Petition for Modification of Application of an Existing Mandatory Safety Standard, 59428-59430 [2021-23405]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 27, 2021 / Notices
could not be made. The consequences to
both the Federal and private sectors
would be far reaching and would have
serious repercussions on Federal
government policy and institutions.
III. Desired Focus of Comments
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics is
particularly interested in comments
that:
• Evaluate whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary
for the proper performance of the
functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility.
• Evaluate the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information,
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected.
• Minimize the burden of the
collection of information on those who
are to respond, including through the
use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
e.g., permitting electronic submissions
of responses.
Title of Collection: CPI Housing
Survey.
OMB Number: 1220–0163.
Type of Review: Extension.
Affected Public: Individuals or
households; business or other for-profit.
Total Respondents: 76,157.
Frequency: Semi-annually.
Total Responses: 120,694.
Average Time per Response: 5.88596
minutes.
Estimated Total Burden Hours: 11,840
hours.
Comments submitted in response to
this notice will be summarized and/or
included in the request for Office of
Management and Budget approval of the
information collection request; they also
will become a matter of public record.
Signed at Washington, DC, this 21st day of
October 2021.
Eric Molina,
Acting Chief, Division of Management
Systems.
[FR Doc. 2021–23363 Filed 10–26–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510–24–P
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petition for Modification of Application
of an Existing Mandatory Safety
Standard
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Notice.
This notice includes the
summary of a petition for modification
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) by the party
listed below.
SUMMARY:
All comments on the petition
must be received by MSHA’s Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances
on or before November 26, 2021.
DATES:
You may submit your
comments including the docket number
of the petition by any of the following
methods:
1. Email: 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: Jessica
D. Senk, 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. Before visiting
MSHA in person, call 202–693–9455 to
make an appointment, in keeping with
the Department of Labor’s COVID–19
policy. Special health precautions may
be required.
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.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jessica D. Senk, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202–693–
9440 (voice), Senk.Jessica@dol.gov
(email), or 202–693–9441 (facsimile).
[These are not toll-free numbers.]
Section
101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and
Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part
44 govern the application, processing,
and disposition of petitions for
modification.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Sfmt 4703
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. The application of such standard to
such mine will result in a diminution of
safety to the miners in such mine.
3. In addition, sections 44.10 and
44.11 of 30 CFR establish the
requirements for filing petitions for
modification.
II. Petition for Modification
Docket Number: M–2021–033–C.
Petitioner: Consol Pennsylvania Coal
Company LLC, 685 Patterson Creek
Road, Sycamore, PA 15364.
Mine: Harvey Mine, MSHA ID No. 36–
10045, located in Greene County,
Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.312(c)
and (d) (Main mine fan examinations
and records).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests modification of the existing
standard 30 CFR 75.312(c) and (d) to
permit an alternative method of
compliance as it pertains to a mine fan
shutdown to test the automatic fan
stoppage signal device and to determine
that air flow reversal prevention doors
will automatically close when the fan
shuts down. The petitioner proposes an
alternate method of performing the main
fan tests without shutting down the
fan(s) and without removing the miners
from the mine.
The petitioner states that:
1. Harvey Mine is a large mine with
a complex ventilation system consisting
of both intake and exhaust shafts. The
exhaust shafts have main mine fans
connected to them. Each fan is equipped
with a pressure recording device and an
automatic signal system designed to
give an alarm should the fan slow or
stop. All exhaust fans are equipped with
automatic closing doors to prevent the
reversal of air into the mine upon a
shutdown of the fan.
2. Because of the complexity of the
ventilation system, shutting down any
fans creates the potential for effects on
the system which may require
evaluation and delay. Use of the
methods described below will minimize
the hazards associated with stopping the
fans in a complex ventilation system.
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 27, 2021 / Notices
3. The mine liberates significant
amounts of methane in a 24-hour
period. Disruption of the ventilation
system by stopping and starting the fans
can cause damage underground and/or
to ventilation fans. This damage can
result in methane accumulations
underground. Stopping and starting the
fans has the potential to damage the
electrical and mechanical systems of the
fans.
4. If a fan does not restart within 15
minutes of shutdown, a lengthy restart
of the mine operating system is
required. This includes a 3- to 4-hour
examination, reset of underground mine
power, and return of the workers (who
must exit the mine when testing begins)
to their assigned work areas.
5. A mine with multiple ventilation
fans must equip air flow reversal
prevention doors on those fans where
air reversal is possible. These doors
close in the event of a fan stoppage to
prevent the air flow in the mine from
reversing direction.
Petitioner proposes the following
alternative method:
The petitioner’s alternative test
method consists of manually moving the
test frame assembly toward the
horizontal position (operation position)
of the door while the fan is in operation.
Since the test frame and air flow
reversal prevention door both use the
same horizontal bearing support shaft
for bearing attachment, the test will
verify that the solid air flow reversal
prevention door will close in the event
of a fan stoppage. If the test frame will
move to the door and form a tight fit,
then the door will close against the fan
housing during an actual fan stoppage
and form a tight fit when the air flow
that keeps the door open stops.
a. The modification will apply to
exhausting main mine fans only. Mine
fans subject to this modification shall be
equipped with a special fan door
assembly consisting of an open test
frame and a solid air flow reversal
prevention door. The test frame shall be
attached to a rotatable shaft and latched
to the fan housing during normal
operation. The air flow reversal
prevention door shall be attached by
bearing sets to the shaft supporting the
test frame and shall be rotatable around
the shaft. The air flow reversal
prevention door shall be kept open
during normal fan operation only by air
flowing from the fan. It shall fit tightly
against the fan housing when the fan
stops closing the door. The test frame
shall be latched against the fan housing
when not being used for testing.
b. The air flow reversal prevention
door(s) shall be tested at least every 31
days by rotating the test frame outward
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from its latched position until it
contacts the air flow reversal prevention
door. Rotation of the test frame shall
also rotate the shaft and bearings
hinging the air flow reversal prevention
door.
c. After the initial test, the door and
frame test system will be evaluated by
MSHA and upon MSHA approval,
testing shall occur at least every 31
days. The person(s) conducting the test
must be able to visually observe the
movement of the test frame and to
visually observe the rotation of the
attached shaft. The person(s) conducting
the testing shall observe the contact
between the test frame and the air flow
reversal prevention door to determine
that a proper fit exists. Also, the
person(s) shall observe the general
maintenance of the metal door and test
frame for good repair.
d. The method of using fans with
multiple louvered air flow reversal
prevention doors is as follows:
i. When fans are equipped with
multiple louvered air flow reversal
prevention door assemblies, each of
these doors shall be mounted to a
rotatable shaft with a modified end.
ii. Fans with multiple louvered air
flow reversal prevention doors will be
tested at least every 31 days by using a
torque wrench or lever. Each individual
door will be rotated to a closed position,
using the special wrench, or lever on the
end of the shaft, to insure that they are
functioning correctly. A record of the
torque reading shall be maintained. If
any torque reading increases by 15
percent or more, the cause shall be
investigated and corrective actions
taken. A record of the investigation and
any corrective action taken shall be
made and the results made available for
inspection by MSHA and the miners’
representative.
e. Each air flow reversal prevention
door shall be tested at least every 7
months by stopping the fan to ensure
the door automatically closes when the
fan shuts down.
f. Each fan subject to this petition
shall be provided with a fan alarm
signal system consisting of:
i. A motor run fail safe relay energized
through a contact provided on the main
starter vacuum contactor;
ii. An automatic fan signal device is
provided by a fail-safe relay energized
by the chart recorder (water gauge) with
the trip ranges set to alarm when 25
percent of normal operating water gauge
pressure is lost;
iii. A dial out computer that monitors
power to the fan signal. When this
control power is lost, the computer will
call preprogramed telephone numbers
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Frm 00070
Fmt 4703
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59429
and notify the responsible person of the
power loss; and
iv. A mine monitoring system that
monitors each fan signal. If the
monitoring system loses a signal or has
a communication loss, or if any of the
previously mentioned alarms are
triggered, the monitoring system will
sound a visible and audible alarm. The
visible and audible alarm will be
provided at a location where a
responsible person is always on duty
and has two-way communications with
working sections and where people are
normally scheduled to work.
g. The automatic fan signal device
will be tested at least every 31 days by
manually operating a valve near the fan
pressure recording chart reducing the
pressure on the water gauge to activate
the fan signal. The actuation of the fan
alarm will be verified by a responsible
person at the location where the
responsible person is always on duty
when anyone is underground.
h. Each automatic fan signal device
and signal alarm shall be tested at least
every 7 months by stopping the fan to
ensure that the automatic signal device
causes the alarm to activate when the
fan shuts down.
i. The petitioner shall notify the
MSHA District Manager when each fan
is equipped with the test frame, air flow
reversal prevention door, and fan alarm
signal system, so that MSHA may
conduct an inspection prior to testing
the door and alarm in accordance with
the terms and conditions of this
petition. If required by the District
Manager, the test procedure shall be
demonstrated and the fan shall be shut
down during this MSHA inspection to
verify that the air flow reversal
prevention door closes and the
automatic fan signal activates an alarm
at the location of the responsible person.
j. Until all mine fans are equipped in
compliance with this petition, the
miners must be removed from the mine
for the testing of any fan not equipped
as required by the terms and conditions
of this petition.
k. Person(s) performing the fan signal
device or air flow reversal prevention
door test(s) shall record the result of the
test(s) in a secure book prior to the end
of the shift when testing takes place.
The record book shall be retained at a
surface location at the mine for at least
1 year and shall be made available for
inspection by an authorized
representative of the Secretary and the
representative of miners. Such records
shall also indicate the general repair of
the system.
l. Within 60 days of the petition being
granted, the petitioner shall submit
proposed revisions for its approved 30
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 205 / Wednesday, October 27, 2021 / Notices
CFR part 48 training plan to MSHA’s
District Manager. These proposed
revisions shall include initial and
refresher training regarding compliance
with the terms and conditions of the
petition. Also, miners who are to
perform tests under the petition must be
specifically trained on the proper
method of testing upon initial
assignment to these responsibilities and
at least annually thereafter.
The petitioner asserts that the
alternate method proposed will at all
times guarantee no less than the same
measure of protection afforded the
miners under the mandatory standard.
Jessica Senk,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2021–23405 Filed 10–26–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520–43–P
Department of Labor’s COVID–19
policy. Special health precautions may
be required.
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:
Jessica D. Senk, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202–693–
9440 (voice), Senk.Jessica@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 (CFR) part
44 govern the application, processing,
and disposition of petitions for
modification.
I. Background
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petition for Modification of Application
of an Existing Mandatory Safety
Standard
Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This notice includes the
summary of a petition for modification
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health
Administration (MSHA) by the party
listed below.
DATES: All comments on the petition
must be received by MSHA’s Office of
Standards, Regulations, and Variances
on or before November 26, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your
comments including the docket number
of the petition by any of the following
methods:
1. Email: 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: Jessica D. Senk, 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. Before visiting MSHA in person,
call 202–693–9455 to make an
appointment, in keeping with the
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:47 Oct 26, 2021
Jkt 256001
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. The application of such standard to
such mine will result in a diminution of
safety to the miners in such mine.
3. In addition, sections 44.10 and
44.11 of 30 CFR establish the
requirements for filing petitions for
modification.
II. Petition for Modification
Docket Number: M–2021–032–C.
Petitioner: Consol Pennsylvania Coal
Company LLC, 192 Crabapple Road,
Wind Ridge, PA 15380.
Mine: Bailey Mine, MSHA ID No. 36–
07230, located in Greene County,
Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.312
(c) and (d) (Main mine fan examinations
and records).
Modification Request: The petitioner
requests modification of the existing
standard 30 CFR 75.312 (c) and (d) to
permit an alternative method of
compliance as it pertains to a mine fan
shutdown to test the automatic fan
stoppage signal device and to determine
that air flow reversal prevention doors
will automatically close when the fan
shuts down. The petitioner proposes an
alternate method of performing the main
fan tests without shutting down the
PO 00000
Frm 00071
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
fan(s) and without removing the miners
from the mine.
The petitioner states that:
1. Bailey Mine is a large mine with a
complex ventilation system consisting
of both intake and exhaust shafts. The
exhaust shafts have main mine fans
connected to them. Each fan is equipped
with a pressure recording device and an
automatic signal system designed to
give an alarm should the fan slow or
stop. All exhaust fans are equipped with
automatic closing doors to prevent the
reversal of air into the mine upon a
shutdown of the fan.
2. Because of the complexity of the
ventilation system, shutting down any
fans creates the potential for effects on
the system which may require
evaluation and delay. Use of the
methods described below will minimize
the hazards associated with stopping the
fans in a complex ventilation system.
3. The mine liberates significant
amounts of methane in a 24-hour
period. Disruption of the ventilation
system by stopping and starting the fans
can cause damage underground and/or
to ventilation fans. This damage can
result in methane accumulations
underground. Stopping and starting the
fans has the potential to damage the
electrical and mechanical systems of the
fans.
4. If a fan does not restart within 15
minutes of shutdown, a lengthy restart
of the mine operating system is
required. This includes a 3- to 4-hour
examination, reset of underground mine
power, and return of the workers (who
must exit the mine when testing begins)
to their assigned work areas.
5. It is essential that a mine with
multiple ventilation fans be equipped
with air flow reversal prevention doors
where air reversal is possible. The doors
close in the event of a fan stoppage to
prevent the air flow in the mine from
reversing direction.
6. Petitioner proposes the following
alternative method: The petitioner’s
alternative test method consists of
manually moving the test frame
assembly toward the horizontal position
(operation position) of the door while
the fan is in operation. Since the test
frame and air flow reversal prevention
door both use the same horizontal
bearing support shaft for bearing
attachment, the test will verify that the
solid air flow reversal prevention door
will close in the event of a fan stoppage.
If the test frame will move to the door
and form a tight fit, then the door will
close against the fan housing during an
actual fan stoppage and form a tight fit
when the air flow that keeps the door
open stops.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 27, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59428-59430]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23405]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petition for Modification of Application of an Existing Mandatory
Safety Standard
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice includes the summary of a petition for
modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration
(MSHA) by the party listed below.
DATES: All comments on the petition must be received by MSHA's Office
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before November 26,
2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments including the docket number of
the petition by any of the following methods:
1. Email: [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: Jessica D. Senk, 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. Before
visiting MSHA in person, call 202-693-9455 to make an appointment, in
keeping with the Department of Labor's COVID-19 policy. Special health
precautions may be required.
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: Jessica D. Senk, Office of Standards,
Regulations, and Variances at 202-693-9440 (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
(CFR) 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. The application of such standard to such mine will result in a
diminution of safety to the miners in such mine.
3. In addition, sections 44.10 and 44.11 of 30 CFR establish the
requirements for filing petitions for modification.
II. Petition for Modification
Docket Number: M-2021-033-C.
Petitioner: Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC, 685 Patterson
Creek Road, Sycamore, PA 15364.
Mine: Harvey Mine, MSHA ID No. 36-10045, located in Greene County,
Pennsylvania.
Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.312(c) and (d) (Main mine fan
examinations and records).
Modification Request: The petitioner requests modification of the
existing standard 30 CFR 75.312(c) and (d) to permit an alternative
method of compliance as it pertains to a mine fan shutdown to test the
automatic fan stoppage signal device and to determine that air flow
reversal prevention doors will automatically close when the fan shuts
down. The petitioner proposes an alternate method of performing the
main fan tests without shutting down the fan(s) and without removing
the miners from the mine.
The petitioner states that:
1. Harvey Mine is a large mine with a complex ventilation system
consisting of both intake and exhaust shafts. The exhaust shafts have
main mine fans connected to them. Each fan is equipped with a pressure
recording device and an automatic signal system designed to give an
alarm should the fan slow or stop. All exhaust fans are equipped with
automatic closing doors to prevent the reversal of air into the mine
upon a shutdown of the fan.
2. Because of the complexity of the ventilation system, shutting
down any fans creates the potential for effects on the system which may
require evaluation and delay. Use of the methods described below will
minimize the hazards associated with stopping the fans in a complex
ventilation system.
[[Page 59429]]
3. The mine liberates significant amounts of methane in a 24-hour
period. Disruption of the ventilation system by stopping and starting
the fans can cause damage underground and/or to ventilation fans. This
damage can result in methane accumulations underground. Stopping and
starting the fans has the potential to damage the electrical and
mechanical systems of the fans.
4. If a fan does not restart within 15 minutes of shutdown, a
lengthy restart of the mine operating system is required. This includes
a 3- to 4-hour examination, reset of underground mine power, and return
of the workers (who must exit the mine when testing begins) to their
assigned work areas.
5. A mine with multiple ventilation fans must equip air flow
reversal prevention doors on those fans where air reversal is possible.
These doors close in the event of a fan stoppage to prevent the air
flow in the mine from reversing direction.
Petitioner proposes the following alternative method:
The petitioner's alternative test method consists of manually
moving the test frame assembly toward the horizontal position
(operation position) of the door while the fan is in operation. Since
the test frame and air flow reversal prevention door both use the same
horizontal bearing support shaft for bearing attachment, the test will
verify that the solid air flow reversal prevention door will close in
the event of a fan stoppage. If the test frame will move to the door
and form a tight fit, then the door will close against the fan housing
during an actual fan stoppage and form a tight fit when the air flow
that keeps the door open stops.
a. The modification will apply to exhausting main mine fans only.
Mine fans subject to this modification shall be equipped with a special
fan door assembly consisting of an open test frame and a solid air flow
reversal prevention door. The test frame shall be attached to a
rotatable shaft and latched to the fan housing during normal operation.
The air flow reversal prevention door shall be attached by bearing sets
to the shaft supporting the test frame and shall be rotatable around
the shaft. The air flow reversal prevention door shall be kept open
during normal fan operation only by air flowing from the fan. It shall
fit tightly against the fan housing when the fan stops closing the
door. The test frame shall be latched against the fan housing when not
being used for testing.
b. The air flow reversal prevention door(s) shall be tested at
least every 31 days by rotating the test frame outward from its latched
position until it contacts the air flow reversal prevention door.
Rotation of the test frame shall also rotate the shaft and bearings
hinging the air flow reversal prevention door.
c. After the initial test, the door and frame test system will be
evaluated by MSHA and upon MSHA approval, testing shall occur at least
every 31 days. The person(s) conducting the test must be able to
visually observe the movement of the test frame and to visually observe
the rotation of the attached shaft. The person(s) conducting the
testing shall observe the contact between the test frame and the air
flow reversal prevention door to determine that a proper fit exists.
Also, the person(s) shall observe the general maintenance of the metal
door and test frame for good repair.
d. The method of using fans with multiple louvered air flow
reversal prevention doors is as follows:
i. When fans are equipped with multiple louvered air flow reversal
prevention door assemblies, each of these doors shall be mounted to a
rotatable shaft with a modified end.
ii. Fans with multiple louvered air flow reversal prevention doors
will be tested at least every 31 days by using a torque wrench or
lever. Each individual door will be rotated to a closed position, using
the special wrench, or lever on the end of the shaft, to insure that
they are functioning correctly. A record of the torque reading shall be
maintained. If any torque reading increases by 15 percent or more, the
cause shall be investigated and corrective actions taken. A record of
the investigation and any corrective action taken shall be made and the
results made available for inspection by MSHA and the miners'
representative.
e. Each air flow reversal prevention door shall be tested at least
every 7 months by stopping the fan to ensure the door automatically
closes when the fan shuts down.
f. Each fan subject to this petition shall be provided with a fan
alarm signal system consisting of:
i. A motor run fail safe relay energized through a contact provided
on the main starter vacuum contactor;
ii. An automatic fan signal device is provided by a fail-safe relay
energized by the chart recorder (water gauge) with the trip ranges set
to alarm when 25 percent of normal operating water gauge pressure is
lost;
iii. A dial out computer that monitors power to the fan signal.
When this control power is lost, the computer will call preprogramed
telephone numbers and notify the responsible person of the power loss;
and
iv. A mine monitoring system that monitors each fan signal. If the
monitoring system loses a signal or has a communication loss, or if any
of the previously mentioned alarms are triggered, the monitoring system
will sound a visible and audible alarm. The visible and audible alarm
will be provided at a location where a responsible person is always on
duty and has two-way communications with working sections and where
people are normally scheduled to work.
g. The automatic fan signal device will be tested at least every 31
days by manually operating a valve near the fan pressure recording
chart reducing the pressure on the water gauge to activate the fan
signal. The actuation of the fan alarm will be verified by a
responsible person at the location where the responsible person is
always on duty when anyone is underground.
h. Each automatic fan signal device and signal alarm shall be
tested at least every 7 months by stopping the fan to ensure that the
automatic signal device causes the alarm to activate when the fan shuts
down.
i. The petitioner shall notify the MSHA District Manager when each
fan is equipped with the test frame, air flow reversal prevention door,
and fan alarm signal system, so that MSHA may conduct an inspection
prior to testing the door and alarm in accordance with the terms and
conditions of this petition. If required by the District Manager, the
test procedure shall be demonstrated and the fan shall be shut down
during this MSHA inspection to verify that the air flow reversal
prevention door closes and the automatic fan signal activates an alarm
at the location of the responsible person.
j. Until all mine fans are equipped in compliance with this
petition, the miners must be removed from the mine for the testing of
any fan not equipped as required by the terms and conditions of this
petition.
k. Person(s) performing the fan signal device or air flow reversal
prevention door test(s) shall record the result of the test(s) in a
secure book prior to the end of the shift when testing takes place. The
record book shall be retained at a surface location at the mine for at
least 1 year and shall be made available for inspection by an
authorized representative of the Secretary and the representative of
miners. Such records shall also indicate the general repair of the
system.
l. Within 60 days of the petition being granted, the petitioner
shall submit proposed revisions for its approved 30
[[Page 59430]]
CFR part 48 training plan to MSHA's District Manager. These proposed
revisions shall include initial and refresher training regarding
compliance with the terms and conditions of the petition. Also, miners
who are to perform tests under the petition must be specifically
trained on the proper method of testing upon initial assignment to
these responsibilities and at least annually thereafter.
The petitioner asserts that the alternate method proposed will at
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection
afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.
Jessica Senk,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2021-23405 Filed 10-26-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P
