Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards, 66582-66586 [2020-23193]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 203 / Tuesday, October 20, 2020 / Notices
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Office of the Secretary
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission for OMB
Review; Comment Request; Manlifts
Standard
Notice of availability; request
for comments.
ACTION:
The Department of Labor
(DOL) is submitting this Occupational
Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)-sponsored information
collection request (ICR) to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for
review and approval in accordance with
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA). Public comments on the ICR are
invited.
DATES: The OMB will consider all
written comments that agency receives
on or before November 19, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Department,
including whether the information will
have practical utility; (2) if the
information will be processed and used
in a timely manner; (3) the accuracy of
the agency’s estimates of the burden and
cost of the collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (4)
ways to enhance the quality, utility and
clarity of the information collection; and
(5) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including the use of
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Crystal Rennie by telephone at 202–
693–0456, or by email at DOL_PRA_
PUBLIC@dol.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
authority granted by the Occupational
Safety and Health Act (OSH Act), OSHA
published at 29 CFR 1910.68 a safety
standard for general industry regulating
the use of manlifts (‘‘the Standard’’).
The paperwork provisions of the
Standard specify requirements for
inspecting manlifts; and developing,
maintaining, and disclosing inspection
records. For additional substantive
SUMMARY:
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information about this ICR, see the
related notice published in the Federal
Register on June 2, 2020 (85 FR 33734).
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 the OMB
approves it 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 OMB Control Number.
See 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and 1320.6.
DOL seeks PRA authorization for this
information collection for three (3)
years. OMB authorization for an ICR
cannot be for more than three (3) years
without renewal. The DOL notes that
information collection requirements
submitted to the OMB for existing ICRs
receive a month-to-month extension
while they undergo review.
Agency: DOL–OSHA.
Title of Collection: Manlifts Standard.
OMB Control Number: 1218–0226.
Affected Public: Private Sector,
Business or other for-profits institutions.
Total Estimated Number of
Respondents: 3,000.
Total Estimated Number of
Responses: 36,000.
Total Estimated Annual Time Burden:
37,800 hours.
Total Estimated Annual Other Costs
Burden: $0.
(Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3507(a)(1)(D))
Crystal Rennie,
Acting Departmental Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020–23192 Filed 10–19–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–26–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
four 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 November 19, 2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your
comments, identified by ‘‘docket
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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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: Roslyn
B. Fontaine, Deputy 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 petition 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:
Aromie Noe, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202–693–
9557 (voice), Noe.Song-Ae.A@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. 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 for filing petitions for
modification.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M–2020–022–C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200
Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport, West
Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–09447, located in Barbour County,
West Virginia.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 203 / Tuesday, October 20, 2020 / Notices
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507–
1 (Electric equipment other than powerconnection points; outby the last open
crosscut; return air; permissibility
requirements.).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method of compliance to allow the use
of battery-powered nonpermissible
surveying equipment including total
station surveying equipment, distance
meters, theodolites, and data loggers, in
return air, outby the last open crosscut.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining operations,
specifically for accurately locating
entries, bore holes, gas wells, and other
features, mine surveying will be used.
Accurate surveying is important for
mine required ventilation maps in 30
CFR 75.372 and 75.1200. Surveying
technology has advanced greatly in
recent years, allowing for increased
accuracy, which promotes miner safety.
These new surveying systems are
battery powered and are not MSHAcertified. For this equipment to be
employed in the Longview mine, the
petitioner has submitted this petition for
modification of 30 CFR 75.507–1(a).
As an alternative to the existing
standard, the petitioner proposes the
following:
(a) The petitioner proposes to use
battery operated transits, total station
surveying equipment, distance meters
and data loggers in return air, outby the
last open crosscut. The petition
proposes the use of theodolites and
similar low-voltage battery-operated
total stations and theodolites if they
have an ingress protection (IP) rating of
66 or greater in the subject area,
according to this petition.
(1) If the surveying equipment
operates using lithium batteries, it must
meet the battery safety standard:
UL1642 or IEC 62133.
(2) If an IP 66 rating is not possible,
the highest IP rating will be used.
(b) A record of the equipment will be
kept on mine property in either a secure
book or electronically in a secure
computer where the records will not be
alterable. The record will contain: The
date of manufacture and/or the purchase
information of each piece of survey
equipment, proof of compliance with
lithium battery standards, and the
original equipment manufacturers’ user
and maintenance manuals. These
records will be made available to MSHA
and miners at the mine.
(c) Survey equipment will be
examined by a qualified person, as in 30
CFR 75.153, before the equipment is
taken underground to ensure safe
operating conditions. The minimum
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requirements of the examination by a
qualified person are the following:
(1) Check the equipment for physical
damage and the integrity of the case;
(2) Remove the battery and check for
corrosion, if removable;
(3) Inspect the contact points to
ensure a secure connection to the
battery, if removable;
(4) Reinsert the battery, power up and
shut down to ensure proper
connections, if accessible;
(5) Check the battery compartment
cover or battery attachment to ensure
that it is securely fastened; and
(6) For equipment utilizing lithium
cells, the cells will be inspected to
ensure they are not damaged or swelled
in size.
(d) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR
75.512–2, will examine the equipment
weekly and record the results. Records
will be maintained for at least one year.
(e) The equipment will be serviced
per the manufacturers’
recommendation, dates of service and a
description of any work performed will
be recorded.
(f) Surveying equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When 1.0 percent or more methane is
detected while such equipment is being
used, the equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn
outby the last open crosscut. Batteries
will not be removed to de-energize
equipment due to the possibility of
accidental short-circuiting. All
requirements of 30 CFR 75.323 will be
complied with prior to entering the
subject area.
(g) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR
75.100, will conduct a visual
examination of the location that the
survey equipment will be used in before
the equipment is taken into or energized
in that area. The visual examination will
include: Evidence that the area is
properly rock dusted and whether there
is an accumulation of combustible
material (such as float coal dust). If float
coal dust is observed in suspension then
the equipment cannot be energized until
sufficient rock dusting has been applied
and/or the combustible material has
been cleaned up or removed.
(h) A methane test will be made at
least 12 inches from the roof, face, ribs,
and floor (under 30 CFR 75.323) before
energizing equipment in the subject
area.
(i) Hand-held methane detectors will
be MSHA-approved as set forth by 30
CFR 75.320. Measurement devices will
be calibrated or bump tested before each
shift to ensure that they function
properly. Methane detectors will
provide visual and audible warnings
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66583
when methane is detected above 1.0
percent.
(j) As required by 30 CFR 75.360, the
subject area must be pre-shift examined
before using surveying equipment. If not
examined during the pre-shift, a
supplemental examination will be
conducted (under 30 CFR 75.361) before
a noncertified person enters the subject
area.
(k) Prior to survey equipment entering
the subject area, a qualified person must
confirm, either by measurement or
inquiry of the certified person in charge
of the section, that the air quantity
meets the minimum quantity required
by the mine’s approved ventilation plan.
(l) Methane will be continuously
monitored before and during the use of
equipment in the subject area by a
qualified person.
(m) Batteries must be ‘‘exchanged’’ in
the intake area and no work will be
performed on the equipment while in
the subject area.
(n) Personnel using the equipment
will be qualified, as in 30 CFR 75.153,
and trained according to the
manufacturer’s recommended safe use
procedures, including recognizing
hazards associated with using
equipment where methane could be
present.
(o) The above non-permissible survey
equipment will be used when
production is occurring, if the following
conditions are met:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic
surveying equipment will not be used in
a split of air ventilating an MMU if any
ventilation controls will be disrupted
during such surveying. Disruption of
ventilation controls means any change
to the mine’s ventilation system that
causes the ventilation system not to
function in accordance with the mine’s
approved ventilation plan.
(2) If a surveyor must disrupt
ventilation while surveying, the
surveyor will stop surveying and
communicate to the section foreman
that ventilation is disrupted. Production
will stop while ventilation is disrupted.
Ventilation controls will be
reestablished immediately after the
disruption is no longer necessary.
Production will only resume after all
ventilation controls are reestablished
and are in compliance with approved
ventilation or other plans, and other
applicable laws, standards, or
regulations.
(3) All surveyors, section foremen,
section crew members, and other
personnel who will be involved with or
affected by surveying operations will
receive training in accordance with 30
CFR 48.7 on the requirements of the
petition. The training will be completed
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 203 / Tuesday, October 20, 2020 / Notices
before any nonpermissible electronic
surveying equipment can be used while
production is occurring. The petitioner
will keep a record of the training and
provide the record to MSHA on request.
(4) The petitioner will provide annual
retraining to all personnel who will be
involved with or affected by surveying
operations in accordance with 30 CFR
48.8. The petitioner will train new
miners on the requirements of the
petition in accordance with 30 CFR
48.5, and will train experienced miners,
as defined in 30 CFR 48.6, on the
requirements of the petition in
accordance with 30 CFR 48.6. The
petitioner will keep a record of the
training and provide the record to
MSHA personnel on request.
(p) 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–2020–023–C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200
Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport, West
Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–09447, located in Barbour County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507–
1 (Electric equipment other than powerconnection 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 and
diagnostic equipment, in return air,
outby the last open crosscut.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining, electrical
testing and diagnostic equipment is
necessary. Modern mining equipment
includes programmable logic
controllers, which use digital signals
from machine sensors to make decisions
based on logic, to govern machine
systems. To troubleshoot such modern
systems, as required by 30 CFR 75.503,
certain electronic tools are needed such
as electronic tachometers. This
electronic equipment includes: Laptop
computers to communicate with
machine control systems; vibration,
temperature, and electronic tachometers
to support preventative and predictive
maintenance to identify hazards; cable
fault detectors and insulation testers
(meggers), which identify and locate
insulation failures in trailing cables,
electric motors, and control cables with
power removed; oscilloscopes to view
machine control and communication
signals for proper wave forms frequency
and amplitude, removing improper
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Jkt 253001
control signals that can create hazards to
mine personnel; voltage, current,
resistance, and power test meters for
troubleshooting that mining machines
and systems are properly functioning.
These electronic systems are not
currently MSHA-certified and do not
meet the requirements of 30 CFR
75.507–1(a). For this equipment to be
employed in the Longview mine, the
mine operator has submitted this
petition for modification.
As an alternative to the existing
standard, the petitioner proposes the
following:
(a) The petitioner proposes using the
following testing and diagnostic
equipment in return air, outby the last
open crosscut: Laptop computers,
oscilloscopes, vibration analysis
machines, cable fault detectors, point
temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers
(meggers), voltage, current, resistance
meters, power testers, and electronic
tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment would also be
used if approved in advance by MSHA’s
District Manager. The petitioner will use
more than one piece of testing
equipment at the same time.
(b) Methane will be continuously
monitored by a qualified person, as
defined in 30 CFR 75.151, before and
during the use of nonpermissible
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment in return air, outby the last
open crosscut.
(c) Surveying equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When 1.0 percent or more methane is
detected while such equipment is being
used, the equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn
outby the last open crosscut.
(d) Hand-held methane detectors will
be MSHA-approved as set forth by 30
CFR 75.320. They will be maintained in
permissible and proper operating
condition.
(e) Coal production will be halted,
except for when it is necessary to
troubleshoot under working mining
conditions; coal can remain in or on the
equipment to troubleshoot equipment
underload. Production will be halted
unless testing. Coal accumulation and
other combustible materials, as in 30
CFR 75.400, will be removed prior to
testing, as a safety precaution.
(f) Nonpermissible testing and
diagnostic equipment will not be used
for testing when float coal dust is in
suspension.
(g) Testing and Diagnostic equipment
will be used as recommended by the
manufacturer, to ensure safe use
procedures.
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(h) Miners who will use the above
equipment will be trained to understand
hazards and limitations associated with
the equipment.
(i) Equipment in this petition will be
inspected by MSHA before it is put into
service underground.
(j) Cables used for powering lowvoltage testing and diagnostic
equipment will only be utilized when
testing and diagnostic equipment is
unavailable.
(k) 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–2020–024–C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200
Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport, West
Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–09447, located in Barbour County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002
(Installation of electric equipment and
conductors; permissibility.)
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests a modification of the existing
standard to permit an alternative
method of compliance to allow the use
of battery-powered nonpermissible
surveying equipment including total
station surveying equipment, distance
meters, theodolites, and data loggers
within 150 feet of pillar workings or
longwall faces.
The petitioner states that:
As an alternative to the existing
standard, the petitioner proposes the
following:
(a) The petitioner proposes to use
battery operated transits, total station
surveying equipment, distance meters
and data loggers within 150 feet of pillar
workings or longwall faces. The petition
proposes the use of theodolites and
similar low-voltage battery-operated
total stations and theodolites if they
have an ingress protection (IP) rating of
66 or greater within 150 feet of pillar
workings or longwall faces, subject to
this petition.
(1) If the surveying equipment
operates using lithium batteries, it must
meet the battery safety standard:
UL1642 or IEC 62133.
(2) If an IP 66 rating is not possible,
the highest IP rating will be used.
(b) A record of the equipment will be
kept on mine property in either a secure
book or electronically in a secure
computer where the records will not be
alterable. The record will contain: The
date of manufacture and/or the purchase
information of each piece of survey
equipment, proof of compliance with
lithium battery standards, and the
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 203 / Tuesday, October 20, 2020 / Notices
original equipment manufacturers’ user
and maintenance manuals. These
records will be made available to MSHA
and miners at the mine.
(c) Survey equipment will be
examined by a qualified person, as in 30
CFR 75.153, before the equipment is
taken underground to ensure safe
operating conditions. The minimum
requirements of the examination by a
qualified person are the following:
(1) Check the equipment for physical
damage and the integrity of the case;
(2) Remove the battery and check for
corrosion, if removable;
(3) Inspect the contact points to
ensure a secure connection to the
battery, if removable;
(4) Reinsert the battery, power up and
shut down to ensure proper
connections, if accessible;
(5) Check the battery compartment
cover or battery attachment to ensure
that it is securely fastened; and
(6) For equipment utilizing lithium
cells, the cells will be inspected to
ensure they are not damaged or swelled
in size.
(d) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR
75.512–2, will examine the equipment
weekly and record the results. Records
will be maintained for at least one year.
(e) The equipment will be serviced
per the manufacturers’
recommendation, dates of service and a
description of any work performed will
be recorded.
(f) Surveying equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When 1.0 percent or more methane is
detected while such equipment is being
used, the equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn
outby the last open crosscut. Batteries
will not be removed to de-energize
equipment due to the possibility of
accidental short-circuiting. All
requirements of 30 CFR 75.323 will be
complied with prior to entering the
subject area.
(g) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR
75.100, will conduct a visual
examination of the location that the
survey equipment will be used in before
the equipment is taken into or energized
in that area. The visual examination will
include: Evidence that the area is
properly rock dusted and whether there
is an accumulation of combustible
material (such as float coal dust). If float
coal dust is observed in suspension then
the equipment cannot be energized until
sufficient rock dusting has been applied
and/or the combustible material has
been cleaned up or removed.
(h) A methane test will be made at
least 12 inches from the roof, face, ribs,
and floor (under 30 CFR 75.323) before
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Jkt 253001
energizing equipment in the subject
area.
(i) Hand-held methane detectors will
be MSHA-approved as set forth by 30
CFR 75.320. Measurement devices will
be calibrated or bump tested before each
shift to ensure that they function
properly. Methane detectors will
provide visual and audible warnings
when methane is detected above 1.0
percent.
(j) As required by 30 CFR 75.360, the
subject area must be pre-shift examined
before using surveying equipment. If not
examined pre-shift, a supplemental
examination will be conducted (under
30 CFR 75.361) before a noncertified
person enters the subject area.
(k) Prior to survey equipment entering
the subject area, a qualified person must
confirm, either by measurement or
inquiry of the certified person in charge
of the section, that the air quantity
meets the minimum quantity required
by the mine’s approved ventilation plan.
(l) Methane will be continuously
monitored before and during the use of
equipment in the subject area by a
qualified person.
(m) Batteries must be ‘‘exchanged’’ in
the intake area and no work will be
performed on the equipment while
within the subject area.
(n) Personnel using the equipment
will be qualified, as in 30 CFR 75.153,
and trained according to the
manufacturer’s recommended safe use
procedures, including recognizing
hazards associated with using
equipment where methane could be
present.
(o) The above non-permissible survey
equipment will be used when
production is occurring, if the following
conditions are met:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic
surveying equipment will not be used in
a split of air ventilating an MMU if any
ventilation controls will be disrupted
during such surveying. Disruption of
ventilation controls means any change
to the mine’s ventilation system that
causes the ventilation system not to
function in accordance with the mine’s
approved ventilation plan.
(2) If a surveyor must disrupt
ventilation while surveying, the
surveyor will stop surveying and
communicate to the section foreman
that ventilation is disrupted. Production
will stop while ventilation is disrupted.
Ventilation controls will be
reestablished immediately after the
disruption is no longer necessary.
Production will only resume after all
ventilation controls are reestablished
and are in compliance with approved
ventilation or other plans, and other
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
66585
applicable laws, standards, or
regulations.
(3) All surveyors, section foremen,
section crew members, and other
personnel who will be involved with or
affected by surveying operations will
receive training in accordance with 30
CFR 48.7 on the requirements of the
petition. The training will be completed
before any nonpermissible electronic
surveying equipment can be used while
production is occurring. The petitioner
will keep a record of the training and
provide the record to MSHA on request.
(4) The petitioner will provide annual
retraining to all personnel who will be
involved with or affected by surveying
operations in accordance with 30 CFR
48.8. The petitioner will train new
miners on the requirements of the
petition in accordance with 30 CFR
48.5, and will train experienced miners,
as defined in 30 CFR 48.6, on the
requirements of the petition in
accordance with 30 CFR 48.6. The
petitioner will keep a record of the
training and provide the record to
MSHA personnel on request.
(p) 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–2020–025–C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200
Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport, West
Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No.
46–09447, located in Barbour County,
West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002
(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 and
diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of
pillar workings or longwall faces.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining, electrical
testing and diagnostic equipment is
necessary. Modern mining equipment
includes programmable logic
controllers, which use digital signals
from machine sensors to make decisions
based on logic, to govern machine
systems. To troubleshoot such modern
systems, as required by 30 CFR 75.503,
certain electronic tools are needed such
as electronic tachometers. This
electronic equipment includes: Laptop
computers to communicate with
machine control systems; vibration,
temperature, and electronic tachometers
to support preventative and predictive
maintenance to identify hazards; cable
fault detectors and insulation testers
E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM
20OCN1
66586
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 203 / Tuesday, October 20, 2020 / Notices
(meggers), which identify and locate
insulation failures in trailing cables,
electric motors, and control cables with
power removed; oscilloscopes to view
machine control and communication
signals for proper wave forms frequency
and amplitude, removing improper
control signals that can create hazards to
mine personnel; voltage, current,
resistance, and power test meters for
troubleshooting that mining machines
and systems are properly functioning.
These electronic systems are not
currently MSHA-certified and do not
meet the requirements of 30 CFR
75.507–1(a). For this equipment to be
employed in the Longview mine, the
mine operator has submitted this
petition for modification.
As an alternative to the existing
standard, the petitioner proposes the
following:
(a) The petitioner proposes using the
following testing and diagnostic
equipment within 150 feet of pillar
workings or longwall faces: Laptop
computers, oscilloscopes, vibration
analysis machines, cable fault detectors,
point temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices, insulation testers
(meggers), voltage, current, resistance
meters, power testers, and electronic
tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment would also be
used if approved in advance by MSHA’s
District Manager. The petitioner will use
more than one piece of testing
equipment at the same time.
(b) Methane will be continuously
monitored by a qualified person, as
defined in 30 CFR 75.151, before and
during the use of nonpermissible
electronic testing and diagnostic
equipment within 150 feet of pillar
workings or longwall faces.
(c) Surveying equipment will not be
used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent.
When 1.0 percent or more methane is
detected while such equipment is being
used, the equipment will be deenergized immediately and withdrawn
from the area.
(d) Hand-held methane detectors will
be MSHA-approved as set forth by 30
CFR 75.320. They will be maintained in
permissible and proper operating
condition.
(e) Coal production will be halted,
except for when it is necessary to
troubleshoot under working mining
conditions; coal can remain in or on the
equipment to troubleshoot equipment
underload. Production will be halted
unless testing. Coal accumulation and
other combustible materials, as in 30
CFR 75.400, will be removed prior to
testing, as a safety precaution.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:08 Oct 19, 2020
Jkt 253001
(f) Nonpermissible testing and
diagnostic equipment will not be used
for testing when float coal dust is in
suspension.
(g) Testing and Diagnostic equipment
will be used as recommended by the
manufacturer, to ensure safe use
procedures.
(h) Miners who will use the above
equipment will be trained to understand
hazards and limitations associated with
the equipment.
(i) Equipment in this petition will be
inspected by MSHA before it is put into
service underground.
(j) Cables used for powering lowvoltage testing and diagnostic
equipment will only be utilized when
testing and diagnostic equipment is
unavailable.
(k) 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.
Roslyn Fontaine,
Deputy Director, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2020–23193 Filed 10–19–20; 8:45 am]
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND
SPACE ADMINISTRATION
[Notice: 20–085]
Information Collection: Tell Us Your
Space Grant Story
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA).
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments on a new information
collection.
AGENCY:
The National Aeronautics and
Space Administration, as part of its
continuing effort to reduce paperwork
and respondent burden, invites the
general public and other Federal
agencies to take this opportunity to
comment on proposed and/or
continuing information collections.
DATES: Comments are due by December
21, 2020.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments regarding
this burden estimate or any other aspect
of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to NASA through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov. Select the
‘‘Submit a Comment’’ link listed under
this information collection. All
submissions received must include the
agency name, Docket ID number, and
title for this Federal Register document.
SUMMARY:
Frm 00054
Fmt 4703
I. Abstract
The NASA Space Grant College and
Fellowship Program wants to provide
awardees with the opportunity to share
with the public the NASA-related
activities performed across the country.
This collection will capture general
information for the public to understand
how NASA reaches them in every state
and how to engage with the grantees
directly.
II. Methods of Collection
All grantees will be set a link to
provide the information electronically.
BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
PO 00000
NASA’s general policy is comments and
other submissions from the public will
be posted without any change,
including any personal and/or business
confidential information provided. To
confirm receipt of your comment(s),
please check www.regulations.gov
approximately two to three days after
submission to verify posting.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
instrument(s) and instructions should
be directed to Roger Kantz, NASA
Clearance Officer, at 281–792–7885 or
Roger.T.Kantz@nasa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Sfmt 4703
III. Data
Title: Tell Us Your Space Grant Story.
Type of review: Request for a new
Information Collection.
Affected Public: Individuals
(grantees).
Estimated Annual Number of
Activities: 2.
Estimated Number of Respondents
per Activity: 52.
Annual Responses: 4.
Estimated Time per Response: 15
minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 52.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of NASA, including
whether the information collected has
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of
NASA’s estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the
proposed collection of information; (3)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on respondents, including automated
collection techniques or the use of other
forms of information technology.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and
E:\FR\FM\20OCN1.SGM
20OCN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 203 (Tuesday, October 20, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66582-66586]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23193]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 four 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 November 19,
2020.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
1. Electronic Mail: [email protected]. 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: Roslyn B. Fontaine, Deputy
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 petition 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: Aromie Noe, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202-693-9557 (voice), [email protected] (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. 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 for filing petitions for modification.
II. Petitions for Modification
Docket Number: M-2020-022-C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200 Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport,
West Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09447, located in Barbour
County, West Virginia.
[[Page 66583]]
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1 (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 an alternative method of compliance to
allow the use of battery-powered nonpermissible surveying equipment
including total station surveying equipment, distance meters,
theodolites, and data loggers, in return air, outby the last open
crosscut.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining operations, specifically for accurately
locating entries, bore holes, gas wells, and other features, mine
surveying will be used. Accurate surveying is important for mine
required ventilation maps in 30 CFR 75.372 and 75.1200. Surveying
technology has advanced greatly in recent years, allowing for increased
accuracy, which promotes miner safety. These new surveying systems are
battery powered and are not MSHA-certified. For this equipment to be
employed in the Longview mine, the petitioner has submitted this
petition for modification of 30 CFR 75.507-1(a).
As an alternative to the existing standard, the petitioner proposes
the following:
(a) The petitioner proposes to use battery operated transits, total
station surveying equipment, distance meters and data loggers in return
air, outby the last open crosscut. The petition proposes the use of
theodolites and similar low-voltage battery-operated total stations and
theodolites if they have an ingress protection (IP) rating of 66 or
greater in the subject area, according to this petition.
(1) If the surveying equipment operates using lithium batteries, it
must meet the battery safety standard: UL1642 or IEC 62133.
(2) If an IP 66 rating is not possible, the highest IP rating will
be used.
(b) A record of the equipment will be kept on mine property in
either a secure book or electronically in a secure computer where the
records will not be alterable. The record will contain: The date of
manufacture and/or the purchase information of each piece of survey
equipment, proof of compliance with lithium battery standards, and the
original equipment manufacturers' user and maintenance manuals. These
records will be made available to MSHA and miners at the mine.
(c) Survey equipment will be examined by a qualified person, as in
30 CFR 75.153, before the equipment is taken underground to ensure safe
operating conditions. The minimum requirements of the examination by a
qualified person are the following:
(1) Check the equipment for physical damage and the integrity of
the case;
(2) Remove the battery and check for corrosion, if removable;
(3) Inspect the contact points to ensure a secure connection to the
battery, if removable;
(4) Reinsert the battery, power up and shut down to ensure proper
connections, if accessible;
(5) Check the battery compartment cover or battery attachment to
ensure that it is securely fastened; and
(6) For equipment utilizing lithium cells, the cells will be
inspected to ensure they are not damaged or swelled in size.
(d) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR 75.512-2, will examine the
equipment weekly and record the results. Records will be maintained for
at least one year.
(e) The equipment will be serviced per the manufacturers'
recommendation, dates of service and a description of any work
performed will be recorded.
(f) Surveying equipment will not be used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent. When 1.0 percent or more
methane is detected while such equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and withdrawn outby the last open
crosscut. Batteries will not be removed to de-energize equipment due to
the possibility of accidental short-circuiting. All requirements of 30
CFR 75.323 will be complied with prior to entering the subject area.
(g) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR 75.100, will conduct a visual
examination of the location that the survey equipment will be used in
before the equipment is taken into or energized in that area. The
visual examination will include: Evidence that the area is properly
rock dusted and whether there is an accumulation of combustible
material (such as float coal dust). If float coal dust is observed in
suspension then the equipment cannot be energized until sufficient rock
dusting has been applied and/or the combustible material has been
cleaned up or removed.
(h) A methane test will be made at least 12 inches from the roof,
face, ribs, and floor (under 30 CFR 75.323) before energizing equipment
in the subject area.
(i) Hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved as set forth
by 30 CFR 75.320. Measurement devices will be calibrated or bump tested
before each shift to ensure that they function properly. Methane
detectors will provide visual and audible warnings when methane is
detected above 1.0 percent.
(j) As required by 30 CFR 75.360, the subject area must be pre-
shift examined before using surveying equipment. If not examined during
the pre-shift, a supplemental examination will be conducted (under 30
CFR 75.361) before a noncertified person enters the subject area.
(k) Prior to survey equipment entering the subject area, a
qualified person must confirm, either by measurement or inquiry of the
certified person in charge of the section, that the air quantity meets
the minimum quantity required by the mine's approved ventilation plan.
(l) Methane will be continuously monitored before and during the
use of equipment in the subject area by a qualified person.
(m) Batteries must be ``exchanged'' in the intake area and no work
will be performed on the equipment while in the subject area.
(n) Personnel using the equipment will be qualified, as in 30 CFR
75.153, and trained according to the manufacturer's recommended safe
use procedures, including recognizing hazards associated with using
equipment where methane could be present.
(o) The above non-permissible survey equipment will be used when
production is occurring, if the following conditions are met:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic surveying equipment will not be used
in a split of air ventilating an MMU if any ventilation controls will
be disrupted during such surveying. Disruption of ventilation controls
means any change to the mine's ventilation system that causes the
ventilation system not to function in accordance with the mine's
approved ventilation plan.
(2) If a surveyor must disrupt ventilation while surveying, the
surveyor will stop surveying and communicate to the section foreman
that ventilation is disrupted. Production will stop while ventilation
is disrupted. Ventilation controls will be reestablished immediately
after the disruption is no longer necessary. Production will only
resume after all ventilation controls are reestablished and are in
compliance with approved ventilation or other plans, and other
applicable laws, standards, or regulations.
(3) All surveyors, section foremen, section crew members, and other
personnel who will be involved with or affected by surveying operations
will receive training in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 on the
requirements of the petition. The training will be completed
[[Page 66584]]
before any nonpermissible electronic surveying equipment can be used
while production is occurring. The petitioner will keep a record of the
training and provide the record to MSHA on request.
(4) The petitioner will provide annual retraining to all personnel
who will be involved with or affected by surveying operations in
accordance with 30 CFR 48.8. The petitioner will train new miners on
the requirements of the petition in accordance with 30 CFR 48.5, and
will train experienced miners, as defined in 30 CFR 48.6, on the
requirements of the petition in accordance with 30 CFR 48.6. The
petitioner will keep a record of the training and provide the record to
MSHA personnel on request.
(p) 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-2020-023-C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200 Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport,
West Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09447, located in Barbour
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1 (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 and diagnostic equipment, in return air, outby the last open
crosscut.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining, electrical testing and diagnostic equipment
is necessary. Modern mining equipment includes programmable logic
controllers, which use digital signals from machine sensors to make
decisions based on logic, to govern machine systems. To troubleshoot
such modern systems, as required by 30 CFR 75.503, certain electronic
tools are needed such as electronic tachometers. This electronic
equipment includes: Laptop computers to communicate with machine
control systems; vibration, temperature, and electronic tachometers to
support preventative and predictive maintenance to identify hazards;
cable fault detectors and insulation testers (meggers), which identify
and locate insulation failures in trailing cables, electric motors, and
control cables with power removed; oscilloscopes to view machine
control and communication signals for proper wave forms frequency and
amplitude, removing improper control signals that can create hazards to
mine personnel; voltage, current, resistance, and power test meters for
troubleshooting that mining machines and systems are properly
functioning. These electronic systems are not currently MSHA-certified
and do not meet the requirements of 30 CFR 75.507-1(a). For this
equipment to be employed in the Longview mine, the mine operator has
submitted this petition for modification.
As an alternative to the existing standard, the petitioner proposes
the following:
(a) The petitioner proposes using the following testing and
diagnostic equipment in return air, outby the last open crosscut:
Laptop computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines, cable
fault detectors, point temperature probes, infrared temperature
devices, insulation testers (meggers), voltage, current, resistance
meters, power testers, and electronic tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment would also be used if approved in advance by
MSHA's District Manager. The petitioner will use more than one piece of
testing equipment at the same time.
(b) Methane will be continuously monitored by a qualified person,
as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, before and during the use of
nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment in return
air, outby the last open crosscut.
(c) Surveying equipment will not be used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent. When 1.0 percent or more
methane is detected while such equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and withdrawn outby the last open
crosscut.
(d) Hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved as set forth
by 30 CFR 75.320. They will be maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition.
(e) Coal production will be halted, except for when it is necessary
to troubleshoot under working mining conditions; coal can remain in or
on the equipment to troubleshoot equipment underload. Production will
be halted unless testing. Coal accumulation and other combustible
materials, as in 30 CFR 75.400, will be removed prior to testing, as a
safety precaution.
(f) Nonpermissible testing and diagnostic equipment will not be
used for testing when float coal dust is in suspension.
(g) Testing and Diagnostic equipment will be used as recommended by
the manufacturer, to ensure safe use procedures.
(h) Miners who will use the above equipment will be trained to
understand hazards and limitations associated with the equipment.
(i) Equipment in this petition will be inspected by MSHA before it
is put into service underground.
(j) Cables used for powering low-voltage testing and diagnostic
equipment will only be utilized when testing and diagnostic equipment
is unavailable.
(k) 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-2020-024-C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200 Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport,
West Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09447, located in Barbour
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002 (Installation of electric
equipment and conductors; permissibility.)
Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the
existing standard to permit an alternative method of compliance to
allow the use of battery-powered nonpermissible surveying equipment
including total station surveying equipment, distance meters,
theodolites, and data loggers within 150 feet of pillar workings or
longwall faces.
The petitioner states that:
As an alternative to the existing standard, the petitioner proposes
the following:
(a) The petitioner proposes to use battery operated transits, total
station surveying equipment, distance meters and data loggers within
150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces. The petition proposes
the use of theodolites and similar low-voltage battery-operated total
stations and theodolites if they have an ingress protection (IP) rating
of 66 or greater within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces,
subject to this petition.
(1) If the surveying equipment operates using lithium batteries, it
must meet the battery safety standard: UL1642 or IEC 62133.
(2) If an IP 66 rating is not possible, the highest IP rating will
be used.
(b) A record of the equipment will be kept on mine property in
either a secure book or electronically in a secure computer where the
records will not be alterable. The record will contain: The date of
manufacture and/or the purchase information of each piece of survey
equipment, proof of compliance with lithium battery standards, and the
[[Page 66585]]
original equipment manufacturers' user and maintenance manuals. These
records will be made available to MSHA and miners at the mine.
(c) Survey equipment will be examined by a qualified person, as in
30 CFR 75.153, before the equipment is taken underground to ensure safe
operating conditions. The minimum requirements of the examination by a
qualified person are the following:
(1) Check the equipment for physical damage and the integrity of
the case;
(2) Remove the battery and check for corrosion, if removable;
(3) Inspect the contact points to ensure a secure connection to the
battery, if removable;
(4) Reinsert the battery, power up and shut down to ensure proper
connections, if accessible;
(5) Check the battery compartment cover or battery attachment to
ensure that it is securely fastened; and
(6) For equipment utilizing lithium cells, the cells will be
inspected to ensure they are not damaged or swelled in size.
(d) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR 75.512-2, will examine the
equipment weekly and record the results. Records will be maintained for
at least one year.
(e) The equipment will be serviced per the manufacturers'
recommendation, dates of service and a description of any work
performed will be recorded.
(f) Surveying equipment will not be used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent. When 1.0 percent or more
methane is detected while such equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and withdrawn outby the last open
crosscut. Batteries will not be removed to de-energize equipment due to
the possibility of accidental short-circuiting. All requirements of 30
CFR 75.323 will be complied with prior to entering the subject area.
(g) A qualified person, as in 30 CFR 75.100, will conduct a visual
examination of the location that the survey equipment will be used in
before the equipment is taken into or energized in that area. The
visual examination will include: Evidence that the area is properly
rock dusted and whether there is an accumulation of combustible
material (such as float coal dust). If float coal dust is observed in
suspension then the equipment cannot be energized until sufficient rock
dusting has been applied and/or the combustible material has been
cleaned up or removed.
(h) A methane test will be made at least 12 inches from the roof,
face, ribs, and floor (under 30 CFR 75.323) before energizing equipment
in the subject area.
(i) Hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved as set forth
by 30 CFR 75.320. Measurement devices will be calibrated or bump tested
before each shift to ensure that they function properly. Methane
detectors will provide visual and audible warnings when methane is
detected above 1.0 percent.
(j) As required by 30 CFR 75.360, the subject area must be pre-
shift examined before using surveying equipment. If not examined pre-
shift, a supplemental examination will be conducted (under 30 CFR
75.361) before a noncertified person enters the subject area.
(k) Prior to survey equipment entering the subject area, a
qualified person must confirm, either by measurement or inquiry of the
certified person in charge of the section, that the air quantity meets
the minimum quantity required by the mine's approved ventilation plan.
(l) Methane will be continuously monitored before and during the
use of equipment in the subject area by a qualified person.
(m) Batteries must be ``exchanged'' in the intake area and no work
will be performed on the equipment while within the subject area.
(n) Personnel using the equipment will be qualified, as in 30 CFR
75.153, and trained according to the manufacturer's recommended safe
use procedures, including recognizing hazards associated with using
equipment where methane could be present.
(o) The above non-permissible survey equipment will be used when
production is occurring, if the following conditions are met:
(1) Nonpermissible electronic surveying equipment will not be used
in a split of air ventilating an MMU if any ventilation controls will
be disrupted during such surveying. Disruption of ventilation controls
means any change to the mine's ventilation system that causes the
ventilation system not to function in accordance with the mine's
approved ventilation plan.
(2) If a surveyor must disrupt ventilation while surveying, the
surveyor will stop surveying and communicate to the section foreman
that ventilation is disrupted. Production will stop while ventilation
is disrupted. Ventilation controls will be reestablished immediately
after the disruption is no longer necessary. Production will only
resume after all ventilation controls are reestablished and are in
compliance with approved ventilation or other plans, and other
applicable laws, standards, or regulations.
(3) All surveyors, section foremen, section crew members, and other
personnel who will be involved with or affected by surveying operations
will receive training in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 on the
requirements of the petition. The training will be completed before any
nonpermissible electronic surveying equipment can be used while
production is occurring. The petitioner will keep a record of the
training and provide the record to MSHA on request.
(4) The petitioner will provide annual retraining to all personnel
who will be involved with or affected by surveying operations in
accordance with 30 CFR 48.8. The petitioner will train new miners on
the requirements of the petition in accordance with 30 CFR 48.5, and
will train experienced miners, as defined in 30 CFR 48.6, on the
requirements of the petition in accordance with 30 CFR 48.6. The
petitioner will keep a record of the training and provide the record to
MSHA personnel on request.
(p) 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-2020-025-C.
Petitioner: Century Mining LLC, 200 Chapel Brook Drive, Bridgeport,
West Virginia 26330.
Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09447, located in Barbour
County, West Virginia.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1002 (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 and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or
longwall faces.
The petitioner states that:
(a) To support mining, electrical testing and diagnostic equipment
is necessary. Modern mining equipment includes programmable logic
controllers, which use digital signals from machine sensors to make
decisions based on logic, to govern machine systems. To troubleshoot
such modern systems, as required by 30 CFR 75.503, certain electronic
tools are needed such as electronic tachometers. This electronic
equipment includes: Laptop computers to communicate with machine
control systems; vibration, temperature, and electronic tachometers to
support preventative and predictive maintenance to identify hazards;
cable fault detectors and insulation testers
[[Page 66586]]
(meggers), which identify and locate insulation failures in trailing
cables, electric motors, and control cables with power removed;
oscilloscopes to view machine control and communication signals for
proper wave forms frequency and amplitude, removing improper control
signals that can create hazards to mine personnel; voltage, current,
resistance, and power test meters for troubleshooting that mining
machines and systems are properly functioning. These electronic systems
are not currently MSHA-certified and do not meet the requirements of 30
CFR 75.507-1(a). For this equipment to be employed in the Longview
mine, the mine operator has submitted this petition for modification.
As an alternative to the existing standard, the petitioner proposes
the following:
(a) The petitioner proposes using the following testing and
diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall
faces: Laptop computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis machines,
cable fault detectors, point temperature probes, infrared temperature
devices, insulation testers (meggers), voltage, current, resistance
meters, power testers, and electronic tachometers. Other testing and
diagnostic equipment would also be used if approved in advance by
MSHA's District Manager. The petitioner will use more than one piece of
testing equipment at the same time.
(b) Methane will be continuously monitored by a qualified person,
as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, before and during the use of
nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment within 150
feet of pillar workings or longwall faces.
(c) Surveying equipment will not be used if methane is detected in
concentrations at or above 1.0 percent. When 1.0 percent or more
methane is detected while such equipment is being used, the equipment
will be de-energized immediately and withdrawn from the area.
(d) Hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved as set forth
by 30 CFR 75.320. They will be maintained in permissible and proper
operating condition.
(e) Coal production will be halted, except for when it is necessary
to troubleshoot under working mining conditions; coal can remain in or
on the equipment to troubleshoot equipment underload. Production will
be halted unless testing. Coal accumulation and other combustible
materials, as in 30 CFR 75.400, will be removed prior to testing, as a
safety precaution.
(f) Nonpermissible testing and diagnostic equipment will not be
used for testing when float coal dust is in suspension.
(g) Testing and Diagnostic equipment will be used as recommended by
the manufacturer, to ensure safe use procedures.
(h) Miners who will use the above equipment will be trained to
understand hazards and limitations associated with the equipment.
(i) Equipment in this petition will be inspected by MSHA before it
is put into service underground.
(j) Cables used for powering low-voltage testing and diagnostic
equipment will only be utilized when testing and diagnostic equipment
is unavailable.
(k) 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.
Roslyn Fontaine,
Deputy Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2020-23193 Filed 10-19-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
