[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 4, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 5664]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-2598]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petitions for Modification

    The following parties have filed petitions to modify the 
application of existing safety standards under section 101(c) of the 
Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

1. Freeman United Coal Mining Company

[Docket No. M-2002-125-C]

    Freeman United Coal Mining Company, P.O. Box 4630, Springfield, 
Illinois 62708 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.1101-8(a) (Water sprinkler system; arrangement of sprinklers) at its 
Crown III Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 11-02632) located in Montgomery County, 
Illinois. The petitioner proposes to provide a fireproof electrical 
enclosure and fire detection system in lieu of a sprinkler over the 
electrical control. The petitioner states that the Crown III Mine is a 
large underground mine employing three operating sections to develop 
entrees and rooms with remote control continuous miners and the belt 
system utilizes ten belt drives. The petitioner further states that: 
(i) The belt drives and electrical controls are ventilated with 
isolated intake air; (ii) the electrical control boxes do not contain 
flammable fluids or other flammable products and are fully enclosed 
with fireproof construction and are located at least two-feet from coal 
or other combustible material; and (iii) the electrical cables will 
conform with the requirements of part 18, and a heat sensor or CO 
monitor will be installed near the electrical control box. The 
petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method would provide 
at least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.

2. Remington Coal Company, Inc.

[Docket No. M-2003-004-C]

    Remington Coal Company, Inc., 430 Harper Park Drive, Beckley, West 
Virginia 25801 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
75.1002-1 (Location of other electric equipment; requirements for 
permissibility) at its Stockburg No. 1 Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 46-08634) 
located in Kanawha County, West Virginia. The petitioner requests a 
modification of the existing standard to permit the use a 2,400 volt 
Joy 14CM27 continuous mining machine instead of the 2,400 volt Joy 
12CM27 continuous mining machine currently being used at the Stockburg 
No. 1 Mine. The petitioner has listed in this petition specific 
procedures that would be followed when implementing this alternative 
method. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method 
would provide at least the same measure of protection as the existing 
standard.

3. Dakota Westmoreland Corporation

[Docket No. M-2003-005-C]

    Dakota Westmoreland Corporation, P.O. Box 39, Beulah, North Dakota 
58523-0039 has filed a petition to modify the application of 30 CFR 
77.405(b) (Performing work from a raised position; safeguards) at its 
Beulah Mine (MSHA I.D. No. 32-00043) located in Mercer County, North 
Dakota. The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard 
to allow an alternative method to permit its boom/mast machine to be 
raised or lowered during initial dragline assembly or disassembly at 
construction sites. The petitioner proposes to raise or lower the boom/
mast into position by using the on-board motor generator sets during 
assembly or disassembly of the draglines. The petitioner states that 
during construction, the machine will not move under its own power and 
will not perform mining operations. The procedure would be applicable 
only in instances of disassembly or major maintenance which require the 
boom to be raised or lowered and a written procedure would be developed 
and implemented by the mine operator or contractor, and the affected 
persons who have been trained on the requirements of the procedure. The 
petitioner also states that this procedure would only address 
installing/removing the booms on draglines utilizing the machines 
electrical on-board motor generator sets. The petitioner further states 
that this procedure does not replace other mechanical precautions or 
the requirements of the existing standard that is necessary to safely 
secure booms/masts during construction or maintenance procedures. The 
petitioner asserts that its proposed alternative method would not 
result in a diminution of safety to the miners but would provide at 
least the same measure of protection as the existing standard.

Request for Comments

    Persons interested in these petitions are encouraged to submit 
comments via e-mail to [email protected], or on a computer disk along 
with an original hard copy to the Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, Mine Safety and Health Administration, 1100 Wilson 
Boulevard, Room 2352, Arlington, Virginia 22209. All comments must be 
postmarked or received in that office on or before March 6, 2003. 
Copies of these petitions are available for inspection at that address.

    Dated at Arlington, Virginia, this 30th day of January, 2003.
Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 03-2598 Filed 2-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P