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Code of Federal Regulations (Last Updated: July 5, 2024) |
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Title 30 - Mineral Resources |
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Chapter I - Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor |
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SubChapter B - Testing, Evaluation, and Approval of Mining Products |
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Part 29 - PORTABLE COAL DUST/ROCK DUST ANALYZERS, AND CONTINUOUS DUTY, WARNING LIGHT, PORTABLE METHANE DETECTORS FOR USE IN COAL MINES |
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Subpart H - Continuous Duty, Warning Light, Portable Methane Detectors; Performance and Testing Requirements |
§ 29.76 - Testing requirements.
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(a) Continuous duty, warning light, portable methane detectors shall be tested to ensure that they meet the minimum construction and performance requirements set forth in §§ 29.51, 29.52, 29.70, 29.71, 29.73, 29.74, and 29.75.
(b) Accessory quantitative meters shall be tested at several percentages within the limits of error specified in Table C, and at temperatures ranging from 50° and 70° F., with 5° increments. Ten tests shall be made at each percentage selected, and neither the average of the 10 tests, nor more than two tests for each percentage, shall exceed the limits of error specified in Table C.
(c) In order to determine the reliability and utility of the detector, personnel of MSHA shall field test the instrument for 1 month in various underground coal mines, in accordance with the applicant's operating and maintenance instructions.
(d) MSHA may conduct any additional field testing it deems necessary.
Table C—Maximum and Minimum Limits of Error for Accessory Quantitative Meters Installed on Continuous Duty, Warning Light, Portable Methane Detectors Percent methane Minimum limit of error—percent of methane Maximum limit of error—percent methane 0.25 0.10 0.40 0.50 0.35 0.65 1.00 0.80 1.20 2.00 1.80 2.20 3.00 2.70 3.30 4.00 3.70 4.30