Mine Safety and Health Administration August 30, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On June 15, 2006, the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006 was enacted. In accordance with Section 2 of the MINER Act, each underground coal mine operator must submit an emergency response plan (ERP) to the appropriate MSHA District Manager. The ERP provides for the evacuation of all individuals endangered by an emergency and also for the maintenance of individuals trapped underground in the event that miners are unable to evacuate the mine. MSHA is soliciting comments that address the availability of readily accessible breathable air that would be sufficient to maintain miners trapped underground over a sustained period of time. MSHA will consider these comments in developing guidance to assist in assuring that the ERPs provide safe and reliable post-accident breathable air supplies for trapped miners.