MSHA Unified Agenda - [Proposed Rule Stage]

Title: ¤Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines 

Abstract: MSHA is investigating refuge alternatives for use in underground coal mines. Refuge alternatives, such as rescue chambers, and other structures or systems, could be used to increase the survival of miners trapped underground. Section 13 of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006 requires the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to study refuge alternatives. Section 112(b) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 requires MSHA to propose regulations by June 15, 2008, consistent with the recommendations of NIOSH, requiring rescue chambers in underground coal mines,or facilities that provide at least the same measure of protection, and to finalize the regulations by December 31, 2008. 

Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) 

Priority: Other Significant 

RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda 

Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 

Major: Undetermined 

Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 7; 30 CFR 50 ; 30 CFR 75 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.) 

Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 

Legal Deadline:

Action	Source	Description	Date
Final	Statutory	Section 112(a) Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008	12/31/2008
NPRM	Statutory	Section 112(a) Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008	06/15/2008

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	06/00/2008

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined 

Government Levels Affected: None 

Small Entities Affected: Businesses 

Federalism: No 

Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 

RIN Information URL: www.msha.gov/regsinfo.htm  

Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov  

RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 

Agency Contact:
Patricia W. Silvey
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances
Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone:202 693-9640
Fax:202 693-9441
Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov