94-20579. Roof-Bolting-Machine Study and Evaluation ReportComment Period

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 162 (Tuesday, August 23, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20579]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 23, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Part 75

 

Roof-Bolting-Machine Study and Evaluation Report--Comment Period

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of availability; comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is announcing 
the availability of a report dealing with safety hazards associated 
with roof bolting machines. The report identifies safety problems and 
suggests solutions. The Agency solicits public comment on issues 
addressed in the report. The report, along with comments received, will 
be considered by the Agency in identifying subjects for possible future 
rulemaking.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before September 16, 
1994.

ADDRESSES: The report may be obtained from the Business Office of the 
National Mine Health and Safety Academy, P.O. Box 1166, Beckley, West 
Virginia, 25802-1166. Phone: [phone]. Send written comments to 
``MSHA-- Roof Bolter Safety,'' Division of Safety, Room 807, 4015 
Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marvin W. Nichols, Jr., Administrator, 
Coal Mine Safety and Health, MSHA, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sixteen miners died between January 1984 and 
April 1994 from machinery accidents involving roof bolting machines. 
The Mine Safety and Health Administration formed a committee on April 
4, 1994, to evaluate roof-bolting machines and to identify problems 
with machine design and use that may be contributing to or causing 
accidents, and to offer solutions to those problems. The committee 
completed its report on July 8, 1994. The report analyzes machinery 
accidents involving roof-bolting machine design and use in underground 
mines. Solutions are offered in the report for some of the problems 
identified.
    The Agency is especially interested in comments addressing 
solutions to the identified problems. MSHA believes that the report 
provides a unique opportunity for the mining industry to work together 
with MSHA to prevent future accidents involving roof bolting machines. 
Public comments would greatly assist the Agency in determining how best 
to take action toward improving the safety of miners working with roof 
bolting machines.

    Dated: August 12, 1994.
J. Davitt McAteer,
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 94-20579 Filed 8-22-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P