Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 16071-16073 [2017-06344]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 61 / Friday, March 31, 2017 / Notices
diluting the concentration without the
limitation of a fixed quantity of purge
air. This continuous airflow eliminates
the issues of having a finite quantity of
breathable air such as currently
provided by portable, self-contained
systems.
(9) The petitioner states that NIOSH
research has shown that a BIP–RA that
is provided with a dedicated borehole
offers a significant improvement over
the use of self-contained systems.
NIOSH has stated that if a BIP–RA with
a dedicated borehole is used, spacing of
those systems can be up to 5,000 feet
from the face.
(10) NIOSH recommends taking steps
to ensure post-disaster communications
from within an occupied RA to the
surface. The use of dedicated borehole
provides a separate, protected
communications pathway from inside
the BIP–RA to the surface by routing a
communication cable up through the
borehole to the surface.
(11) A portable, self-contained RA has
a finite length of time that it will
provide refuge to miners, and that
length of time is impacted by the
number of miners inside the RA. If
rescue exceeds that finite timeframe, the
miners’ air supply would be exhausted.
These BIP–RA structures at San Juan
Mine can be ventilated indefinitely via
that dedicated borehole.
Within 60 days after the proposed
decision (PDO) and order becomes final,
the petitioner will submit proposed
revisions for its approved 30 CFR 48
training plan to the DM if MSHA
determines that current ongoing training
conducted under the existing
Emergency Response Plan needs to be
supplemented. Such proposed revisions
will specify the terms and conditions
stated in the PDO.
The petitioner submits that for the
reasons and on the terms stated above,
utilizing BIP–RAs with dedicated
boreholes to the surface equipped with
Part 7 approved breathable air
components, harmful gas removal
components, and air monitoring
components, will at all times provide an
equivalent or even greater measure of
protection as that afforded by the
current standard.
Docket Number: M–2016–010–M.
Petitioner: Fred Weber, Inc., 2320
Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland
Heights, Missouri 63043.
Mine: Joliet MI, LLC Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 11–03153, located in Will County,
Illinois.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 49.6(a)(1)
(Equipment and maintenance
requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
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standard to start a mine rescue station
consisting of only six self-contained
breathing apparatus for a single team at
the Joliet mine. The petitioner states
that:
(1) There is not enough manpower at
the mine to fully staff two functional
teams.
(2) As a backup mine rescue team, a
fully equipped team from another active
mine within two hours of the Joliet
mine will be secured through written
agreement.
The petitioner asserts that the
alternative method will at all times
provide the same measure of protection
as the existing standard.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017–06342 Filed 3–30–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520–43–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:
This notice is a summary of
petitions for modification submitted to
the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) by the parties
listed below.
DATES: All comments on the petitions
must be received by MSHA’s Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances
on or before May 1, 2017.
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, 201 12th
Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
Virginia 22202–5452, Attention: Sheila
McConnell, Director, Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
Persons delivering documents are
required to check in at the receptionist’s
desk in Suite 4E401. 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
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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16071
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: Section
101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the
Code of Federal Regulations Part 44
govern the application, processing, and
disposition of petitions for modification.
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.
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–2017–004–C.
Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596
Battle Run Road, Triadelphia, West
Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 46–08864, located in Ohio County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d)
(Permissible electric equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the use of
nonpermissible electronic testing or
diagnostic equipment inby the last open
crosscut. The petitioner states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment to be used
includes: Laptop computers;
oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point
temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers
(meggers); voltage, current, resistance
meters and power testers, and electronic
tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment may be used if
approved in advance by the MSHA
District Manager.
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(2) All nonpermissible testing and
diagnostic equipment used in or inby
the last open crosscut will be examined
by a qualified person, as defined in 30
CFR 75.153, before use to ensure the
equipment is being maintained in a safe
operating condition. The examinations
results will be recorded weekly in the
examination book and will be made
available to MSHA and the miners at the
mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in
30 CFR 75.151, will continuously
monitor for methane immediately before
and during the use of nonpermissible
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment in or inby the last open
crosscut.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When a 1.0 percent or more methane
concentration is detected while the
nonpermissible electronic equipment is
being used, the equipment will be
deenergized immediately and the
nonpermissible equipment withdrawn
outby the last open crosscut.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors
will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition as defined in 30
CFR 75.320.
(6) Except for time necessary to
troubleshoot under actual mining
conditions, coal production in the
section will cease. However, coal may
remain in or on the equipment to test
and diagnose the equipment under
‘‘load.’’
(7) All electronic testing and
diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
(8) Qualified personnel who use
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to
recognize the hazards and limitations
associated with use of the equipment.
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–2017–005–C.
Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596
Battle Run Road, Triadelphia, West
Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 46–08864, located in Ohio County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507–
1(a) (Electric equipment other than
power-connection points; outby the last
open crosscut; return air; permissibility
requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:31 Mar 30, 2017
Jkt 241001
standard to permit the use of
nonpermissible electronic testing or
diagnostic equipment in return air outby
the last open crosscut. The petitioner
states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment to be used
includes: Laptop computers;
oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point
temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers
(meggers); voltage, current, resistance
meters and power testers, and electronic
tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment may be used if
approved in advance by the MSHA
District Manager.
(2) All nonpermissible testing and
diagnostic equipment used in return air
outby the last open crosscut will be
examined by a qualified person, as
defined in 30 CFR 75.153, before use to
ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating
condition. These examinations results
will be recorded weekly in the
examination book and will be made
available to MSHA and the miners at the
mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in
30 CFR 75.151, will continuously
monitor for methane immediately before
and during the use of nonpermissible
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment in return air outby the last
open crosscut.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When a 1.0 percent or more methane
concentration is detected while the
nonpermissible electronic equipment is
being used, the equipment will be
deenergized immediately and
withdrawn from the return air outby the
last open crosscut.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors
will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition as defined in 30
CFR 75.320.
(6) All electronic testing and
diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
(7) Qualified personnel who use
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to
recognize the hazards and limitations
associated with use of the equipment.
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–2017–006–C.
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Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596
Battle Run Road, Triadelphia, West
Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 46–08864, located in Ohio County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
75.1002(a) (Installation of electric
equipment and conductors;
permissibility).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit the use of
nonpermissible electronic testing or
diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of
pillar workings or longwall faces. The
petitioner states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment to be used
includes: Laptop computers;
oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point
temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers
(meggers); voltage, current, resistance
meters and power testers, and electronic
tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment may be used if
approved in advance by the MSHA
District Manager.
(2) All nonpermissible testing and
diagnostic equipment used within 150
feet of pillar workings or longwall faces
will be examined by a qualified person,
as defined in 30 CFR 75.153, before use
to ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating
condition. These examinations results
will be recorded in the weekly
examination book and will be made
available to MSHA and the miners at the
mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in
30 CFR 75.151, will continuously
monitor for methane immediately before
and during the use of nonpermissible
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment within 150 feet of pillar
workings or longwall faces.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing
and diagnostic equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When a 1.0 percent or more methane
concentration is detected while the
nonpermissible electronic equipment is
being used, the equipment will be
deenergized immediately and
withdrawn to fresh air (intake air entry)
more than 150 feet from pillar workings
and longwall faces.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors
will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition as defined in 30
CFR 75.320.
(6) Except for time necessary to
troubleshoot under actual mining
conditions, coal production in the
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 61 / Friday, March 31, 2017 / Notices
section will cease. Accumulations of
coal and combustible materials
referenced in 30 CFR 75.400 will be
removed before testing begins to provide
additional safety to miners.
(7) All electronic testing and
diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
(8) Qualified personnel who use
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to
recognize the hazards and limitations
associated with use of the equipment.
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.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017–06344 Filed 3–30–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION
ADMINISTRATION
Submission for OMB Review;
Comment Request
National Credit Union
Administration (NCUA).
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
The National Credit Union
Administration (NCUA) will be
submitting the following information
collection requests to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and clearance in accordance
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, on or after the date of publication
of this notice.
DATES: Comments should be received on
or before May 1, 2017 to be assured of
consideration.
ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding
the burden estimate, or any other aspect
of the information collection, including
suggestions for reducing the burden, to
(1) Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and
Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for
NCUA, New Executive Office Building,
Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503, or
email at OIRA_Submission@
OMB.EOP.gov and (2) NCUA PRA
Clearance Officer, 1775 Duke Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314, Suite 5067, or
email at PRAComments@ncua.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Copies of the submission may be
obtained by contacting Dawn Wolfgang,
NCUA PRA Clearance Officer, at (703)
548–2279, emailing PRAComments@
ncua.gov, or viewing the entire
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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16:31 Mar 30, 2017
Jkt 241001
information collection request at
www.reginfo.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Number: 3133–0151.
Title: Leasing, 12 CFR part 714.
Abstract: Section 714.5 of NCUA’s
Regulations requires a federal credit
union engaged in leasing to obtain or
have on file financial documentation
demonstrating that the guarantor of an
estimated residual value has the
resources to meet the guarantee.
Estimated residual value is the projected
future value of leased property at lease
end. The accuracy of the estimated
residual values used in a lease program
is a fundamental element in the success
or failure of a lease program. The higher
the estimated residual values used by a
federal credit union, the greater the
potential for loss. To mitigate this risk,
the leasing rule requires that if the
amount of the estimated residual value
relied on by the federal credit union to
satisfy the full payout lease requirement
exceeds 25 percent of the original cost
of the leased property, the credit union
must obtain a guarantee of the excess
from a financially capable party.
If the guarantor cannot meet its
guarantee, a federal credit union may
suffer serious financial loss.
Accordingly, it is important that a
federal credit union documents that a
guarantor has the financial resources
and capability to meet the guarantee. If
the guarantor is an insurance company,
the federal credit union may satisfy this
record keeping requirement by
obtaining and maintaining information
demonstrating that the insurance
company has a rating equivalent to a B+
or better from a major rating company.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Private Sector: Notfor-profit institutions.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 680.
OMB Number: 3133–0135.
Title: Authorization Agreement for
Electronic Funds Transfer Payment.
Abstract: The NCUA is required
under the Debt Collection Improvement
Act of 1996 to issue payments to credit
unions and all other entities
electronically. The ‘‘Authorization
Agreement for Electronic Funds
Transfer Payment’’ form is used to
maintain up-to-date and accurate
electronic payment data for new and
existing credit unions. NCUA uses this
information to update their electronic
routing and transit database to enable
transmittal of funds and payments. This
collection of information is needed to
allow NCUA authorization to make
financial transactions electronically
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16073
through the Automated Clearing House
(ACH) in compliance with the Debt
Collection Improvement Act of 1996.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Private Sector:
Businesses or other for-profits.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 25.
OMB Number: 3133–0166.
Title: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act
(HMDA), 12 CFR 1003 (Regulation C).
Abstract: Regulation C, 12 CFR part
1003, requires financial institutions that
meet certain thresholds to report data
annually about: Each application or
loan, including the application date; the
action taken and the date of that action;
the loan amount; the loan type, and
purpose; and, if the loan is sold, the
type of purchaser; Each applicant or
borrower, including ethnicity, race, sex,
and income; and Each property,
including location and occupancy
status.
A covered lender generally must
update information quarterly and must
submit the completed loan application
register (LAR) annually to the
appropriate Federal agency by March 1
of the year following the year covered
by the LAR. The Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council
(FFIEC) then prepares a disclosure
statement from data submitted by the
financial institutions, and provides the
disclosure statement to the financial
institution to make available at its home
office. A covered lender must make each
public disclosure statement available to
the public for five years and retain its
completed LAR for three years.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Affected Public: Private Sector: Notfor-profit institutions.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 74,542.
By Gerard Poliquin, Secretary of the Board,
the National Credit Union Administration, on
March 28, 2017.
Dated: March 28, 2017.
Dawn D. Wolfgang,
NCUA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017–06353 Filed 3–30–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE
ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
National Endowment for the Arts
Proposed Collection; Comment
Request
ACTION:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 61 (Friday, March 31, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16071-16073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06344]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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: This notice is a summary of petitions for modification
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the
parties listed below.
DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by MSHA's Office
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before May 1, 2017.
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, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401,
Arlington, Virginia 22202-5452, Attention: Sheila McConnell, Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances. Persons delivering
documents are required to check in at the receptionist's desk in Suite
4E401. 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: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety
and Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Part 44 govern the application, processing, and disposition of
petitions for modification.
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.
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-2017-004-C.
Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596 Battle Run Road, Triadelphia,
West Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08864, located in Ohio
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d) (Permissible electric
equipment).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of nonpermissible electronic
testing or diagnostic equipment inby the last open crosscut. The
petitioner states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment to
be used includes: Laptop computers; oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers (meggers); voltage, current,
resistance meters and power testers, and electronic tachometers. Other
testing and diagnostic equipment may be used if approved in advance by
the MSHA District Manager.
[[Page 16072]]
(2) All nonpermissible testing and diagnostic equipment used in or
inby the last open crosscut will be examined by a qualified person, as
defined in 30 CFR 75.153, before use to ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating condition. The examinations results will
be recorded weekly in the examination book and will be made available
to MSHA and the miners at the mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, will
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use
of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment in or
inby the last open crosscut.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will
not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above 1.0
percent. When a 1.0 percent or more methane concentration is detected
while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used, the
equipment will be deenergized immediately and the nonpermissible
equipment withdrawn outby the last open crosscut.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined in
30 CFR 75.320.
(6) Except for time necessary to troubleshoot under actual mining
conditions, coal production in the section will cease. However, coal
may remain in or on the equipment to test and diagnose the equipment
under ``load.''
(7) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(8) Qualified personnel who use electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to recognize the hazards and
limitations associated with use of the equipment.
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-2017-005-C.
Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596 Battle Run Road, Triadelphia,
West Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08864, located in Ohio
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) (Electric equipment other
than power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air;
permissibility requirements).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of nonpermissible electronic
testing or diagnostic equipment in return air outby the last open
crosscut. The petitioner states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment to
be used includes: Laptop computers; oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers (meggers); voltage, current,
resistance meters and power testers, and electronic tachometers. Other
testing and diagnostic equipment may be used if approved in advance by
the MSHA District Manager.
(2) All nonpermissible testing and diagnostic equipment used in
return air outby the last open crosscut will be examined by a qualified
person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.153, before use to ensure the equipment
is being maintained in a safe operating condition. These examinations
results will be recorded weekly in the examination book and will be
made available to MSHA and the miners at the mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, will
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use
of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment in return
air outby the last open crosscut.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will
not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above 1.0
percent. When a 1.0 percent or more methane concentration is detected
while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used, the
equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn from the return
air outby the last open crosscut.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined in
30 CFR 75.320.
(6) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(7) Qualified personnel who use electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to recognize the hazards and
limitations associated with use of the equipment.
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-2017-006-C.
Petitioner: Tunnel Ridge, LLC, 2596 Battle Run Road, Triadelphia,
West Virginia 26059.
Mine: Tunnel Ridge Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08864, located in Ohio
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002(a) (Installation of electric
equipment and conductors; permissibility).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of nonpermissible electronic
testing or diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or
longwall faces. The petitioner states that:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment to
be used includes: Laptop computers; oscilloscopes; vibration analysis
machines; cable fault detectors; point temperatures probes; infrared
temperature devices; insulation testers (meggers); voltage, current,
resistance meters and power testers, and electronic tachometers. Other
testing and diagnostic equipment may be used if approved in advance by
the MSHA District Manager.
(2) All nonpermissible testing and diagnostic equipment used within
150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces will be examined by a
qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.153, before use to ensure the
equipment is being maintained in a safe operating condition. These
examinations results will be recorded in the weekly examination book
and will be made available to MSHA and the miners at the mine.
(3) A qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, will
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use
of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment within
150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces.
(4) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will
not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above 1.0
percent. When a 1.0 percent or more methane concentration is detected
while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used, the
equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn to fresh air
(intake air entry) more than 150 feet from pillar workings and longwall
faces.
(5) All hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved and
maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined in
30 CFR 75.320.
(6) Except for time necessary to troubleshoot under actual mining
conditions, coal production in the
[[Page 16073]]
section will cease. Accumulations of coal and combustible materials
referenced in 30 CFR 75.400 will be removed before testing begins to
provide additional safety to miners.
(7) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
(8) Qualified personnel who use electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to recognize the hazards and
limitations associated with use of the equipment.
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.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017-06344 Filed 3-30-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
