96-9167. Mine Shift Atmospheric Conditions; Respirable Dust Sample

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 71 (Thursday, April 11, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 16123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9167]



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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration


Mine Shift Atmospheric Conditions; Respirable Dust Sample

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period; notice of public hearing; 
close of record.

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SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is extending 
the public comment period on the joint notice with the National 
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) proposing a 
finding that the average concentration of respirable dust to which each 
miner in the active workings of a coal mine is exposed can be measured 
accurately over a single shift. MSHA and NIOSH will conduct a public 
hearing.

DATES: Submit written comments on or before June 10, 1996.
    During this time period MSHA and NIOSH will conduct a public 
hearing. The date, time, and location of the public hearing will be 
announced in a separate Federal Register notice.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Mine Safety and Health 
Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances; 4015 
Wilson Boulevard, Room 631; Arlington, Virginia 22203. Commenters are 
encouraged to submit comments on a computer disk or via e-mail to 
[e-mail] along with an original hard copy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald J. Schell, Chief, Division of 
Health, Coal Mine Safety and Health, 703-235-1358.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 12, 1996 (61 FR 10012), MSHA and 
NIOSH published a notice in the Federal Register reopening the record 
for their joint notice proposing a finding that the average 
concentration of respirable dust to which each miner in the active 
workings of a coal mine is exposed can be measured accurately over a 
single shift. This finding is being made in accordance with section 
202(f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The Agencies 
reopened the record to submit a definition of accuracy, to supply new 
data and statistical analyses on the precision of coal mine respirable 
dust measurements obtained using approved sampling equipment, and to 
allow the public time to review and submit comments on this 
supplemental information. This additional information does not change 
the proposed findings. The comment period was scheduled to close on 
April 11, 1996. Commenters have requested additional time to review 
this information and prepare their comments.
    The Agency, therefore, is extending the comment period until June 
10, 1996. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments on 
or before that date.

    Dated: April 9, 1996.
J. Davitt McAteer,
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 96-9167 Filed 4-10-96; 8:45 am]
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