[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20026-20030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10690]
[[Page 20025]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part IV
Department of Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
Mine Safety and Health Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
30 CFR Parts 56, 57, and 75
Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and
Underground Coal Mines; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 77 / Wednesday, April 22, 1998 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 20026]]
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
30 CFR Parts 56, 57, and 75
RIN 1219-AB00
Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and
Underground Coal Mines
AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: MSHA is revising its safety standards for roof and rock bolts
at metal and nonmetal mines and underground coal mines by updating the
reference to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standard for roof and rock bolts and accessories. The new reference
reflects technological advances in the design of roof and rock bolts
and support materials. It will improve the level of protection provided
by the standards currently in use.
DATES: The final rule is effective June 22, 1998.
Compliance: Compliance is mandatory, April 22, 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia W. Silvey, Director; Office
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA; phone: 703-235-1910,
fax: 703-235-5551.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
On April 28, 1997 (62 FR 22998), MSHA published a proposed rule to
revise its safety standards for roof and rock bolts at metal and
nonmetal mines and underground coal mines by updating existing
Secs. 56.3203, 57.3203, and 75.204 by replacing the references to the
ASTM standard for roof and rock bolts and accessories. The comment
period was scheduled to close on June 27, 1997. Due to requests from
the mining community, the comment period was extended to and closed on
July 14, 1997.
MSHA participated in the development of ASTM F432-95 through active
representation at meetings of the American Mining Congress (predecessor
organization to the National Mining Association) Roof Support Group.
That committee prepared the revised document for consideration by ASTM.
The committee was open to all manufacturers of roof and rock bolts and
accessories, and considered comments from all participants in
developing the new specifications. MSHA Technical Support personnel
conducted both laboratory and field studies which provided supporting
data for the various changes. This rulemaking has been followed closely
by the National Mining Association, the United Mine Workers of America,
and the United Steelworkers of America.
MSHA is updating the standards because the Agency believes that
ASTM F432-95 is more comprehensive than the references contained in
existing standards, that it reflects advances in rock and roof bolt
technology, and that it will provide better protection for miners than
the standards currently in place. As discussed below, these revisions
will not reduce the protection afforded miners by the MSHA standards
currently in place.
A. Metal and Nonmetal Mines
On October 8, 1986, MSHA published a final rule (51 FR 36194)
revising its safety standards for ground control at metal and nonmetal
mines. This rulemaking included comprehensive rock bolt standards in
Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Secs. 56/57.3203 which
addressed the quality of rock fixtures and their installation. Roof and
rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control
systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and ribs.
Accidents involving falls of roof in underground mines or falls of
highwall in surface mines have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
These standards currently require that metal and nonmetal mine
operators obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof and
rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance
with the 1983 ASTM publication ``Standard Specification for Roof and
Rock Bolts and Accessories'' (ASTM F432-83). The ASTM standard for roof
and rock bolts and accessories is a consensus standard used throughout
the United States. It contains specifications for the chemical,
mechanical, and dimensional requirements for roof and rock bolts and
accessories used for ground support systems.
The manufacturer's certification is made available to an authorized
representative of the Secretary to attest to the appropriate testing
and manufacture of the rock bolts and accessories. Requiring that the
mine operator obtain a certification from the manufacturer assures mine
operators that the material they use meets technical requirements
established to promote safety.
B. Underground Coal Mines
MSHA published a final rule for roof support in underground coal
mines on February 8, 1990 (55 FR 4592) revising paragraphs (a) and (b)
of Sec. 75.204. This standard references ASTM publication ``Standard
Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories'' (ASTM F432-88),
which was the most recent revision available at that time. This
standard also required mine operators to obtain a certification from
the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts and accessories are
manufactured and tested in accordance with ASTM F432-88. To comply with
this rule, mine operators are required to provide the certification
document, upon request, to an authorized representative of the
Secretary to confirm that their roof and rock bolts are designed and
tested in accordance with the ASTM standard.
This reference to the ASTM standard performs the same function as
the reference to the 1983 ASTM standard for metal and nonmetal mining
application. That is, the certificate assures mine operators that the
material they use meets technical requirements established to promote
safety.
II. Discussion
In promulgating this final rule, MSHA has addressed the comments
received during the rulemaking process, and has developed practical
requirements. Both costs and benefits were also considered.
MSHA has found that the existing certification requirement has been
successful in maintaining compliance with requirements for roof and
rock bolts and accessories. MSHA, therefore, is retaining the
certification requirement and updating existing Sec. 56.3203, 57.3203,
and 75.204 by replacing the references to outdated ASTM F432-83 and
ASTM F432-88 with a new reference to ASTM F432-95.
One commenter suggested that MSHA revise the paragraphs to state
Make the certification available to an authorized representative of the
Secretary and a miners' representative. The commenter further stated
that although it may be assumed that ``miners' representatives'' have a
right to the certification information, no such specified right is
accorded under the rule. Short of such specified right, miners'
representatives have had to demand certification information with
threats of section 105(c) complaints against mine operators.
The Agency intends that the miners' representatives have access to
the certification statements as stated in the preamble to the proposed
rule (62 FR 22998).
* * * Mine operators currently are required to obtain a
certification statement that the testing and manufacture of roof and
rock bolts comply with the specified standard, and to keep a copy of
this
[[Page 20027]]
certification statement so that it can be made available to miners'
representatives and representatives of the Secretary of Labor (the
Secretary) * * *
In response to the comment, Secs. 56.3203(a)(2), 57.3203(a)(2), and
75.204(a)(2) have been revised to require the operator to ``make this
certification available to an authorized representative of the
Secretary and the representative of miners.''
A. New Products Addressed
ASTM F432-95 covers products not addressed by the current standards
including grouting materials, large diameter bolts, thread deformed
bars, and formable anchorage devices.
1. Grouting Materials
Grouting materials, which were not addressed by either ASTM F432-88
or ASTM F432-83, are extensively covered by ASTM F432-95. The term
``grouting materials'' is used in ASTM F432-95 to include any chemical
materials (such as polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resins) that are
used to anchor mine roof bolts. While grouted bolts have been used
successfully to support mine roofs since the 1970's, each manufacturer
has a different method to describe proper application of grouting
materials and their performance characteristics. This lack of
standardization has caused confusion and occasional misapplication of a
particular grout formulation and, therefore, has resulted in improperly
grouted boreholes. Improperly grouted boreholes can result in poor bolt
performance and, potentially, an inadequately supported roof. A survey
of MSHA field personnel revealed that improper borehole grouting has
been a contributing factor in roof fall accidents. Under ASTM F432-95,
there are specific requirements regarding strength, cure rate,
cartridge volume, and labeling that will standardize the production and
application of grouting materials and reduce the likelihood that
grouted bolts will be improperly installed.
The majority of commenters were in support of this provision.
However, one commenter was concerned that standardization of grout cure
rates could be hazardous. The commenter also stated that some mines
need bolt lengths ranging from 5 feet to 20 feet and that flexibility
in grout cure rates is vital. The commenter further suggested that it
is far more important that the operator be trained to use the materials
properly than to attempt to standardize the products.
The Agency does not believe that the standardization of grout cure
rates by ASTM F432-95 will cause a safety hazard or alter the variety
of grouting materials available to the mining industry. Rather, it
provides a classification system by which performance characteristics
of current and future grout formulations can be grouped and identified,
and enables the user to select the proper formulation for a particular
application. Therefore, the provision remains as proposed.
2. Large Diameter Bolts
Similarly, large diameter bolts, ranging in size from 1\1/8\ inch
to 1\1/2\ inch, are now addressed by ASTM F432-95. MSHA field personnel
report that these large diameter bolts are growing in popularity and
are being used in areas of adverse roof conditions where smaller
diameter bolts would fail. ASTM F432-95 provides standard strength and
thread tolerance limits that ensure minimum performance levels and the
interchangeability of components produced by different manufacturers.
Compatibility is essential in ensuring that components acquired from
different sources function properly when used together, such as
mechanical anchors from one manufacturer and bolts from another, and
provide an adequate margin of safety.
The majority of commenters supported this requirement. One
commenter supported the use of large diameter bolts, but was concerned
that in-mine tests will still be necessary because conditions vary from
mine to mine.
The inclusion of large diameter bolts in ASTM F432-95 does not
exempt those bolts from the plan approval process; any bolting system
must be approved as suitable for the ground conditions of a particular
mine. It does, however, ensure that large diameter bolts meeting those
specifications are compatible with other components (expansion anchors,
nuts, etc.) and will function properly, essentially removing that
aspect of the evaluation (which is often time consuming) from the
approval process.
3. Thread Deformed Bars and Formable Anchorage Devices
Two new technologies, thread deformed bars and formable anchorage
devices, are also addressed by ASTM F432-95. These bolting systems were
not in use at the time ASTM F432-83 and ASTM F432-88 were adopted.
Their effectiveness has been demonstrated at a number of mines,
however, and this has led MSHA to approve their use in roof control
plans. ASTM F432-95 provides specific manufacturing, strength, and
identification requirements for these products to ensure that minimum
performance levels are met and that reliable products are available to
the mine operator. Updating the roof control standards which reference
the ASTM specifications covering these systems will reduce the time
required by mine operators to receive approval to use these devices in
the roof control plan, and will eliminate the need for repetitive and
time consuming underground tests.
One commenter was confused as to whether fixtures and accessories
addressed under ASTM F432-95 will have to be approved individually
under the roof control plan, or will unilaterally be approved for
inclusion in roof control plans without submitting each plan
separately. The commenter referred to the statement in the preamble to
the proposal (62 FR 23000) which noted that:
Updating the roof control standards which reference the ASTM
specifications covering these systems would reduce the time required
by mine operators to receive approval to use these devices in the
roof control plan, and eliminate the need for repetitive and time
consuming underground tests.
Section 75.220 requires each mine operator to develop and follow a
roof control plan approved by the District Manager. If the roof bolts
and accessories are not addressed under ASTM F432-95, the operator will
have to perform tests to show that they meet the requirements of
75.204(b). The inclusion in the roof control plan of a particular
product that meets the specifications in ASTM F432-95 relieves the mine
operator of having to perform tests to show that these items meet the
requirements of the standard and, thus, reduce the time involved in the
roof control plan approval process. Meeting the specifications of ASTM
F432-95 also assures the mine operator and MSHA that the manufactured
product will function as designed.
B. Additional Safety Benefits
ASTM F432-95 provides a number of additional safety benefits,
including strength standards for couplers, tolerances for external and
internal threads, dimensions for hardened washers, and bolt grading and
identification systems. The Agency did not receive any comments
regarding these additional safety features.
C. Existing Inventory
This final rule will allow mine operators to use inventories of
roof support components meeting the design criteria of ASTM F432-83 and
ASTM
[[Page 20028]]
F432-88 for up to 1 year from the effective date of this rule. After
that year, only roof support components meeting ASTM F432-95 will be
permitted to be installed. This 1-year period will not result in a
diminution of safety to miners and will allow mine operators, including
small mines and seasonal operations, to exhaust existing supplies of
roof support materials on site. It also will allow miners who use roof
support materials to become sufficiently trained in the use of roof
bolts and accessories that meet the requirements of ASTM F432-95. The
Agency is allowing mine operators to start using components meeting the
ASTM F432-95 standard upon the effective date of this final rule.
In response to this provision, the majority of the commenters
believed that 1 year was a sufficient amount of time to allow operators
to exhaust their inventories. However, one commenter is concerned that
the 1-year time period is not long enough. The commenter stated that a
better approach would be to require new production of bolts to meet
ASTM F432-95 by a certain date, then each mine would achieve compliance
when they replace inventory no matter what the time frame.
An inventory of roof bolt manufacturers conducted in April and May
of 1995 indicated that all manufacturers could consume present tooling,
exhaust products meeting current specifications, and produce and make
available to mine operators quantities of roof support materials
meeting ASTM F432-95 within a 6-month time period. Contact with several
coal mine operators at that time indicated that an additional 6-12
months would enable them to exhaust inventories of existing ASTM F432-
88 products. While ASTM F432-88 products are quality products, there
are conflicts with ASTM F432-95 that could cause confusion if not used
within a specified time frame. For instance, the bolt head
identification markings of F432-95 are substantially different from
those of F432-88 and F432-83. Long term usage of bolts covered by both
specifications could lead to the mis-identification of bolt properties
(grade and diameter) and the inadvertant mis-application of the bolting
system. Similarly, the equivalent length requirements of F432-95 may
produce resin cartridges with different volumes than those currently
marketed. In situations where the shelf life would be extended beyond 1
year, the potential existence of two cartridge sizes could result in
confusion and improper borehole grouting. The 1-year time frame will
minimize the period of time that mine operators must closely monitor
the use of products covered by two specifications and yet will provide
a reasonable amount of time to exhaust inventories of F432-83 and F432-
88 products.
Another commenter stated that the 1-year time period puts
technology too far off in the future. The commenter further stated that
MSHA should stipulate provisions for operators opting to use the new
ASTM standard voluntarily, i.e., must notify the appropriate District
Manager and can no longer use roof bolts manufactured under ASTM F432-
83 or ASTM F432-88.
The primary thrust of ASTM F432-95 is the introduction and coverage
of technology not addressed by ASTM F432-83 and/or ASTM F432-88. The
minimum performance requirements of previously addressed components
generally remain unchanged. Roof support components meeting ASTM F432-
83 and ASTM F432-88 are quality items that have been safely and
effectively used. While MSHA is not aware of any manufacturer currently
producing roof support components to the ASTM F432-83 standard
(manufacturers voluntarily adopted the upgraded ASTM F432-88 standard),
extending the use of products meeting both ASTM F432-83 and ASTM F432-
88 for up to a year will pose no safety concern.
For underground coal mines, any bolting system must be approved by
the District Manager as suitable for the ground conditions of a
particular mine. Therefore, operators will stipulate in the roof
control plan if the roof and rock bolts and accessories meet the
specifications of ASTM F432-88 or ASTM F432-95, or were tested by the
operator and shown to be effective. Additionally, the final rule states
that an operator may continue to use roof and rock bolt accessories
that meet the specifications of ASTM F432-88 until 1 year after the
effective date of this final rule.
Underground metal and nonmetal mine operators are not required to
submit a roof control plan to the MSHA District Manager. However, the
incorporation of ASTM F432-95 into Sec. 56.3203 and 57.3203 will ensure
that roof and rock bolts and accessories will be of high quality and
manufactured to the same specifications as those used in underground
coal mines.
MSHA also believes that the 1-year time period gives sufficient
time for roof bolt manufacturers to consume present tooling, exhaust
inventories of products meeting current specifications, and produce and
make available to mine operators quantities of roof bolts meeting the
design criteria of ASTM F432-95. MSHA did not receive any comments in
response to the amount of time needed to produce roof bolts meeting the
design criteria of ASTM F432-95.
III. Paperwork Reduction Act
On August 29, 1995, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
published a final rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 44978)
implementing the new Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95).
Consistent with PRA 95, these OMB rules expanded the definition of
``information'' to clarify that a ``certification'' would involve the
collection of ``information'' if the Agency used it to monitor
compliance. Mine operators currently are required to obtain a
certification statement that the testing and manufacture of roof and
rock bolts comply with the specified standard, and to keep a copy of
this certification statement so that it can be made available to
miners' representatives and representatives of the Secretary of Labor
(the Secretary). Although the final rule does not change this
requirement, it is now considered an information collection burden
because of the expanded definition of ``information'' under PRA 95. The
burden hours and costs associated with roof bolt certifications,
therefore, do not reflect any increase for the mining industry.
One commenter stated that MSHA's cost estimates were greatly
underestimated. This commenter pointed out that the cost estimates were
based on each mine using one roof support type and one roof support
supplier. Some companies use multiple types of roof bolts which are
distributed by different suppliers. The burden of providing a
certification could be 3 to 6 times more than MSHA estimates depending
on the geographic location and geology of the mine. The commenter
further stated that the cost estimates did not include the cost of
initial filing of documents and quarterly locating and copying for
inspectors. New testing, identification, and other manufacturing costs
created by the new ASTM standard will not be absorbed by the
manufacturers; they will be passed along to mine operators.
A second commenter supported MSHA's estimates stating that MSHA has
reasonably and logically established the burden of hours and costs
associated with roof bolt certifications by close comparison to that
which has been collected as required under the current standards.
In response to these comments MSHA has increased the estimated
number of
[[Page 20029]]
times that mine operators would have to file or retrieve
certifications. These revised estimates reflect the obtaining and
filing of certifications from more than one manufacturer or supplier
and the retrieval of certifications to show to an authorized
representative during an inspection.
Description: Sections 56.3203(a)(1), 57.3203(a)(1), and
75.204(a)(1) require the mine operator to obtain a manufacturer's
certification that the material was manufactured and tested in
accordance with the specifications of ASTM F432-95. Agency experience
has shown that major roof and rock bolt manufacturers routinely provide
a certification to mine operators at the time of the initial contract
and update the certification annually. Smaller manufacturers provide a
certification at the time of initial contract and upon request from the
mine operator. MSHA estimates that it takes the mine operator about 3
minutes to obtain a signature and file the certification form, and that
underground mines use an average of four different manufacturers or
suppliers and surface mines use two.
Sections 56.3203(a)(2), 57.3203(a)(2), and 75.204(a)(2) require
that the certification be made available to an authorized
representative of the Secretary and to a miner's representative. MSHA
estimates that it takes about 3 minutes per inspection to show the
certifications to the authorized representative and the miner's
representative. Underground mines are inspected four times per year and
surface mines are inspected twice per year.
Description of Respondents: The respondents are mine operators.
MSHA estimates that this provision annually affects about 233 surface
metal and nonmetal mines; 243 underground metal and nonmetal mines; and
888 underground coal mines.
Information Collection Burden: The total estimated annual
information collection burden for surface metal and nonmetal mines is
about 47 hours at an estimated annual cost of about $1,680. The total
estimated annual information collection burden for underground metal
and nonmetal mines is about 97 hours at an estimated annual cost of
about $3,500. The total estimated annual information collection burden
for underground coal mines is about 355 hours at an estimated annual
cost of about $14,920. The burden hours and costs associated with roof
bolt certifications do not reflect any increase for the mining industry
because mine operators currently are required to perform these
activities.
The following chart summarizes MSHA's estimates by section.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Regulation in 30 CFR Number of Hours per Number of responses per Annual costs Total hours
respondents response responses respondent per regulation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.3203(a)(1)........................................... 233 0.05 932 4 $ 1,680 47
57.3203(a)(1)........................................... 243 0.05 1,944 8 3,500 97
75.204(a)(1)............................................ 888 0.05 7,104 8 14,920 355
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total............................................... 1,364 0.05 9,980 .............. 20,100 499
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information collection requirements contained in this rule were
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and have been approved under OMB
Control Number 1219-0121.
IV. Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act
Executive Order 12866 requires that regulatory agencies assess both
the costs and benefits of regulations. MSHA estimates that the cost
impact of the final rule is essentially the same as under the existing
rule. The primary benefit of the final rule is that it provides for
advancements in roof bolt technology and, therefore, will increase
safety protection for miners. MSHA has determined that this final rule
does not meet the criteria of a significant regulatory action and,
therefore, has not prepared a separate analysis of costs and benefits.
The analysis contained in this preamble meets MSHA's responsibilities
under Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires regulatory agencies
to consider a rule's impact on small entities. Under the RFA, MSHA must
use the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition for a small mine
of 500 or fewer employees or, after consultation with the SBA Office of
Advocacy, establish an alternative definition for the mining industry
by publishing that definition in the Federal Register for notice and
comment. MSHA traditionally has considered small mines to be those with
fewer than 20 employees. For the purposes of the RFA and this
certification, MSHA has analyzed the impact of the final rule on all
mines, on those with fewer than 20 employees, and on those with fewer
than 500 employees, and has concluded that the cost impact on the
mining industry is negligible.
Regulatory Flexibility Certification
In accordance with Sec. 605 of the RFA, MSHA certifies that this
final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. No small governmental jurisdictions or
nonprofit organizations are affected.
Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
(SBREFA) amendments to the RFA, MSHA must include in the final rule a
factual basis for this certification. The Agency also must publish the
regulatory flexibility certification in the Federal Register, along
with its factual basis.
Factual Basis for Certification
MSHA used a qualitative approach in concluding that the final rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. In the preamble to the proposed rule, MSHA stated that
the cost of purchasing roof and rock bolts and accessories would not
increase significantly as a result of the requirement that they meet
the new ASTM specification (ASTM F432-95). Additionally, MSHA stated
that the new ASTM standard incorporates technological advances that are
currently available and being used by the mining industry. One
commenter stated that the costs of the new testing, identification, and
other manufacturing costs created by the new ASTM standard will not be
absorbed by the manufacturers; it will be passed along to mines.
In preparing the proposed rule, MSHA had determined that roof bolt
manufacturers routinely change dies and other machining parts because
of wear. The Agency concluded that, because of the 1-year phase in
period, changing dies and other machine parts to accommodate the new
ASTM specification would not pose an additional cost on manufacturers.
[[Page 20030]]
The largest cost under the final rule is due to the increase of
resin volume in cartridges. The result would be that the resin
manufacturer may increase the cost of resin cartridges to mine
operators comparable to the increased volume of resin. MSHA believes
that any increased cost to mine operators for resin cartridges would be
offset by this increased resin volume. MSHA estimates that the total
cost increase, if passed on to mine operators, would represent less
that one percent of their cost for roof and rock bolts and accessories.
V. Unfunded Mandates Act
For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, as well
as E.O. 12875, this rule does not include any Federal mandate that may
result in increased expenditures by State, local, and tribal
governments, or increased expenditures by the private sector of more
than $100 million.
VI. Executive Order 13045
In accordance with Executive Order 13045, protection of children
from environmental health risks and safety risks, MSHA has evaluated
the environmental health or safety effects of the final rule on
children. The Agency has determined that the final rule will have no
effects on children.
List of Subjects
30 CFR Parts 56 and 57
Mine safety and health, Surface mining, Underground mining.
30 CFR Part 75
Coal, Mine safety and health, Underground mining.
Dated: April 16, 1998.
J. Davitt McAteer,
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, chapter I of title 30 of
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 56--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL
MINES
1. The authority citation for part 56 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.
2. Section 56.3203 is amended by revising the introductory text of
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 56.3203 Rock fixtures.
(a) For rock bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95,
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the
mine operator shall--
(1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM
F432-95; and
(2) Make this certification available to an authorized
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
(b) Fixtures and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be
used for ground support provided they--
* * * * *
PART 57--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND METAL AND
NONMETAL MINES
3. The authority citation for part 57 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.
4. Section 57.3203 is amended by revising the introductory text of
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 57.3203 Rock fixtures.
(a) For rock bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95,
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the
mine operator shall--
(1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM
F432-95; and
(2) Make this certification available to an authorized
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
(b) Fixtures and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be
used for ground support provided they'
* * * * *
PART 75--MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
5. The authority citation for part 75 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.
6. Section 75.204 is amended by revising the introductory text of
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 75.204 Roof bolting.
(a) For roof bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95,
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the
mine operator shall--
(1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM
F432-95; and
(2) Make this certification available to an authorized
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
(b) Roof bolts and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be
used, provided that the use of such materials is approved by the
District Manager based on--
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 98-10690 Filed 4-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
