[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33437-33438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-15788]
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Petitions for Modification
The following parties have filed petitions to modify the
application of mandatory safety standards under section 101(c) of the
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
1. Birdeye Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-95-83-C]
Birdeye Coal Company, Inc., HC 66, Box 494, Artemus, Kentucky 40903
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342
(methane monitors) to its No. 4 Mine (I.D. No. 15-17676) located in
Knox County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to monitor continuously
with a hand-held methane and oxygen detector instead of using machine-
mounted methane monitors on three-wheel tractors with drag bottom
buckets. The petitioner states that this petition request is based on
the safety of the miners involved.
2. Old Ben Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-84-C]
Old Ben Coal Company, P.O. Box 270, Edgarton, West Virginia 25672
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b) (1)
and (2) (weekly examination) to its Mine No. 20 (I.D. No. 46-02052)
located in Mingo County, West Virginia. Due to deteriorating roof
conditions in the intake and return air courses of the Alma ``C'' seam
(lower seam), the area cannot be traveled [[Page 33438]] safely. The
petitioner proposes to establish evaluation points to measure the
quantity and direction of airflow entering and leaving each airway in
the affected area; to have a certified person examine the check points
on a weekly basis and record the results in an approved record book; to
provide a date board at the evaluation points; to maintain the
evaluation stations and the approaches to the station in safe
condition; and to investigate immediately any change in air quantity
and quality. The petitioner states that application of the standard
would result in a diminution of safety to the miners. In addition, the
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
3. Westmoreland Coal Company
[Docket No. M-95-85-C]
Westmoreland Coal Company, P.O. Box 553, Charleston, West Virginia
25322 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.380(f)(1) (escapeways; bituminous and lignite mines) to its
Pierrepont Mine (I.D. No. 44-06206) located in Wise County, Virginia.
The petitioner proposes to have battery charging stations in the
primary escapeway; to install a low-level early warning smoke detection
sensor in all intake aircourses used as primary escapeways and to have
the sensor located so that the air is monitored at a point 50 feet inby
the crosscut; and to have the intake air ventilating the crosscuts
coursed into the return be of sufficient velocity to prevent rollback
around the check curtains, and not be used to ventilate working places.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would
provide at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
Request for Comments
Persons interested in these petitions may furnish written comments.
These comments must be filed with the Office of Standards, Regulations,
and Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Room 627, 4015
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. All comments must be
postmarked or received in that office on or before July 28, 1995.
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated: June 20, 1995.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. 95-15788 Filed 6-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
