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Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis

MSHA Unified Agenda - [Completed Actions]

RIN: 1219-AB59

Publication ID: Spring 2009 

Title: Flame Resistant Conveyor Belts, Fire Protection and Detection, and Use of Air From the Belt Entry  

Abstract: The proposal would implement the recommendations of the Technical Study Panel (Panel) for the Utilization of Belt Air and the Composition and Fire Retardant Properties of Belt Material in Underground Coal Mining. Consistent with the MINER Act, the proposal includes MSHA’s response to the Panel’s report. Based on the Panel’s recommendations, MSHA is proposing new and revised safety standards for underground coal mines concerning 15 of the 20 recommendations. The remaining recommendations would not require rulemaking. MSHA proposes new standards for: conveyor belt flammability; qualifying Atmospheric Monitoring System operators; levels of methane and respirable dust in belt entries; airlocks between air courses; minimum and maximum air velocities; approval for the use of air from the belt entry to ventilate working sections; monitoring and remotely closing point-feed regulators; smoke sensors; standardized tactile signals on lifelines; replacing point-type heat sensors with carbon monoxide sensors; and belt conveyor and belt entry maintenance. 

Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) 

Priority: Other Significant 

RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda

Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 

Major: No 

Unfunded Mandates: No 

CFR Citation: 30 CFR 6; 30 CFR 14; 30 CFR 48; 30 CFR 75 (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.

Legal Authority: Section 101 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act (PL 95-164) 

Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date

Final 

Statutory 

section 112(a)--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 

12/31/2008 

NPRM 

Statutory 

section 112(a)--Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 

06/20/2008 

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite

NPRM 

06/19/2008 

73 FR 35026 

NPRM Comment Period End 

09/08/2008 

 

Final Action 

12/31/2008 

73 FR 80580 

Final Action Effective 

12/31/2008 

 

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No 

Government Levels Affected: None 

Small Entities Affected: Businesses 

Federalism: No 

Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 

RIN Information URL: www.msha.gov/reginfo.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 Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209-3939
Phone:202 693-9440
Fax:202 693-9441
Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov