[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 174 (Friday, September 6, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47192-47195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22759]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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. Old Ben Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-72-C]
Old Ben Coal Company, 50 Jerome Lane, Fairview Heights, Illinois
62208 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.382(a) (mechanical escape facilities) to its Spartan Mine (I.D. No.
11-00612) located in Randolph County, Illinois. The petitioner submits
this modification to requests permission to continue using its existing
escape facilities in both the material and belt slopes. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
2. Left Fork Mining, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-73-C]
Left Fork Mining, Inc., P.O. Box 405, Arjay, Kentucky 40902 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1103-4
(automatic fire sensor and warning device system; minimum requirements
general) to its Straight Creek No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 15-12564) located
in Bell County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the
standard to allow the use of one carbon monoxide monitoring device for
monitoring a belt head and tailpiece when located adjacent to each
other. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
3. Boone Resources, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-74-C]
Boone Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 1005, Alabaster, Alabama 35007 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1700 (oil and
gas wells) to its No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 01-02908) located in Shelby
County, Alabama. The petitioner proposes to plug and mine through oil
and gas wells. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative
method would provide at least the same measure of protection as would
the mandatory standard.
4. Cumberland Resources Corporation
[Docket No. M-96-75-C]
Cumberland Resources Corporation, 9100 East Mineral Circle, P.O.
Box 3299, Englewood, Colorado 80155-3299 has filed a petition to modify
the application of 30 CFR 75.1103-4(a) (automatic fire sensor and
warning device systems; installation minimum requirements) to its
Cumberland Mine (I.D. No. 36-05018) located in Greene County,
Pennsylvania. The petitioner proposes to install a low-level carbon
monoxide detection system as an early warning fire detection system in
all belt entries used as intake air courses. The petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
5. Franklin Collieries Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-76-C]
Franklin Collieries, Inc., Box 3875, Route 1498, Bevinsville,
Kentucky 41606 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.342 (methane monitors) to its No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 15-16667) located
in Knott County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-held
continuous-duty methane and oxygen detectors on battery powered scoops
instead of machine mounted methane monitors. The petitioner states that
this petition is based on the safety of the miners and not primarily an
economic advantage or benefit.
6. Daves Branch, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-77-C]
Daves Branch, Inc., P.O. Box 249, Stanville, Kentucky 41659 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342 (methane
monitors) to its Mine No. 4 (I.D. No. 15-16218) located in Knott
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-held methane and
oxygen detectors on battery powered scoops instead of machine-mounted
methane monitors. The petitioner states that this petition is based on
the safety of the miners and not primarily an economic advantage or
benefit.
7. Daves Branch, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-78-C]
Daves Branch, Inc., P.O. Box 249, Stanville, Kentucky 41659 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342 (methane
monitors) to its No. 5 Mine (I.D. No. 15-17637) located in Knott
County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-held continuous-
duty methane and oxygen detectors instead of machine-mounted methane
monitors on battery powered scoops. The petitioner states that this
petition is based on the safety of the miners and not primarily an
economic advantage or benefit.
8. Utah Fuel Company
[Docket No. M-96-79-C]
Utah Fuel Company, P.O. Box 719, Helper, Utah 84526 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(2) (on-shift
examination) to its Skyline Mine No. 1 (I.D. No. 42-01435) and its
Skyline Mine No. 3 (I.D. No. 42-01566) both located in Carbon County,
Utah. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to permit
use of a 15-foot extendable probe to measure for methane. The
petitioner asserts that application of the mandatory safety standard
would result in a diminution of safety to the miners.
[[Page 47193]]
9. Bledsoe Coal Corporation
[Docket No. M-96-80-C]
Bledsoe Coal Corporation, 100 Coal Drive, London, Kentucky 40741
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.360(b)(5)
(preshift examination) to its Mine No. 4 (I.D. No. 15-11065) located in
Leslie County, Kentucky. The petitioner requests a modification of the
standards to allow the use of a Pyott-Boone mine monitor and control
system for monitoring each seal along the intake air course, and to
allow elimination of preshift examinations at seals along the intake
air course. The petitioner proposes to have an atmospheric monitoring
system sensor located at each seal along the intake air course that
would be capable of testing for methane and oxygen deficiency; to
visually examined the seals on a weekly basis; and to identify the
sensor and visually examine the seal if a signal from the atmospheric
monitoring system is activated. The petitioner asserts that the
proposed alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
10. Kiah Creek Mining Company
[Docket No. M-96-81-C]
Kiah Creek Mining Company, P.O. Box 1409, Pikeville, Kentucky 41502
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.364(b)(4)
(weekly examination) to its No. 8 Mine (I.D. No. 15-17190) located in
Pike County, Kentucky. Due to deteriorating conditions in the No. 2 and
3 seals, the area cannot be traveled safely. The petitioner proposes to
evaluate the area at the toe of the fall to determine the quantity and
quality of air flowing across the fall and by the seals. The petitioner
asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the
same measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
11. Drummond Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-82-C]
Drummond Company, Inc., P.O. Box 10246, Birmingham, Alabama 35209
has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.313 (main
mine fan stoppage with persons underground) to its Shoal Creek Mine
(I.D. No. 01-02901) located in Jefferson County, Alabama. The
petitioner requests a modification of the standard to permit an
alternative plan when the main mine fans are operating at 80 percent of
their normal air quantity and pressure in the event that a main mine
fan stops and ventilation is at least 80 percent restored through the
auxiliary diesel drive on the stopped fan, and a minimum of 40,000 cfm
is maintained in the last open crosscut of each continuous miner
section, and 50,000 cfm in the last open crosscut of each long wall
section; to hang a curtain in each place where auxiliary ventilation
was used and have a minimum of 5,000 cfm directed to any working face;
to withdraw all persons from the mine except for those persons
responsible for hanging curtains in places where auxiliary fans and
fire bossing and pumping and, after ventilation is established,
immediately withdraw those persons assigned to hang curtains; to
deenergize underground electric power circuits except for those
necessary to operate the elevator to withdraw persons from the mine and
those who operate the main sump pumps and permissible submersible
pumps; and to deenergize the circuits necessary to withdraw persons as
they are withdrawn. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide higher level of safety for the
workforce and provide a safer mine environment should a power failure
occur to the main mine fans.
12. G & P Contractors, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-83-C]
G & P Contractors, Inc., HC 81, Box 2446, Barbourville, Kentucky
40906 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342
(methane monitors) to its Engle Hollow No. 1 (I.D. No. 15-17777)
located in Knox County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-
held continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators instead of machine-
mounted methane monitors on permissible three-wheel tractors with drag
bottom buckets. The petitioner states that this petition is based on
the safety of the miners involved and not primarily an economic
advantage or benefit.
13. G & P Contractors, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-84-C]
G & P Contractors, Inc., HC 81, Box 2446, Barbourville, Kentucky
40906 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.342
(methane monitors) to its Engle Hollow No. 2 mine (I.D. No. 15-17778)
located in Knox County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-
held continuous-duty methane and oxygen indicators instead of machine-
mounted methane monitors on permissible three-wheel tractors with drag
bottom buckets. The petitioner states that this petition is based on
the safety of the miners involved and not primarily an economic
advantage or benefit.
14. Murriel Don Coal, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-85-C]
Murriel Don Coal, Inc., 134 Dixie Building, P.O. Box 3636,
Pikeville, Kentucky 41852 has filed a petition to modify the
application of 30 CFR 75.342 (methane monitors) (I.D. No. 15-17511)
located in Knott County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to use hand-
held continuous-duty methane detectors instead of machine-mounted
methane monitors on permissible DC-powered machines, S & S model 482
scoops. The petitioner states that this petition is submitted based not
only from an economic point of view but also from a safety standpoint.
15. Utah Fuel Company
[Docket No. M-96-86-C]
Utah Fuel Company, P.O. Box 719, Helper, Utah 84526 has filed a
petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.344(a)(2) (compressors)
to its Skyline No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 42-01435) and its Skyline No. 3
Mine (I.D. No. 42-01566) located in Carbon County, Utah. The petitioner
requests a modification of the standard to permit the use of audible
and visual alarms to be located at the surface office building where
assigned persons can respond to the alarms instead of at unmanned
locations underground. The petitioner asserts that the application of
the mandatory safety standard would result in a diminution of safety to
the miners.
16. Utah Fuel Company
[Docket No. M-96-87-C]
Utah Fuel Company, P.O. Box 719, Helper, Utah has filed a petition
to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.340(a)(1)(iii) to its Skyline
No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 42-01435) and its Skyline No. 3 Mine (I.D. No. 42-
01566) located in Carbon County, Utah. The petitioner requests a
modification of the standard to permit the use of audible and visual
alarms to be located at the surface office building where assigned
persons can respond to the alarms instead of at unmanned locations
underground. The petitioner asserts that application of the mandatory
safety standard would result in a diminution of safety to the miners.
17. Stephen Shingara Jr. Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-88-C]
Stephen Shingara Jr. Coal Company, R.D. #1, Box 369, Shamokin,
Pennsylvania 17872 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30
CFR 75.1400 (hoisting equipment; general) to its No. 1 Slope Mine (I.D.
No. 36-02280) located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The
petitioner proposes
[[Page 47194]]
to use a slope conveyance (gunboat) in transporting persons without
installing safety catches or other no less effective devices, but
instead use an increased rope strength/safety factor and secondary
safety rope connection in place of such devices. The petitioner asserts
that the proposed alternative method would provide at least the same
measure of protection as would the mandatory standard.
18. Mountain Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-89-C]
Mountain Coal Company, P.O. Box 591, Somerset, Colorado 81434 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1100-2(e)(2) to
its West Elk Mine (I.D. No. 05-03672) located in Gunnison County,
Colorado. The petitioner requests a modification of the standard to
allow the use of either two portable fire extinguishers or one fire
extinguisher having at least twice the minimum capacity specified in 30
CFR 75.1100-1(e) at each temporary electrical installation. The
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide
at least the same measure of protection as would the mandatory
standard.
19. Harlan Cumberland Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-90-C]
Harlan Cumberland Coal Company, Grays Knob, Kentucky 40829 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.310(a)(3)
(installation of main mine fans) to its C-2 Mine (I.D. No. 15-07201)
located in Harlan County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to have a
person at a location other than at the mine where the fan signal can be
seen or heard while anyone is underground instead of at a surface
location at the mine. The petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
20. Roberts Bros. Coal Company, Inc.
[Docket No. M-96-91-C]
Roberts Bros. Coal Company, Inc., P.O. Box 397, Mortons Gap,
Kentucky 42440 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.360 (preshift examination) to its Cardinal No. 2 Mine (I.D. No. 15-
17216) located in Hopkins County, Kentucky. The petitioner proposes to
examine electrical installations ``on-shift'' to insure that the
electrical installations are examined throughout the shift instead of
conducting the examinations three hours prior to the oncoming shift.
The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method of on-shift
examinations would not diminish the safety of the miners.
21. Eastern Mingo Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-92-C]
Eastern Mingo Coal Company, P.O. Box 119, Naugatuck, West Virginia
25685 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.503
(18.41)(f) (permissible electric face equipment; maintenance) to its
Big Branch Mine (I.D. No. 46-05978) located in Mingo County, West
Virginia. The petitioner proposes to replace a padlock on battery plug
connectors on mobile battery-powered machines with a threaded ring and
a spring loaded device to prevent the plug connector from accidentally
disengaging while under load. The petitioner states that application of
the mandatory safety standard would result in diminution of safety to
the miners. In addition, petitioner asserts that the proposed
alternative method would provide at least the same measure of
protection as would the mandatory standard.
22. Western Mingo Coal Company
[Docket No. M-96-93-C and M-96-94-C]
Western Mingo Coal Company, P.O. Box 119, Naugatuck, West Virginia
25685 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR
75.503(18.41)(f) to its Northern Mingo No. 1 Mine (I.D. No. 46-08147)
and its Northern Mingo No. 2 Mine (I.D. No. 46-08369) both located in
Mingo County, West Virginia. The petitioner proposes to replace a
padlock on battery plug connectors on mobile battery-powered machines
with a threaded ring and a spring loaded device to prevent the plug
connector from accidentally disengaging while under load. 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.
23. Arch of Illinois
[Docket No. M-96-95-C]
Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy, Illinois 62272-0308 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.362(d)(1) to
its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 11-02886) located in Perry County, Illinois.
The petitioner proposes to use an intrinsically safe atmospheric
monitoring system (AMS), a Trolex Explosive Gas Sensor Model No. TX3266
or an equivalent AMS, to test for methane before the equipment is
energized, and to continuously detect and test for methane at 20-minute
intervals while the mining equipment is energized in the working face.
This would eliminate personnel exposure to the potential hazards of the
face area during the tests. The petitioner states that application of
the mandatory safety 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.
24. Arch of Illinois
[Docket No. M-96-96-C]
Arch of Illinois, P.O. Box 308, Percy, Illinois 62272-0308 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.331(d)(1) to
its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 11-02886) located in Perry County, Illinois.
The petitioner proposes to use a ``blowing'' auxiliary permissible fan
and tubing with the ArchveyorTM System to ventilate the wing cut
face area. The petitioner has outlined in this petition specific
procedures to be followed when utilizing its alternative method. The
petitioner states that application of the mandatory safety 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.
25. Arch of Illinois
[Docket No. M-96-97-C]
Arch of Illinois, P. O. Box 308, Percy, Illinois 62272-0308 has
filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 75.1107-4(a)(1) to
its Conant Mine (I.D. No. 11-02886) located in Percy County, Illinois.
The petitioner proposes to use an operator/technician, the
ArchveyorTM mining system's Program Logic Controlled (PLC)
computer, and the continuous monitoring of the ArchveyorTM mining
system while energized, as a fire suppression device, during secondary
mining. The petitioner proposes to have an operator/technician
continuously stationed at the system's control cab area while the
system is in operation to continuously control and monitor the
ArchveyorTM mining system. The petitioner has outlined in this
petition specific procedures to be followed when utilizing its
alternative method. The petitioner states that application of the
mandatory safety standard would result in a diminution of safety to the
miners. In addition, the petitioner asserts that the alternative method
would provide at least the same measure of protection as would the
mandatory standard.
[[Page 47195]]
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 October 7, 1996.
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.
Dated: August 30, 1996.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 96-22759 Filed 9-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P
