Petition for Modification of Application of an Existing Mandatory Safety Standard, 10254-10256 [2022-03776]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
• Mine Safety and Health Administration

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 23, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10254-10256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03776]



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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.

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SUMMARY: This notice includes the summaries of three 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 March 25, 2022.

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: S. Aromie Noe, Acting 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: S. Aromie Noe, 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. Petitions for Modification

    Docket Number: M-2021-042-C.
    Petitioner: Signal Peak Energy, LLC. 100 Portal Drive, Roundup, 
Montana, 59072.
    Mine: Bull Mountains Mine No. 1, MINE ID No. 24-01950, located in 
Musselshell County, Montana.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 18.35(a)(5)(i) (Portable (trailing) 
cables and cords).
    Modification Request: The petitioner seeks modification of the 
existing standard to permit 995-volt trailing cable lengths up to 1,000 
feet in continuous mining sections. The petitioner states that the mine 
runs continuous miner sections with shuttle cars, roof bolters, and a 
continuous miner. Distribution boxes are required to remain in 
compliance using maximum trailing cables lengths on development of 
recovery rooms. The distribution boxes must be advanced progressively 
and electrical connections made with each breakthrough. The 
petitioner's alternative method to 30 CFR 18.35 would allow for 1,000-
feet trailing cables to apply to continuous miners, shuttle cars, and 
roof bolters. The proposed alternative method will minimize the needs 
for distribution boxes and electrical connections to be made and will 
provide no less than the same measure of protection required by section 
18.35.
    The petitioner states that:

    (a) The maximum length for 995-volt trailing cables will be 
1,000 feet. The length of 1,000 feet will apply to trailing cables 
for continuous miners, shuttle cars, and roof bolters.
    (b) Cable Sizes:
    1. The 995-volt continuous mining machine trailing cables shall 
not be smaller than 2/0 American Wire Gauge (AWG).
    2. The 995-volt trailing cables for shuttle cars and roof 
bolters shall not be smaller than No.2 AWG.
    (c) Circuit Breaker Protection:
    1. All circuit breakers used to protect 2/0 AWG trailing cables 
exceeding 850 feet in length shall have instantaneous trip units 
calibrated to trip at 1,280 amperes and will be labeled.
    2. All circuit breakers used to protect No. 2 AWG trailing 
cables exceeding 700 feet in length shall have instantaneous trip 
units calibrated at 500 amperes and will be labeled.
    (d) Replacement Instantaneous Trip Units:
    1. Replacement instantaneous trip units used to protect 2/0 AWG 
trailing cables will be calibrated to trip at 1,280 amperes. The 
trip setting of these circuit breakers will be sealed or locked, and 
will have permanent legible labels. Each label will identify the 
circuit breaker as being suitable for protecting 2/0 cables. The 
label will be maintained to be legible.
    2. Replacement instantaneous trip units used to protect No. 2 
AWG trailing cables will be calibrated to trip at 500 amperes. The 
trip setting of these circuit breakers will be sealed or locked, and 
will have permanent legible labels. Each label will identify the 
circuit breaker as being suitable for protecting No. 2 AWG cables. 
The label will be maintained to be legible.
    (e) All components that provide short-circuit protection shall 
have a sufficient interruption rating in accordance with the maximum 
calculated fault currents available.
    (f) Trip settings will not exceed the setting specified in the 
approval in documentation or 70 percent of the maximum available 
current, whichever is less.
    (g) Any trailing cable that is not in safe operating condition 
shall be removed from service immediately and repaired or replaced.
    (h) Each splice or repair in the trailing cables shall be made 
in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with the instructions of 
the manufacturer of the splice repair kit. Splices will be made with 
an MSHA-approved splice wrap.
    (i) Before each production shift, persons designated by the 
operator will visually examine the trailing cables to ensure that 
the cables are in safe operating condition and that the trip 
settings of the calibrated breakers do not have seals or locks 
removed and that they do not exceed the settings stipulated in 
paragraphs (b) and (c).

    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 applicable standard.
    Docket Number: M-2021-043-C.
    Petitioner: Century Mining, LLC, 7004 Buckhannon Road, Volga, West 
Virginia, 26238.
    Mine: Longview Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-09447, located in Barbour 
County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1904(b)(6) (Underground diesel fuel 
tanks and safety cans).

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    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard, 30 CFR 75.1904(b)(6), to permit an alternative 
method of compliance to allow the use of a Brookville 25-ton diesel 
locomotive in a dual role as a motor/diesel fuel transportation unit. 
Specifically, the petitioner is requesting a modification of the 
existing standard as it applies to the requirement for a shut-off valve 
in the diesel return line from the locomotive's engine back to the fuel 
tank.
    The petitioner states that:

    (a) The Longview Mine is currently under construction. The 
mine's slope floor will have rail installed for diesel equipment, 
including Brookville locomotives, to transport personnel, equipment, 
and supplies. The petitioner will use a Brookville 25-ton Diesel 
Locomotive to fuel diesel-powered equipment (i.e., forklifts) at or 
near the working section.
    (b) The petitioner is purchasing diesel-powered permissible 650 
shield hauler scoops. These scoops will be utilized to transport 
shields (roof supports) to and from rail-mounted cars from the 
longwall set-up or recovery face.
    (c) Utilizing a locomotive as a diesel fuel transportation unit 
will eliminate the need for equipment to tram, potentially several 
hundred feet, to an outby fueling location.
    (d) As required by West Virginia regulations, the petitioner 
will submit a plan to the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health 
Safety and Training outlining the special safety precautions that 
will be taken to insure the protection of miners when fueling in an 
escapeway using the locomotive.

    The petitioner proposes the following alternative method:

    (a) The petitioner will equip the diesel Brookville locomotive 
with a fuel tank constructed of 3/16-inch steel plates designed to 
serve as both the motor's fuel tank and fuel dispensing tank. The 
tank will be equipped with an 8 gallons per minute (gpm) pump that 
can only dispense 50 percent of the tank's capacity, which will 
ensure the motor's fuel supply cannot be completely depleted.
    (b) The petitioner will shut off the locomotive's engine during 
the fueling process. The 8 gpm fuel dispensing pump will operate 
using a separate battery power source, added to supply power to the 
pump. The fuel dispensing hose is a 50-foot hose with a no-latch 
open device and a self-closing valve. There is a power supply switch 
at the pump's nozzle storage bracket as well as an emergency shut-
off switch located above the fuel tank. The emergency switch is 
protected by a cover that automatically ensures that the switch is 
in the off position any time the cover is closed.
    (c) The petitioner will post the following fueling procedures on 
the fuel tank:
    1. Make sure the fueling sign is hung and the locomotive's 
engine is shut off.
    2. Inspect fire extinguishers prior to beginning the fueling 
process.
    3. Ensure that fire extinguishers are located outby the fueling 
point.
    4. Verify fuel hose, equipment, etc. are in good condition.
    5. Test for methane in the atmosphere.
    6. Check for potential ignition sources and other hazards in the 
area.
    7. Notify the mine dispatcher before starting.
    8. Unlock and open the emergency shut-off switch.
    9. Check for any spills after the fueling is complete.
    10. Shut off the emergency switch and close locked cover.
    11. Notify the mine dispatcher after completion.
    (d) The petitioner shall:
    1. Equip the tank with a 4-inch vent designed to open at a 
pressure not to exceed 2.5 pounds per square inch, as required by 30 
CFR 75.1904(b).
    2. Identify and mark tank openings and pressure-test the tank, 
fittings, and components.
    3. Equip the pump dispensing line and fuel supply lines with 
shut-off valves as required by 30 CFR 75.1904(b)(6).
    4. Equip the pump dispensing line with an anti-siphoning device 
as required by 30 CFR 75.1905(b)(iii).
    5. Provide the pump dispensing line with a self-closing valve 
with no latch-open device as required by 30 CFR 75.1905(b)(3)(ii).
    6. Install additional fire suppression and detection to ensure 
that the system protects and meets all of the requirements of 30 CFR 
75.1911.
    (e) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order (PDO) 
becomes final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for its 
approved part 48 training plan to the District Manager. The proposed 
revisions will include initial and refresher training regarding 
compliance with the terms and conditions of the PDO.

    The petitioner asserts that the alternative method proposed will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.
    Docket Number: M-2021-044-C.
    Petitioner: Mingo Logan Coal, LLC, P.O. Box E, Sharples, West 
Virginia 25183.
    Mine: Mountaineer II Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-09029, located in Logan 
County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 18.35(a)(5)(i) (Portable (trailing) 
cables and cords).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of 30 
CFR 18.35(a)(5)(i) to increase the maximum length of trailing cables 
supplying power to face equipment. Specifically, the petitioner 
requests a modification to permit an increase in the maximum length of 
trailing cables supplying power to face equipment to 1,000 feet.
    The petitioner states that:

    (a) The mine plan requires maintenance of large pillars for roof 
control requirements. The larger pillars require machines to travel 
longer distances to the working face.
    (b) The power center is currently located two crosscuts outby in 
the air intake entry, and the maximum cable length is 380 feet.
    (c) The air intake entry is the primary escapeway.
    (d) The power center partially obstructs the intake ventilation. 
This complicates the ventilation system because it increases the 
overall restriction at the section's intake dumping point. This 
further complicates ventilation because belt air intake is utilized 
throughout the mine and a strict balance between intake and belt air 
intake must be maintained per regulation and the approved 
ventilation plan.
    (e) One-thousand-foot cables will allow the power center to be 
located in a crosscut instead of the escapeway. The cable length 
during normal production will be 466 feet. However, extending the 
maximum length to 1,000 feet, prevents the risk of cable damage and 
potential operator injury if a machine travels beyond the 500 feet 
length allowed by the standard, breaking the cable. Operators may 
lose track of how much cable is on the reel and overextend the 
distance. Extending the maximum cable lengths to 1,000 feet when 
mining larger pillars mitigates a potential safety hazard of a cable 
breaking and striking an operator.
    (f) Locating the power center in a crosscut rather than in the 
primary escapeway improves miner safety by providing unobstructed 
egress from the mine during an evacuation event.
    (g) Locating the power center in a crosscut will not obstruct 
the intake ventilation.

    The petitioner proposes the following alternative method:

    (a) The maximum length of the 995-volt, three-phase, alternating 
current trailing cables shall not exceed 1,000 feet in length and 
shall have a 90 degree Celsius insulation rating. The maximum length 
of the 600-volt, three phase, alternating current, trailing cables 
supplying section loading machines, roof bolters, and shuttle cars 
shall not exceed 1,000 feet in length and shall have a 90 degree 
Celsius insulation rating.
    (b) The trailing cable shall not be smaller than No. 2/0 
American Wire Gauge (AWG) for the continuous mining machine.
    (c) The trailing cables shall not be smaller than No. 2 AWG for 
the section roof bolting machines and shuttle cars.
    (d) All circuit breakers used to protect No. 2/0 AWG cables not 
to exceed 1,000 feet in length shall have instantaneous trip units 
set to trip at 1,500 amperes. The circuit breakers' trip settings 
shall be sealed and the circuit breakers shall have permanent, 
legible labels identifying the circuit as being suitable for 
protecting No. 2/0 AWG cables.
    (e) Replacement circuit breakers and/or instantaneous trip units 
used to protect No. 2/0 AWG trailing cables shall be set to trip at 
1,500 amperes and this setting shall be sealed.
    (f) All circuit breakers used to protect No. 2 AWG trailing 
cables not to exceed 1,000 feet in length shall have instantaneous 
trip units set to trip at 600 amperes. The circuit breakers' trip 
setting shall be sealed, and the

[[Page 10256]]

circuit breakers shall have permanent, legible labels, identifying 
the circuit breakers as being set for the size of the cable.
    (g) Replacement circuit breakers and/or instantaneous trip units 
used to protect No. 2 AWG cables shall be set to trip at 600 amperes 
and shall be sealed.
    (h) During each production day, persons designated by the 
operator shall visually examine the trailing cables to ensure that 
the cables are in safe operating condition and that the trip 
settings are sealed and do not exceed the settings stipulated in 
this petition.
    (i) Any trailing cable that is not in safe operating condition 
shall be removed from service immediately and repaired or replaced. 
In addition, if mining methods or operation procedures cause or 
contribute to the damage of any trailing cable, additional 
precautions shall be taken to ensure that the cable is protected and 
maintained in a safe operating condition.
    (j) Each splice or repair in the trailing cable shall be made in 
a proper workmanlike manner and in accordance with the instructions 
of the manufacturer of the splice or repair kit. The outer jacket of 
each splice or repair shall be vulcanized with flame resistant 
material or made with material that has been accepted by MSHA as 
flame resistant under 30 CFR part 18.
    (k) Permanent warning labels shall be installed and maintained 
on the covers of each circuit breaker and trailing cable 
disconnecting device indicating that the trailing cable can only be 
connected to a properly adjusted and sealed circuit breaker. These 
labels shall warn miners not to change or alter the sealed trip 
settings and not to connect the trailing cables to an improperly 
adjusted circuit breaker.
    (l) The conditions of this petition shall not be implemented 
until all miners designated to examine the integrity of the seals, 
verify the trip settings, and examine trailing cables for defects 
have received the training outlined in this petition.
    (m) Within 60 days after the proposed decision and order becomes 
final, the petitioner shall submit proposed revisions to its 
approved 30 CFR part 48 training plan to the MSHA District Manager. 
The proposed revisions shall specify task training for miners 
designated to verify that the trip settings of the circuit 
interrupting devices protecting the affected trailing cables do not 
exceed the specified settings. The training shall include the 
following elements:
    1. The hazards of setting the circuit interrupting device too 
high to adequately protect the trailing cable.
    2. How to verify that the circuit interrupting devices 
protecting the trailing cables are properly set and maintained.
    3. Mining methods and operating procedures to protect the 
trailing cables against damage.
    4. Proper procedures for examining the affected trailing cables 
to ensure they are in safe operating condition.

    The petitioner asserts that the alternative method proposed will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.

Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Acting Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2022-03776 Filed 2-22-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P