or
muffs for hearing protection; and, a full-face or half-mask respirator
that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements of a N95 filter to which
the miner has been fit-tested. As an alternative, the use of a full-
face respirator will meet the requirement for eye protection. A sign
will be conspicuously posted requiring the use of personal protective
equipment when entering the booth.
5. Airflow through the booth will be at least 2,000 cubic feet per
minute to maintain negative pressure during use of the cleaning system
to prevent contamination of the environment outside the booth. Airflow
will be in a downward direction to move contaminants away from the
miner's breathing zone.
6. Air pressure through the spray manifold will be limited to 30
pounds per square inch or less. A lock box with a single key controlled
by the plant manager will be used to prevent regulator tampering.
7. The air spray manifold will consist of a 1\1/2\; inch, square
tube with \1/4\-inch wall thickness capped at the base and actuated by
an electrically controlled valve at the top.
8. Air nozzles will not exceed 30 pounds per square inch gauge.
9. The uppermost spray of the spray manifold will be located below
the booth users' breathing zone. Some type of mechanical device may be
used to cover the upper air nozzles to meet the specific height of the
user.
10. Air nozzles will be guarded to eliminate the possibility of
incidental contact that could create mechanical damage to the air
nozzles during the clothes cleaning process.
11. The petitioner will conduct periodic maintenance checks of the
booth according to the recommendations contained in the Manufacturer's
Instruction Manual.
12. The air receiver tank supplying air to the manifold system will
be of sufficient volume to permit no less than 20 seconds of continuous
clothes cleaning time.
13. An appropriate hazard warning sign will be posted on the booth
to state, at a minimum, ``Compressed Air'' and ``Respirable Dust''.
14. A pressure relief valve designed for the booth's air reservoir
will be installed.
15. The mine will exhaust dust-laden air from the booth into a
local exhaust ventilation system or duct outside the facility while
ensuring there is no re-entrainment back into the structure.
The petitioner further states that:
1. The alternative method provides a direct reduction of miners'
exposure to respirable dust, thus reducing their health risks while
providing no less than the same degree of safety provided by the
existing standard.
2. The alternative method has been jointly developed between Unimin
Corporation and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) and successfully tested by NIOSH.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded by the existing standard.
Dated: January 29, 2013.
George F. Triebsch,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2013-02190 Filed 1-31-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
