[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 27, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22592-22593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-10567]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Parts 72 and 75

RIN 1219-AA74


Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Coal Miners

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period and close of record.

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SUMMARY: We are extending the period for public comment on the Agency's 
proposed rule addressing diesel particulate matter exposure of 
underground coal miners. This proposed rule was published in the 
Federal Register on April 9, 1998.

DATES: We must receive your comments by July 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: You may use mail, facsimile (fax), or electronic mail to 
send your comments to MSHA. Clearly identify comments as such and send 
them--
    (1) By mail to Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of 
Standards,

[[Page 22593]]

Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 631, 
Arlington, VA 22203;
    (2) By fax to MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, 703-235-5551; or
    (3) By electronic mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol J. Jones, 703-235-1910.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 9, 1998 (63 FR 17492) MSHA 
published a proposed rule to reduce the risks to underground coal 
miners of serious health hazards that are associated with exposure to 
high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (dpm). DPM is a very 
small particle in diesel exhaust. Underground miners are exposed to far 
higher concentrations of this fine particulate than any other group of 
workers.
    The post-hearing comment period for the proposed rule addressing 
diesel particulate matter exposure of underground coal miners was 
scheduled to close April 30, 1999 (64 FR 7144).
    However, in response to requests from the public for additional 
time to prepare their comments, the record for the proposed rule will 
remain open until July 26, 1999. This provides a total of 15 months 
from the date of publication for the public to comment on the proposed 
rule.

    Dated: April 21, 1999.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 99-10567 Filed 4-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P