[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 16 (Wednesday, January 25, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 4224-4226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-722]



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Part III





Department of Labor





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Mine Safety and Health Administration



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30 CFR Part 49



Underground Mine Rescue Equipment and Technology; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 16 / Wednesday, January 25, 2006 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Part 49

RIN 1219-AB44


Underground Mine Rescue Equipment and Technology

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

ACTION: Request for information.

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SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration is requesting data, 
comments, and other information on issues relevant to underground mine 
rescue equipment and technology. Over the last several years, 
improvements have been made to communication devices, sensors and other 
forms of technology in general industry. As such, continuous 
development and deployment of mine rescue equipment and technology are 
crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of mine rescue operations and 
improving miners' survivability in the event of a mine emergency. 
Responses to this request for information will assist the Agency in 
determining an appropriate course of action as necessary to improve 
mine rescue capabilities.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before March 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: [email protected]. Include the Regulatory 
Information Number (RIN) for this rulemaking (RIN 1219-AB44) in the 
subject line of the message.
     Fax: (202) 693-9441. Include RIN 1219-AB44 in the subject 
line of the fax.
     Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2313, Arlington, 
Virginia 22209-3939. If hand-delivered in person or by courier, please 
stop by the 21st floor first to check in with the receptionist before 
continuing on to the 23rd floor.
     Instructions: All submissions must reference MSHA and RIN 
1219-AB44.
    Docket: To access comments electronically, go to http://www.msha.gov and click on ``Comments'' under ``Rules and Regulations.'' 
All comments received will be posted without change at this Web 
address, including any personal information provided. Paper copies of 
the comments may also be reviewed at the Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Room 2350, Arlington, 
Virginia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Stone, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, 
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939. Mr. Stone can be reached at 
[email protected] (Internet E-mail), (202) 693-9444 (voice), or 
(202) 693-9441 (facsimile). The documents also are available on the 
Internet at http://www.msha.gov/currentcomments.asp. MSHA maintains a 
listserve on MSHA's Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail 
notification when MSHA publishes rulemaking documents in the Federal 
Register. To subscribe to the listserve, visit the site at http://www.msha.gov/subscriptions/subscribe.aspx.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    When mine accidents occur, effective mine rescue operation can play 
a crucial role in ensuring the safe withdrawal of affected miners. 
Specialized rescue equipment and technology are important components of 
that effort. Section 501(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act 
of 1977 directs the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services ``as appropriate'' to ``conduct such studies, research, 
experiments, and demonstrations as may be appropriate--(2) to develop 
new or improved methods of recovering persons in coal or other mines 
after an accident; and (3) to develop new or improved means and methods 
of communication from the surface to the underground area of a coal or 
other mine.'' In addition, section 502(b) of the Federal Mine Safety 
and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) requires that the Secretary of Labor, 
to the greatest extent possible, provide technical assistance to mine 
operators in meeting the requirements of the Mine Act and in further 
improving the health and safety conditions and practices in the mines. 
The Mine Act also requires in Section 115(e) that the Secretary publish 
regulations for the availability of underground mine rescue teams.
    We accordingly test, evaluate and approve certain technologies and 
equipment for use in mines (see, Title 30, Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), Subchapter B). We also promulgated requirements for underground 
mine rescue teams in part 49, 30 CFR, covering, among other things, 
team equipment, equipment maintenance, and training.

II. Current Status of Mine Rescue

    The Sago Mine accident in West Virginia on January 2, 2006, that 
claimed the lives of 12 miners, has underscored the vital role that 
mine rescue operations play in response to catastrophic mine incidents. 
An MSHA investigation into the cause or causes of this accident, along 
with a detailed evaluation of the emergency response, is underway. 
Therefore, the role that the mine rescue played has yet to be 
determined and evaluated. We believe, however, that regardless of the 
outcome of the investigation, the role of equipment and technology in 
mine rescue efforts merits a separate review so that we can better 
assure that the best and most practicably available equipment and 
technology are being deployed--and continuously upgraded--to maximize 
mine rescue responses and miner survivability in the wake of mine 
accidents.

III. Key Issues on Which Comment Is Requested

    We are requesting comments, data, and other information on topics 
relevant to underground mine rescue equipment and technology. Public 
comment is invited in response to the specific questions posed below. 
Persons may comment on any other relevant aspects, issues, or questions 
relevant to mine rescue equipment or technology.
    Commenters are encouraged to include any related cost and benefit 
(e.g., lives saved) data with their submission to this request for 
information. Any specific issues related to the impact on small or 
remote mines should also be identified.
    When answering the questions below, please key your responses to 
the specific topic and number of the question, and explain the specific 
reasons supporting your views. Please identify and provide relevant 
information on which you rely, including, but not limited to, episodes 
of past experience, as well as data, studies and articles, and standard 
professional practices.

A. Rapid Deploy Systems

    Rapid Deploy Systems are systems which are easily transportable for 
use in mine emergencies and which can be quickly set up to provide 
emergency service. An example would be a seismic sensing system for 
detecting movement underground, or an electromagnetic sensing system to 
detect signals transmitted by trapped miners. These systems may employ 
advanced technology and may be under development.

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    1. What kinds of rapidly deployable systems could be used to locate 
miners who are trapped by a mine emergency?
    2. How would such a system work?
    3. Is the system currently available? If not, what obstacles are 
there to the development and implementation of this type of system? How 
long would it take to develop the system?

B. Breathing Apparatus

    A mine rescue breathing apparatus is a device which provides oxygen 
for a mine rescue team member to use in contaminated mine atmospheres.
    1. U.S. mine rescue teams use devices by Draeger and Biomarine. 
What other types of breathing apparatuses are currently in use by 
foreign mine rescue teams?
    2. Are these other types of breathing apparatuses the best 
available for quick response in mine emergencies?
    3. Do these apparatuses incorporate the best available technology? 
Can they be readily obtained? Do they meet U.S. approval and 
certification standards?
    4. How can they be improved? How long would it take and at what 
cost?

C. Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSR)

    SCSRs are devices that provide miners with an MSHA required one 
hour of useable oxygen to be used for a mine emergency escape. 
Currently, SCSRs rely on two different technologies. One type uses a 
chemical reaction to generate oxygen. The other type uses compressed 
oxygen.
    1. Is there more effective technology to protect miners than the 
SCSRs currently available? If so, please describe.
    2. Should an SCSR be developed that provides more than one hour 
duration of oxygen? What duration is feasible considering that miners 
must carry the SCSR? Would it be desirable to require smaller and 
lighter SCSRs with less oxygen capacity to be worn on miner's belts 
while at the same time requiring longer duration SCSRs to be stored in 
caches?
    3. MSHA standards require each mine operator to make available an 
approved SCSR device or devices to each miner. Should mines be required 
to maintain underground caches of SCSRs for miners to use during an 
emergency, or should each miner have access to more than one SCSR?
    4. SCSRs are currently required to be inspected at designated 
intervals pursuant to 30 CFR 75.1714-3. Should SCSRs be inspected more 
frequently than the current requirements?
    5. SCSR service life is determined by MSHA, NIOSH and the device's 
manufacturer. The service life can range from ten to fifteen years 
depending on the type of SCSR. Should the service life of SCSRs be 
reduced to five years or a different time limit?

D. Rescue Chambers

    A rescue chamber is an emergency shelter to which persons may go in 
case of a mine emergency for protection against hazards. A rescue 
chamber could provide, among other things, an adequate supply of air, 
first aid, and an independent communication system.
    1. Should rescue chambers be required for coal mines?
    2. What characteristics should they have? Should they be mobile? 
Should the rescue chamber be semi-permanent, or built into the mine?
    3. How long should they support a breathable environment?
    4. How many people should they support?
    5. How many rescue chambers should be required--how far apart 
should they be located?

E. Communications

    1. What types of communication systems can be utilized in an 
emergency to enhance mine rescue?
    2. Current systems include permissible hand-held radios, hand-held 
radios using small diameter wires, pager systems, sound powered 
telephones, leaky feeder systems that ``leak'' radio signals out of and 
into special cables, and inductive coupled radios that use existing 
mine wires as a carrier for radio signals. Are there other systems?
    3. Should a particular system be required over another? If so, 
which system and why?
    4. What new communication devices or technology may be well suited 
for day-to-day operations and also assist miners in the event of an 
emergency?
    5. How should information be securely, reliably, and quickly 
transmitted during emergencies from remote locations to the mine rescue 
Command Center, or from MSHA headquarters to District offices? What 
technology should be used to quickly and securely transmit information 
from the mine site to or from MSHA headquarters, to District offices, 
mining companies, and the media?
    6. How can the number of relay points be minimized in a rescue 
situation so that communications do not get garbled or misunderstood?
    7. How can communications be improved when a rescuer is wearing a 
breathing apparatus and talking through a speaking diaphragm in the 
mask?
    8. PEDs are one-way communication devices that transmit text 
messages through the earth to receivers which are carried by miners. 
PEDs are currently being used in nineteen mines throughout the U.S. 
Should PEDs be used even though they can only transmit signals to 
miners and are not bi-directional?
    9. Can PEDs be developed into 2-way systems? If so, how long would 
it take and at what cost?

F. Robotics

    A robot is a remote controlled device that can obtain and transmit 
information relative to the underground environment during mine 
emergencies. MSHA has pioneered the use of robots in mine emergency 
operations.
    1. Besides providing video, gas readings and temperature readings, 
what other uses can be made of robotics in mine emergencies?
    2. What could be the role of a robot in mine rescue operations?
    3. What information could the robot supply to the Command Center?
    4. What tasks could robots be built and programmed to perform?
    5. Should individual mines use robots for emergency situations?

G. Thermal Imagers and Infra-Red Imagers

    Thermal imagers are devices which provide video pictures of the 
heat emitted by objects underground. Infra-red imagers provide similar 
information through the use of the infra-red light spectrum.
    1. What ``thermal imagers'' and ``infra-red imagers'' outside of 
those currently available in the U.S. are in use in other countries, 
and how can these be deployed in a mine rescue?
    2. Permissible equipment is equipment which is approved by MSHA to 
be safely used in gassy atmospheres. Should thermal and infra-red 
imagers be permissible equipment?
    3. What are the costs associated with these devices?
    4. Should all underground mining operations be required to have one 
of these devices available on-site?

H. Developing New Mine Rescue Equipment

    1. What are the technological or economic problems in developing 
new equipment such as mine communications equipment or other mine 
rescue technology?
    2. Do manufacturers of such equipment have problems with making the 
equipment permissible for use?
    3. What are the specific problems?
    4. Should the approval process for such equipment be streamlined or 
otherwise changed? Do current approval

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standards allow the flexibility for developing new technology?
    5. How can equipment manufacturers be encouraged to invest in new 
technologies for mine rescue equipment?

I. Mine Rescue Teams

    Mine rescue teams are specially equipped and trained miners who 
enter mines during mine emergencies to rescue trapped miners and help 
recover mines. Teams are equipped with self-contained breathing 
apparatuses, gas detectors, mine rescue communication systems, and 
other specialized equipment.
    1. What equipment should an effective team have?
    2. Should the number of required breathing apparatuses per station 
be changed? How and why?
    3. Each mine rescue station is required to have twelve permissible 
cap lamps and a charging rack. Each station is also required to have 
two gas detectors. Should the number of cap lamps and detectors per 
station be changed? How and why?
    4. Where and how should that equipment be maintained?
    5. MSHA requirements for mine rescue teams are found in 30 CFR part 
49. These requirements cover such topics as type of equipment, 
equipment maintenance, team membership and training. What other 
equipment, technology, membership requirements and training would 
facilitate or would better facilitate team preparedness?
    6. Should each team be familiar with the operation of the 
transportation equipment maintained at all the mines the team covers?
    7. Some mine rescue teams are using breathing apparatus which, 
according to the equipment manufacturer, will soon become obsolete. How 
can existing mine rescue teams be encouraged to update the equipment 
and technology they use?
    8. Should any new technology be used to assist mine rescue teams at 
mine emergencies?

J. Government Role

    1. What equipment and technology should be promoted to improve mine 
rescue?
    2. How should a mine's status (small, remote or operating under 
special circumstances) be taken into account in developing new or 
different equipment requirements?
    2. How could our standards and implementation regarding mine 
equipment and technology be improved?
    3. What training, instruction and procedures should be provided to 
miners to better enable them to survive an underground emergency?
    4. What types of emergency supplies (timbering materials, 
ventilation materials, sealing materials, etc.) should be maintained at 
each mine site?
    5. What non-regulatory initiatives should we explore?
    6. What further steps should we take to improve the capability, 
availability and effective use of mine rescue equipment and technology?

    Dated: January 20, 2006.
David G. Dye,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.
[FR Doc. 06-722 Filed 1-23-06; 10:48 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P