Federal Register: December 17, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 242)
DOCID: FR Doc 01-30940
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Safety standard petitions:
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Petitions for Modification
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
1. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M2001098C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street,
20th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.332(a)(2) (working sections and
working places) to its Wabash Mine (I.D. No. 1100877) located in
Wabash County Illinois. The petitioner requests that Item 29 of the
Proposed Decision and Order for its previously granted petition for
modification, docket number M1999095C be amended to permit the
scrubber system to be operational and maintained to provide 6,500 cfm
instead of 7,500 cfm of output capacity while cleanup is being
performed. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
2. Hopkins County Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M2001099C]
Hopkins County Coal, LLC, P.O. Box 711, Madisonville, Kentucky
42431 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its Island Mine No. 1 (I.D. No.
1517515) located in Hopkins County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests
a modification of the standard to permit evaluation points (A, inby and
B, outby) in lieu of traveling approximately 75 feet of the return air
course. The petitioner states that due to deteriorating roof
conditions, traveling the affected area would be unsafe. The petitioner
proposes to: (1) Establish evaluation points outby the #3 entry at/near
spad #22+21/3 and inby at/near spad #23+21/3, to provide ingress/egress
to the outby evaluation point (B) at crosscut #43 and to provide
ingress/egress to the inby evaluation point (A) at crosscut #51; (ii)
post signs in strategic locations that would direct personnel to each
evaluation point; and (iii) have a certified person examine the
evaluation points on a weekly basis to determine methane and oxygen
concentrations, quantity of air, and to determine if the air is moving
in the proper direction and record the results of the examinations in a
book maintained on the surface. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
3. San Juan Coal Company
[Docket No. M2001100C]
San Juan Coal Company, P.O. Box 561, Waterflow, New Mexico 87421
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(2)
(onshift examination) to its San Juan South Mine (I.D. No. 2902170)
and San Juan Deep Mine (I.D. No. 2902201) both located in San Juan
County, New Mexico. The petitioner proposes to: (i) Equip each
continuous miner with a General Monitor S800 Methane Monitor with
detection sensors near the cutter drum and one sensor on each side of
the machine; (ii) equip each roofbolting machine with a General
Monitors S800 Methane Monitor that would have detection sensors on ATRS
for a total of one sensor; and (iii) to conduct tests every twenty
minutes at the operator's station while operating the roofbolting
machine on or inby the last open crosscut. The petitioner states that
the methane monitor would provide a visual alert when the methane
concentration reaches 1 percent and provide automatic shutdown when the
methane concentration reaches 2 percent at any of the sensors, the
monitors would provide continuous monitoring of the methane content
rather than just testing every twenty minutes and would test for
methane near the roof where methane is likely to be found, the monitors
would calibrated with a known concentration of methane at intervals not
to exceed 31 days, and that calibration would be performed by a
certified person. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
4. Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
[Docket No. M2001101C]
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, P.O. Box 1029, Wellington, Utah 84542 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d)
(permissible electric equipment) to its Dugout Canyon Mine (I.D. No,
4201890) located in Carbon County, Utah. The petitioner proposes to
use the following nonpermissible lowvoltage or battery powered
electronic testing and diagnostic equipment inby the last open
crosscut: Lap top computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis
machines, cable fault detectors, point temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices and recorders, pressure and flow measurement
devices, signal analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness gauges,
electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers, and may use
other testing and diagnostic equipment if approved by the District
Office. The petitioner states that all other tests and diagnostic
equipment use in or inby the last open crosscut will be permissible.
The petitioner has listed in this petition for modification specific
procedures that would be followed when using this equipment. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard. [[Page 64993]]
5. Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
[Docket No. M2001102C]
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, P.O. Box 1029, Wellington, Utah 84542 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.10011(a)
(location of other electric equipment; requirements for permissibility)
to its Dugout Canyon Mine (I.D. No. 4201890) located in Carbon County,
Utah. The petitioner proposes to use the following nonpermissible low
voltage or battery powered electronic testing and diagnostic equipment
in by the last open crosscut: Lap top computers, oscilloscopes,
vibration analysis machines, cable fault detectors, point temperature
probes, infrared temperature devices and recorders, pressure and flow
measurement devices, signal analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness
gauges, electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers, and
may use other testing and diagnostic equipment if approved by the
District Office. The petitioner states that all other test and
diagnostic equipment use in or in by the last open crosscut will be
permissible. The petitioner has listed in this petition for
modification specific procedures that would be followed when using this
equipment. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
6. Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company
[Docket No. M2001103C]
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington
Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152411421 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.312 (c) and (d) (main mine fan
examinations and records) to its Enlow Fork Mine (I.D. No. 3607416)
located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the standard to permit testing of the automatic closing
door(s) and the automatic fan signal device at least every 31 days
without shutting down the fan and without removing miners from the
mine. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
7. Oxbow Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M2001104C]
Oxbow Mining, Inc., 3737 Hwy 133, P.O. Box 535, Somerset, Colorado
81434 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002
(location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, highvoltage cables
and transformers) to its Elk Creek Mine (I.D. No. 0504674) located in
Gunnison County, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use a 2,400volt
longwall power circuit in the active pillar workings. The petitioner
has listed in this petition specific procedures for implementing its
proposed alternative method. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard and has listed specific procedures
in this petition for modification for implementing the alternative method.
8. Oxbow Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M2001105C]
Oxbow Mining, Inc., 3737 Hwy 133, P.O. Box 535, Somerset, Colorado
81434 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.804(a) (underground highvoltage cables) to its Elk Creek Mine (I.D.
No. 0504674) located in Gunnison County, Colorado. The petitioner
requests a modification of the standard to allow the use of a No. 16
A.W.G. ground check conductor in a highvoltage cable. The petitioner
proposes to use the following flameresistant cables on the high
voltage longwall system(s): Anaconda Type SHD+GC, Pirelli Type SHD
CenterGC, Tiger Brand Type SHDCGC, and other brands of cable of
identical construction. The petitioner asserts that these brands of
cable utilize a flexible No. 16 A.W.G. ground check conductor for the
ground continuity check circuit and that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
9. FMC Westvaco
[Docket No. M2001005M]
FMC Westvaco, FMC Corporation, Box 872, Green River, Wyoming 82935 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 57.22305 (approved equipment (III mines)) to its FMC Trona Mine (I.D. No. 48 00152) located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to permit the use of portable low power 0.52.0 watt radios for communication in face areas. The petitioner proposes to use (Audiovox, or equivalent) radios inby the last open break or face areas of the time to improve communications, conduct examinations to test for methane in the mine atmosphere at least every ten minutes before using the radios in the face area, and instruct all mine employees in the petition requirements and complete training forms before using the radios. The petitioner states that these radios would not be used where methane is 1.0 percent or more, or in the same mining section where blasting is taking place. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit comments via email to ``comments@msha.gov,'' or on a computer disk along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4014 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be postmarked or received in that office on or before January 16, 2002. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 10th day of December 2001. David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 0130940 Filed 121401; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 451043M
SUMMARY:
Wabash Mine Holding Co., et al.,
DOCUMENT BODY 2:
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
1. Wabash Mine Holding Company
[Docket No. M2001098C]
Wabash Mine Holding Company, One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street,
20th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.332(a)(2) (working sections and
working places) to its Wabash Mine (I.D. No. 1100877) located in
Wabash County Illinois. The petitioner requests that Item 29 of the
Proposed Decision and Order for its previously granted petition for
modification, docket number M1999095C be amended to permit the
scrubber system to be operational and maintained to provide 6,500 cfm
instead of 7,500 cfm of output capacity while cleanup is being
performed. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
2. Hopkins County Coal, LLC
[Docket No. M2001099C]
Hopkins County Coal, LLC, P.O. Box 711, Madisonville, Kentucky
42431 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.364(b)(2) (weekly examination) to its Island Mine No. 1 (I.D. No.
1517515) located in Hopkins County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests
a modification of the standard to permit evaluation points (A, inby and
B, outby) in lieu of traveling approximately 75 feet of the return air
course. The petitioner states that due to deteriorating roof
conditions, traveling the affected area would be unsafe. The petitioner
proposes to: (1) Establish evaluation points outby the #3 entry at/near
spad #22+21/3 and inby at/near spad #23+21/3, to provide ingress/egress
to the outby evaluation point (B) at crosscut #43 and to provide
ingress/egress to the inby evaluation point (A) at crosscut #51; (ii)
post signs in strategic locations that would direct personnel to each
evaluation point; and (iii) have a certified person examine the
evaluation points on a weekly basis to determine methane and oxygen
concentrations, quantity of air, and to determine if the air is moving
in the proper direction and record the results of the examinations in a
book maintained on the surface. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
3. San Juan Coal Company
[Docket No. M2001100C]
San Juan Coal Company, P.O. Box 561, Waterflow, New Mexico 87421
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(2)
(onshift examination) to its San Juan South Mine (I.D. No. 2902170)
and San Juan Deep Mine (I.D. No. 2902201) both located in San Juan
County, New Mexico. The petitioner proposes to: (i) Equip each
continuous miner with a General Monitor S800 Methane Monitor with
detection sensors near the cutter drum and one sensor on each side of
the machine; (ii) equip each roofbolting machine with a General
Monitors S800 Methane Monitor that would have detection sensors on ATRS
for a total of one sensor; and (iii) to conduct tests every twenty
minutes at the operator's station while operating the roofbolting
machine on or inby the last open crosscut. The petitioner states that
the methane monitor would provide a visual alert when the methane
concentration reaches 1 percent and provide automatic shutdown when the
methane concentration reaches 2 percent at any of the sensors, the
monitors would provide continuous monitoring of the methane content
rather than just testing every twenty minutes and would test for
methane near the roof where methane is likely to be found, the monitors
would calibrated with a known concentration of methane at intervals not
to exceed 31 days, and that calibration would be performed by a
certified person. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
4. Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
[Docket No. M2001101C]
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, P.O. Box 1029, Wellington, Utah 84542 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d)
(permissible electric equipment) to its Dugout Canyon Mine (I.D. No,
4201890) located in Carbon County, Utah. The petitioner proposes to
use the following nonpermissible lowvoltage or battery powered
electronic testing and diagnostic equipment inby the last open
crosscut: Lap top computers, oscilloscopes, vibration analysis
machines, cable fault detectors, point temperature probes, infrared
temperature devices and recorders, pressure and flow measurement
devices, signal analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness gauges,
electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers, and may use
other testing and diagnostic equipment if approved by the District
Office. The petitioner states that all other tests and diagnostic
equipment use in or inby the last open crosscut will be permissible.
The petitioner has listed in this petition for modification specific
procedures that would be followed when using this equipment. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard. [[Page 64993]]
5. Canyon Fuel Company, LLC
[Docket No. M2001102C]
Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, P.O. Box 1029, Wellington, Utah 84542 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.10011(a)
(location of other electric equipment; requirements for permissibility)
to its Dugout Canyon Mine (I.D. No. 4201890) located in Carbon County,
Utah. The petitioner proposes to use the following nonpermissible low
voltage or battery powered electronic testing and diagnostic equipment
in by the last open crosscut: Lap top computers, oscilloscopes,
vibration analysis machines, cable fault detectors, point temperature
probes, infrared temperature devices and recorders, pressure and flow
measurement devices, signal analyzer devices, ultrasonic thickness
gauges, electronic component testers, and electronic tachometers, and
may use other testing and diagnostic equipment if approved by the
District Office. The petitioner states that all other test and
diagnostic equipment use in or in by the last open crosscut will be
permissible. The petitioner has listed in this petition for
modification specific procedures that would be followed when using this
equipment. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
6. Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company
[Docket No. M2001103C]
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, Consol Plaza, 1800 Washington
Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 152411421 has filed a petition to
modify the application of 30 CFR 75.312 (c) and (d) (main mine fan
examinations and records) to its Enlow Fork Mine (I.D. No. 3607416)
located in Greene County, Pennsylvania. The petitioner requests a
modification of the standard to permit testing of the automatic closing
door(s) and the automatic fan signal device at least every 31 days
without shutting down the fan and without removing miners from the
mine. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
7. Oxbow Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M2001104C]
Oxbow Mining, Inc., 3737 Hwy 133, P.O. Box 535, Somerset, Colorado
81434 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1002
(location of trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, highvoltage cables
and transformers) to its Elk Creek Mine (I.D. No. 0504674) located in
Gunnison County, Colorado. The petitioner proposes to use a 2,400volt
longwall power circuit in the active pillar workings. The petitioner
has listed in this petition specific procedures for implementing its
proposed alternative method. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as the existing standard and has listed specific procedures
in this petition for modification for implementing the alternative method.
8. Oxbow Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M2001105C]
Oxbow Mining, Inc., 3737 Hwy 133, P.O. Box 535, Somerset, Colorado
81434 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.804(a) (underground highvoltage cables) to its Elk Creek Mine (I.D.
No. 0504674) located in Gunnison County, Colorado. The petitioner
requests a modification of the standard to allow the use of a No. 16
A.W.G. ground check conductor in a highvoltage cable. The petitioner
proposes to use the following flameresistant cables on the high
voltage longwall system(s): Anaconda Type SHD+GC, Pirelli Type SHD
CenterGC, Tiger Brand Type SHDCGC, and other brands of cable of
identical construction. The petitioner asserts that these brands of
cable utilize a flexible No. 16 A.W.G. ground check conductor for the
ground continuity check circuit and that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
9. FMC Westvaco
[Docket No. M2001005M]
FMC Westvaco, FMC Corporation, Box 872, Green River, Wyoming 82935 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 57.22305 (approved equipment (III mines)) to its FMC Trona Mine (I.D. No. 48 00152) located in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to permit the use of portable low power 0.52.0 watt radios for communication in face areas. The petitioner proposes to use (Audiovox, or equivalent) radios inby the last open break or face areas of the time to improve communications, conduct examinations to test for methane in the mine atmosphere at least every ten minutes before using the radios in the face area, and instruct all mine employees in the petition requirements and complete training forms before using the radios. The petitioner states that these radios would not be used where methane is 1.0 percent or more, or in the same mining section where blasting is taking place. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit comments via email to ``comments@msha.gov,'' or on a computer disk along with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 4014 Wilson Boulevard, Room 627, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be postmarked or received in that office on or before January 16, 2002. Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated at Arlington, Virginia this 10th day of December 2001. David L. Meyer,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 0130940 Filed 121401; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 451043M