Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 37239-37241 [2017-16783]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 9, 2017 / Notices
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[FR Doc. 2017–16726 Filed 8–8–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–FR–P
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
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
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:00 Aug 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
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 September 8, 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
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
(Secretary) 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.
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37239
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M–2017–014–C.
Petitioner: Gibson County Coal, LLC,
3455 S 700 W, Owensville, Indiana
47665.
Mine: South Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 12–
02388, located in Gibson County,
Indiana.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.382
(Mechanical escape facilities).
Modification Requested: The
petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit the use of
the slope belt conveyor as a mechanical
escape facility at the South Mine. The
petitioner states that:
a. Mine No. 1 extracts coal from the
Springfield No. 5 coal seam by
continuous mining method. The coal
seam is intersected by a vertical shaft
with cage hoist facility and by a dual
compartment slope that contains a slope
car hoist facility in the lower track
compartment and a belt conveyor in the
isolated upper compartment.
Escapeways, as required in 30 CFR
75.380(a), are connected to these hoist
facilities as required in 30 CFR
75.380(i)(1) and (i)(2).
b. Rope and drum hoists used as
mechanical escape facilities at these
locations are subject to maintenance
and/or conditions that could interfere
with the operation of the facility for
extended periods of time. The
availability of a third mechanical escape
facility (slope belt conveyor) provides
an additional layer of safety for the
miners and enhances compliance with
escapeway regulations in that there will
be an additional escape facility readily
available during normal hoist
operations. Additionally, the use of the
slope belt conveyor as a mechanical
escape facility provides the most
efficient means to evacuate miners in
the event of a mine emergency. The
slope belt conveyor provides a nonstop
conveyance on which the miners can
exit the mine without the delay of
having to wait on the limited capacity
of the slope car as it makes a roundtrip
in and out of the mine. At a speed of
140 feet per minute, the slope belt
conveyor can evacuate 100 miners in
approximately 19 minutes. The slope
car hoist requires approximately 126
minutes to evacuate 100 miners.
The petitioner further states that the
use of the slope belt conveyor as a
mechanical escape facility at the South
Mine will be conditioned upon
compliance with the following:
(1) The slope belt conveyor will be
equipped with an automatic braking
system which will prevent the belt from
reversing direction if power is lost. The
drive pulley shafts are provided with a
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37240
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 9, 2017 / Notices
braking/blocking device that
mechanically prevents rotation of the
conveyer when the drive motors are deenergized.
(2) The power source for the slope
belt conveyor will be independent of the
underground mine’s power source.
(3) The slope belt conveyor is
powered by multiple drive motors
located on the mine’s surface facilities.
Each drive motor is controlled by a
variable frequency drive that, coupled
with encoders, monitors the speed of
the motor unit and can shut down the
belt if a predetermined speed set point
is exceeded. When persons are being
transported on the slope belt conveyor
as a mechanical escape facility, the belt
speed will not exceed 140 feet per
minute.
(4) A personnel loading platform will
be installed across the slope belt
conveyor outby the first North loading
point. The loading platform will be
designed to enable miners, including
disabled persons, to safely and
systematically board the slope belt
conveyor.
(5) A minimum of four attendants will
be stationed at the personnel loading
platform to assist miners as they
transition from the loading platform
onto the slope belt conveyor.
(6) A personnel unloading platform
will be installed across the slope belt
conveyor at the first opportunity on the
surface, just inby the Portal opening.
The unloading platform will be
designed to enable miners, including
disabled persons, to safely and
systematically exit the slope belt
conveyor. Upon notification of an
emergency requiring evacuation,
loading and unloading platforms will be
put in position as required in 30 CFR
75.380(j).
(7) A minimum of four attendants will
be stationed at the personnel unloading
platform to assist miners as they
transition from the slope belt conveyor
onto the unloading platform.
(8) Positive-acting stop controls will
be installed continuously along the
slope belt conveyor and such controls
will be readily accessible to persons
being transported on the slope belt
conveyor.
(9) The slope belt conveyor will be
equipped with automatic stop controls
that will automatically stop the belt if a
person travels beyond the unloading
platform.
(10) The belt flight dumping onto the
slope belt conveyor will be de-energized
to ensure that the power cannot be
reapplied to the belt flight dumping
onto the slope belt conveyor while the
slope belt conveyor is in use as a
mechanical escape facility.
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17:00 Aug 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
(11) The slope belt conveyor will have
a minimum vertical clearance of 18
inches from the nearest overhead
projection when measured from the
edge of the belt.
(12) Adequate illumination will be
provided at the personnel loading and
unloading platforms on the slope belt
conveyor.
(13) The slope belt conveyor will not
be used to transport supplies and the
slope belt conveyor will be clear of all
material before persons are transported.
(14) Telephone or other suitable
communications will be provided at the
personnel loading and unloading
platforms on the slope belt conveyor.
(15) Suitable crossing facilities will be
provided wherever persons must cross
the moving slope belt conveyor to gain
access at the personnel loading and
unloading platforms.
(16) The slope belt conveyor will be
operated in the mechanical escapeway
mode at least weekly. A record of this
test will be documented and made
available for inspection by authorized
representatives of the Secretary and
representatives of the Indiana Bureau of
Mines and Mining Safety.
(17) All underground mine personnel
will be trained in the provisions of this
petition before the petition is
implemented. A record of this training
will be documented and made available
for inspection by authorized
representatives of the Secretary and
representatives of the Indiana Bureau of
Mines and Mining Safety.
The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method will at all
times provide the same degree of safety
for the underground miners at Mine No.
1 as that afforded by the existing
standard.
Docket Number: M–2017–015–C.
Petitioner: Prairie State Generating
Company, 4274 County Highway 12,
Marissa, Illinois 62257.
Mine: Lively Grove Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 11–03193, located in Washington
County, Illinois.
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 in or 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
temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers
(meggers), voltage/current/resistance/
and power measurement devices, signal
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness
gauges, electronic component 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 or inby
the last open crosscut will be examined
by a qualified person as defined in 30
CFR 75.153, prior to use to ensure the
equipment is being maintained in a safe
operating condition. These examination
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 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 one percent.
When methane is detected in
concentrations at or above one percent
while the nonpermissible electronic
equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and
will be 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 safe use procedures
recommended by the manufacturer.
(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
standard.
Docket Number: M–2017–016–C.
Petitioner: Prairie State Generating
Company, 4274 County Highway 12,
Marissa, Illinois 62257.
Mine: Lively Grove Mine, MSHA I.D.
No. 11–03193, located in Washington
County, Illinois.
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 152 / Wednesday, August 9, 2017 / Notices
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
temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers
(meggers), voltage/current/resistance/
and power measurement devices, signal
analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness
gauges, electronic component 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, prior to use
to ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating
condition. These examination 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 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 one percent.
When methane is detected in
concentrations at or above one percent
while the nonpermissible electronic
equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and
will be 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.
(7) All electronic testing and
diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the safe use procedures
recommended by the manufacturer.
(8) Qualified personnel who use
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment will be properly trained to
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17:00 Aug 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
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
standard.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017–16783 Filed 8–8–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
NUCLEAR REGULATORY
COMMISSION
[NRC–2017–0174]
Information Collection: Reactor Site
Criteria
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
ACTION: Renewal of existing information
collection; request for comment.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission (NRC) invites public
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Management and Budget (OMB)
approval for an existing collection of
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is entitled, ‘‘10 CFR part 100, Reactor
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DATES: Submit comments by October 10,
2017. Comments received after this date
will be considered if it is practical to do
so, but the Commission is able to ensure
consideration only for comments
received on or before this date.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
by any of the following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2017–0174. Address
questions about NRC dockets to Carol
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email: Carol.Gallagher@nrc.gov. For
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Mail Stop: T–5 F53, U.S. Nuclear
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For additional direction on obtaining
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see ‘‘Obtaining Information and
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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of
this document.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Cullison, Office of the Chief
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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37241
Information Officer, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Washington,
DC 20555–0001; telephone: (301) 415–
2084; email: INFOCOLLECTS.Resource@
NRC.GOV.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Obtaining Information and
Submitting Comments
A. Obtaining Information
Please refer to Docket ID NRC–2017–
0174 when contacting the NRC about
the availability of information for this
action. You may obtain publiclyavailable information related to this
action by any of the following methods:
• Federal Rulemaking Web site: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and search
for Docket ID NRC–2017–0174.
• NRC’s Agencywide Documents
Access and Management System
(ADAMS): You may obtain publiclyavailable documents online in the
ADAMS Public Documents collection at
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adams.html. To begin the search, select
‘‘ADAMS Public Documents’’ and then
select ‘‘Begin Web-based ADAMS
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please contact the NRC’s Public
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• NRC’s PDR: You may examine and
purchase copies of public documents at
the NRC’s PDR, Room O1–F21, One
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• NRC’s Clearance Officer: A copy of
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instructions may be obtained without
charge by contacting NRC’s Clearance
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Chief Information Officer, U.S. Nuclear
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The NRC does not routinely edit
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 152 (Wednesday, August 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37239-37241]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-16783]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 September 8,
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 (Secretary)
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-2017-014-C.
Petitioner: Gibson County Coal, LLC, 3455 S 700 W, Owensville,
Indiana 47665.
Mine: South Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 12-02388, located in Gibson County,
Indiana.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.382 (Mechanical escape facilities).
Modification Requested: The petitioner requests a modification of
the existing standard to permit the use of the slope belt conveyor as a
mechanical escape facility at the South Mine. The petitioner states
that:
a. Mine No. 1 extracts coal from the Springfield No. 5 coal seam by
continuous mining method. The coal seam is intersected by a vertical
shaft with cage hoist facility and by a dual compartment slope that
contains a slope car hoist facility in the lower track compartment and
a belt conveyor in the isolated upper compartment. Escapeways, as
required in 30 CFR 75.380(a), are connected to these hoist facilities
as required in 30 CFR 75.380(i)(1) and (i)(2).
b. Rope and drum hoists used as mechanical escape facilities at
these locations are subject to maintenance and/or conditions that could
interfere with the operation of the facility for extended periods of
time. The availability of a third mechanical escape facility (slope
belt conveyor) provides an additional layer of safety for the miners
and enhances compliance with escapeway regulations in that there will
be an additional escape facility readily available during normal hoist
operations. Additionally, the use of the slope belt conveyor as a
mechanical escape facility provides the most efficient means to
evacuate miners in the event of a mine emergency. The slope belt
conveyor provides a nonstop conveyance on which the miners can exit the
mine without the delay of having to wait on the limited capacity of the
slope car as it makes a roundtrip in and out of the mine. At a speed of
140 feet per minute, the slope belt conveyor can evacuate 100 miners in
approximately 19 minutes. The slope car hoist requires approximately
126 minutes to evacuate 100 miners.
The petitioner further states that the use of the slope belt
conveyor as a mechanical escape facility at the South Mine will be
conditioned upon compliance with the following:
(1) The slope belt conveyor will be equipped with an automatic
braking system which will prevent the belt from reversing direction if
power is lost. The drive pulley shafts are provided with a
[[Page 37240]]
braking/blocking device that mechanically prevents rotation of the
conveyer when the drive motors are de-energized.
(2) The power source for the slope belt conveyor will be
independent of the underground mine's power source.
(3) The slope belt conveyor is powered by multiple drive motors
located on the mine's surface facilities. Each drive motor is
controlled by a variable frequency drive that, coupled with encoders,
monitors the speed of the motor unit and can shut down the belt if a
predetermined speed set point is exceeded. When persons are being
transported on the slope belt conveyor as a mechanical escape facility,
the belt speed will not exceed 140 feet per minute.
(4) A personnel loading platform will be installed across the slope
belt conveyor outby the first North loading point. The loading platform
will be designed to enable miners, including disabled persons, to
safely and systematically board the slope belt conveyor.
(5) A minimum of four attendants will be stationed at the personnel
loading platform to assist miners as they transition from the loading
platform onto the slope belt conveyor.
(6) A personnel unloading platform will be installed across the
slope belt conveyor at the first opportunity on the surface, just inby
the Portal opening. The unloading platform will be designed to enable
miners, including disabled persons, to safely and systematically exit
the slope belt conveyor. Upon notification of an emergency requiring
evacuation, loading and unloading platforms will be put in position as
required in 30 CFR 75.380(j).
(7) A minimum of four attendants will be stationed at the personnel
unloading platform to assist miners as they transition from the slope
belt conveyor onto the unloading platform.
(8) Positive-acting stop controls will be installed continuously
along the slope belt conveyor and such controls will be readily
accessible to persons being transported on the slope belt conveyor.
(9) The slope belt conveyor will be equipped with automatic stop
controls that will automatically stop the belt if a person travels
beyond the unloading platform.
(10) The belt flight dumping onto the slope belt conveyor will be
de-energized to ensure that the power cannot be reapplied to the belt
flight dumping onto the slope belt conveyor while the slope belt
conveyor is in use as a mechanical escape facility.
(11) The slope belt conveyor will have a minimum vertical clearance
of 18 inches from the nearest overhead projection when measured from
the edge of the belt.
(12) Adequate illumination will be provided at the personnel
loading and unloading platforms on the slope belt conveyor.
(13) The slope belt conveyor will not be used to transport supplies
and the slope belt conveyor will be clear of all material before
persons are transported.
(14) Telephone or other suitable communications will be provided at
the personnel loading and unloading platforms on the slope belt
conveyor.
(15) Suitable crossing facilities will be provided wherever persons
must cross the moving slope belt conveyor to gain access at the
personnel loading and unloading platforms.
(16) The slope belt conveyor will be operated in the mechanical
escapeway mode at least weekly. A record of this test will be
documented and made available for inspection by authorized
representatives of the Secretary and representatives of the Indiana
Bureau of Mines and Mining Safety.
(17) All underground mine personnel will be trained in the
provisions of this petition before the petition is implemented. A
record of this training will be documented and made available for
inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and
representatives of the Indiana Bureau of Mines and Mining Safety.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at
all times provide the same degree of safety for the underground miners
at Mine No. 1 as that afforded by the existing standard.
Docket Number: M-2017-015-C.
Petitioner: Prairie State Generating Company, 4274 County Highway
12, Marissa, Illinois 62257.
Mine: Lively Grove Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11-03193, located in
Washington County, Illinois.
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 in or 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 temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers (meggers), voltage/current/
resistance/and power measurement devices, signal analyzer devices,
ultrasonic thickness gauges, electronic component 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 or
inby the last open crosscut will be examined by a qualified person as
defined in 30 CFR 75.153, prior to use to ensure the equipment is being
maintained in a safe operating condition. These examination 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 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 one
percent. When methane is detected in concentrations at or above one
percent while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used,
the equipment will be de-energized immediately and will be 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 safe use procedures recommended by the
manufacturer.
(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 standard.
Docket Number: M-2017-016-C.
Petitioner: Prairie State Generating Company, 4274 County Highway
12, Marissa, Illinois 62257.
Mine: Lively Grove Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11-03193, located in
Washington County, Illinois.
[[Page 37241]]
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 temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers (meggers), voltage/current/
resistance/and power measurement devices, signal analyzer devices,
ultrasonic thickness gauges, electronic component 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, prior to use to ensure the
equipment is being maintained in a safe operating condition. These
examination 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 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 one
percent. When methane is detected in concentrations at or above one
percent while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used,
the equipment will be de-energized immediately and will be 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.
(7) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in
accordance with the safe use procedures recommended by the
manufacturer.
(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 standard.
Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017-16783 Filed 8-8-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
