[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 243 (Monday, December 21, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67922-67925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30159]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petitions for Modification

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice of petitions for modification of existing mandatory 
safety standards.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 
1977 and 30 CFR part 44 govern the application, processing, and 
disposition of petitions for modification. This notice is a summary of 
petitions for modification filed by the parties listed below to modify 
the application of existing mandatory safety standards published in 
Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by the Office of 
Standards, Regulations and Variances on or before January 20, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket 
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
    1. Electronic Mail: [email protected].
    2. Facsimile: 1-202-693-9441.
    3. Regular Mail: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations and 
Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 22209, 
Attention: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations and Variances.
    4. Hand-Delivery or Courier: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations 
and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, Virginia 
22209, Attention: Patricia W. Silvey, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations and Variances.
    MSHA will consider only comments postmarked by the U.S. Postal 
Service or proof of delivery from another delivery service such as UPS 
or Federal Express on or before the deadline for comments. Individuals 
who submit comments by hand-delivery are required to check in at the 
receptionist desk on the 21st floor.
    Individuals may inspect copies of the petitions and comments during 
normal business hours at the address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Barron, Office of Standards, 
Regulations and Variances at 202-693-9447 (Voice), 
[email protected] (E-mail), or 202-693-9441 (Telefax). [These are 
not toll-free numbers].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 I. Background

    Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 
(Mine Act) allows the mine operator or representative of miners to file 
a petition to modify the application of any mandatory safety standard 
to a coal or other mine if the Secretary determines that: (1) An 
alternative method of achieving the result of such standard exists 
which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of 
protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or (2) 
that the application of such standard to such mine will result in a 
diminution of safety to the miners in such mine. In addition, the 
regulations at 30 CFR 44.10 and 44.11 establish the requirements and 
procedures for filing petitions for modification.

II. Petitions for Modification

    Docket Number: M-2009-042-C.
    Petitioner: Bledsoe Coal Corporation, Route 2008, Box 351 A, Big 
Laurel, Kentucky 40808.
    Mine: Abner Branch Mine, MSHA I. D No. 15-19132 Leslie County, 
Kentucky.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (Permissible electric face 
equipment; maintenance).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the maximum length of trailing cables to be 
increased for supplying power to permissible pumps in the mine. The 
petitioner states that: (1) This petition will apply only to trailing 
cables supplying three-phase, 480-volt power for permissible pumps; (2) 
the maximum length of the 480-volt power for permissible pump will be 
4000 feet: (3) the 480-volt power to permissible pump trailing cables 
will not be smaller than 6 American Wire Gauge (AWG); (4) all 
circuit breakers used to protect trailing cables exceeding the pump 
approval length or Table 9 of Part 18 will have an instantaneous trip 
unit calibrated to trip at 75 percent of phase to phase short circuit 
current. The trip setting of these circuit breakers will be sealed or 
locked, the circuit breakers will have permanent, legible labels, each 
label will identify the circuit breaker as being suitable for 
protecting the trailing cables, and the labels will be maintained 
legible. In instances where a 75 percent instantaneous set point will 
not allow a pump to start due to motor inrush, a thermal magnetic 
breaker will be furnished. The thermal rating of the circuit breaker 
will be no greater than 75 percent of the available short circuit 
current and the instantaneous setting will be adjusted 1 setting above 
the motor inrush trip point. This setting will be sealed or locked; (5) 
replacement instantaneous trip units used to protect pump trailing 
cables exceeding the length of item 4 will be calibrated to 
trip at 75 percent of the available phase to phase short circuit 
current and this setting will be sealed or locked; (6) permanent 
warning labels will be installed and maintained on the cover(s) of the 
power center to identify the location of each sealed or locked short-
circuit protection device. The labels will warn miners not to change or 
alter the short circuit settings; (7) the mines current pump circuits 
that have greater lengths than approved or in Table 9 are attached to 
the petition. All future pump installation with excessive cable lengths 
will have a short circuit survey conducted and item 1-6 will be 
implemented. A copy of each pumps short circuit survey will be 
available at the mine site for inspection; (8) the alternative method 
will not be implemented until miners who have been designated to 
examine the integrity of seals or locks, have received the elements of 
training to verify the short-circuit settings and the proper procedures 
for examining trailing cables for defects and damage. The petitioner 
further states that: (1) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and 
Order becomes final, proposed revisions for approved 30 CFR part 48 
training plans at any of the listed mines will be submitted to the Coal 
Mine Safety and Health District Manager. The training plan will 
include: (a) Training in the mining methods and operating

[[Page 67923]]

procedures for protecting the trailing cables against damage; (b) 
training in proper procedures for examining the trailing cables to 
ensure they are in safe operating condition; (c) training in hazards of 
setting the instantaneous circuit breakers too high to adequately 
protect the trailing cables; (d) training in how to verify that the 
circuit interrupting device(s) protecting the trailing cable(s) are 
properly set and maintained; and (e) the procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for 
approval of proposed revisions to already approved training plans will 
apply. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will 
at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners at the Bledsoe Coal Company provided by the 
existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-043-C.
    Petitioner: Nelson Brothers, LLC, 901 Chase Tower, 707 Virginia 
Street, East, P.O. Box 913, Charleston, West Virginia 25323.
    Mine: Independent Coal Company, Edwight Surface Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 
46-08977, located in Raleigh County, West Virginia; Alex Energy, Inc., 
No. 1 Surface Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-06870, located in Nicholas County, 
West Virginia; Elk Run Coal, Republic Energy Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-
09054, located in Fayette County, West Virginia; and Elk Run Coal 
Company, Black Castle Mining Company Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-07938 and 
Independent Coal Company, Twilight Mtr Surface Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-
08645, located in Boone County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.1302(k) (Vehicles used to transport 
explosives).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit repair and maintenance to be performed on 
its explosives trucks within the protection of non-permanent shelters 
that it constructs for such purposes in lieu of purging and steam-
cleaning each truck's tank and taking it to a garage every time such is 
in need of repair or maintenance. The petitioner states that: (1) The 
structures are comprised of a roof constructed over a concrete pad with 
two sides closed off from the wind, rain, and snow; (2) construction 
materials include sheet metal, plywood, or two box trailers parked 
alongside the pad; (3) the purpose and intent of the existing standard 
would not be frustrated by allowing the petitioner to perform routine 
repair and maintenance work on its explosives trucks under the cover of 
these non-permanent shelters; (4) these shelters do not fit the 
commonly understood definition of ``repair garage or shop,'' and do not 
present the same concerns, for example, while performing work on 
explosives trucks in a ``repair garage or shop'' may expose a number of 
people to the risk of harm, the petitioner's arrangement involves one 
or two mechanics in a remote location; (5) affording the mechanics the 
cover of the non-permanent shelters puts them at no greater risk of 
injury than if such mechanics were working out in the open. The cover 
of these non-permanent shelters provide an alternative to working out 
in the open and protection from extreme weather, and provide a flat, 
dry surface for employees to work and allows lifting equipment to be 
used during vehicle repair and maintenance work; (6) workers performing 
routine repairs and maintenance are provided a safer place at which to 
work, in contrast to performing the work in the open and on the ground, 
for example, the non-permanent shelters facilitate protection against 
back injuries as well as slips and falls; (7) all high explosives and 
detonators are removed from vehicles prior to entering the non-
permanent structures; (8) no hot work or open flames will be permitted 
within 50 feet of a loaded vehicle; (9) a hot work permit will be 
required and the vehicle will be emptied and the bed or tank washed in 
conformity with the existing standard when it is necessary to weld or 
cut; and (10) application of the existing standard would result in a 
diminution of safety to the workers because they will be exposed to 
varying and frequently harsh weather when conducting repairs, and will 
be at an increased risk of injury from heavy lifting and/or slipping 
and falling. The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative 
method will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of 
protection afforded the miners by the existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-044-C.
    Petitioner: Jim Walter Resources, Inc., P.O. Box 133, Brookwood, 
Alabama 35444.
    Mine: Mine No. 4, MSHA I.D. No. 01-01247 and Mine No. 7, MSHA I.D. 
No. 01-01401, located in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507 (Electric equipment other than 
power-connection points; outby the last open crosscut; return air; 
permissibility requirements).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the use of one or more three-phase 2,400 
volt or 4,160 volt alternating current submersible pumps installed in 
return and bleeder entries in the No. 4 Mine and in the No. 7 Mine. The 
petitioner states that: (1) The three-phase 2,200-volt or 4,160-volt 
alternating current electric power circuit for each pump will be 
designed and installed to: (a) Contain either a direct or derived 
neutral, which will be grounded through a suitable resistor at the 
source transformer or power center; (b) contain a grounding resistor 
that limits the ground-fault current to not more than 6.5 amperes. (2) 
The following protections for each pump power circuit will be provided 
by suitable circuit interrupting device of adequate interrupting 
capacity with devices to provide protection against undervoltage, 
grounded phase, short-circuit, and overload as follows: (a) The 
undervoltage protection device will operate on a loss of voltage to 
prevent automatic re-starting of the equipment; (b) the grounded phase 
protection device will be set not to exceed fifty percent (50%) of the 
current rating of the neutral grounding resistor; (c) the short circuit 
protection device will not be set to exceed the required short circuit 
protection for the power cable or seventy-five percent (75%) of the 
minimum available phase-to-phase short circuit current, whichever is 
less; (d) each power circuit will contain a disconnecting device 
located on the surface and installed in conjunction with the circuit 
breaker(s) to provide visual evidence that the power is disconnected; 
(e) each disconnecting device will include a means to visually 
determine the relevant pump power circuit is disconnected and be 
provided with a means to lock, tag-out, and ground the system; (f) each 
disconnecting device will be designed to prevent entry unless the 
disconnect handle is in the ``off'' position and the circuit is 
grounded; and (g) each disconnecting device will be clearly identified 
and provided with a warning sign stating, ``Danger. Do not enter unless 
the circuit is opened, locked, tagged-out, and grounded;'' (3) Each 
three-phase alternating current system will be provided with a low 
resistance grounding medium for the grounding of the lightning/surge 
arrestors for the high-voltage pump power circuit that is separated 
from the neutral grounding medium by a distance of not less than 
twenty-five (25) feet; (4) The electric control circuit(s) for each 
pump will meet the following requirements: (a) the control circuit will 
be equipped with a probe circuit that determines a high and low water 
level; (b) when the water level is reached, the pump will cease 
operation and will not start in either the manual or automatic mode; 
(c) when the water level is reached, the pump will be capable of 
operation; (d) the high and

[[Page 67924]]

low water levels will be determined by a differential pressure switch 
located at the surface; (e) the grounded-phase protective circuit for 
each pump will be able to be tested by injecting a test current through 
the grounded-phase current transformer; (f) a remote control and 
monitoring system can be used with a pump system for condition 
monitoring and for remote startup and shutdown control of the pump. The 
remote control and monitoring system will not allow remote reset of the 
pump power system when any fault condition (e.g., grounded phase, short 
circuit, or overload) exists on the system; (g) splices and connections 
made in submersible pump cables will be made in a workmanlike manner 
and will meet the requirements of 30 CFR 75.604; (h) the specifications 
for each pump installation are generally described in an attachment 
labeled ``Exhibit A'' and incorporated herein by reference. The 
proposed pump equipment or its equivalent will be used to implement the 
schematics; (5) Each surface pump control and power circuit will be 
examined as required by 30 CFR 77.502; (6) The power cable to each 
submersible pump motor must be suitable for this application and have a 
current carrying capacity not less than one-hundred twenty-five percent 
(125%) of the full load motor current of the submersible pump motor, 
and have an outer jacket suitable for a wet location. The power cable 
must be supported at the entrance to the borehole and throughout its 
length by securing tit with clamps, spaced approximately twenty-five 
(25) feet apart, and affixed to the discharge pipe casing; (7) Each 
pump installation must comply with all other applicable requirements of 
30 CFR; and (8) within sixty (60) days after the petition is granted, 
proposed revisions for approved 30 CFR, Part 48 training plan will be 
submitted to the District Manager. These revisions will specify task 
training for all qualified mine electricians who perform electric work 
and monthly examinations as required by 30 CFR 77.502, and refresher 
training regarding the alternative method outlined in this petition. 
The procedures of 30 CFR 48.3 for approval of proposed revisions to 
already approved training plans will apply. The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method would at all times guarantee at least 
the same measure of safety as the existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-045-C.
    Petitioner: Newtown Energy, Inc., P.O. Box 189, Comfort, West 
Virginia 25049.
    Mine: Coalburg No. 1 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08993, Coalburg No. 3 
Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09259, Eagle No. 2 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09310, 
and Peerless No. 1 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09258, located in Boone 
County, West Virginia; and Coalburg No. 2 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-09231; 
Eagle Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08759, located in Kanawha County, West 
Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-1(b) (Deluge-type water spray 
systems).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit in lieu of blow-off dust covers for nozzles 
on deluge-type water spray systems installed at belt-conveyor drives 
the following term and conditions will be used: (1) A person trained in 
the testing procedures specific to the deluge-type water spray fire 
suppression systems utilized at each belt drive will once every 7 days: 
(a) Conduct a visual examination of each deluge-type water spray fire 
suppression system; (b) conduct a functional test of the deluge-type 
water spray fire suppression systems by actuating the system and 
observing its performance; and (c) record the results of the 
examination and functional test in a book maintained on the surface for 
that purpose. The record will be made available to the authorized 
representative of the Secretary and retained at the mine for one year; 
(2) Any malfunction or clogged nozzle detected as a result of the 
weekly examination or functional test will be corrected immediately; 
and (3) The procedure used to perform the functional test will be 
posted at or near each belt drive which utilizes a deluge-type water 
spray fire suppression system. The petitioner asserts that the proposed 
alternative method will at all times provide the same measure of 
protection to the miners as afforded under the existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-046-C.
    Petitioner: FKZ Coal, Inc., P.O. Box 62, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania 
17840.
    Mine: No. 1 Slope Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-08637, located in 
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1400 (Hoisting equipment; general).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the use of the slope conveyance (gunboat) 
in transporting persons without installation of safety catches or other 
no less effective devices but instead using an increased rope strength/
safety factor and secondary safety rope connection in place of such 
devices. The petitioner states that: (1) The haulage slope of the 
anthracite mine is of a relatively high angle and frequently changing 
pitches, typical of those in the anthracite region; (2) a functional 
safety catch capable of working in slopes with knuckles and curves is 
not commercially available. A make shift device would be activated on 
or by knuckles or curves when no emergency exists. The activation of a 
safety catch can or will damage the haulage system and subject persons 
being transported to hazards from dislodged timbering, roof material or 
guide rails and to being battered about within the conveyance; and (3) 
a safer alternative is to provide secondary safety connections securely 
fastened around the gunboat and to the hoisting rope above the main 
termination, and using a hoisting rope with a factor of safety greater 
than that recommended in the American Standards Specifications for the 
Use of Wire Rope in Mines or at least three times greater than the 
strength required under 30 CFR 75.1431(a). The petitioner asserts that 
the proposed alternative method will in no way provide less than the 
same measure of protection afforded the miners under the existing 
standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-047-C.
    Petitioner: Nufac Mining Company, Inc., P.O. Box 1085, Beckley, 
West Virginia 25801.
    Mine: Buckey Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08769 located in McDowell 
County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-1(b) (Type and quality of 
firefighting equipment).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit weekly inspection and functional testing of 
its complete deluge-type water spray system and removal of blow-off 
dust cover from the nozzles. The petitioner states that the results of 
the examination and functional test and any malfunction or clogged 
nozzle detected, will be recorded in a book and maintained on the 
surface for that purpose. The petitioner states that the record will be 
retained at the mine for one year. The petitioner further states that: 
(1) Blow-off dust covers are currently provided for each nozzle; (2) in 
view of frequent inspections and functional testing of the system, the 
dust covers are not necessary because nozzles can be maintained in an 
unclogged condition through weekly use; and (3) it is burdensome to 
recap the large number of covers weekly after each inspection and 
functional test. The petitioner asserts that the alternative method 
will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners employed at Buckey Mine by the existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2009-048-C.
    Petitioner: Pay Car Mining, Inc., P.O. Box 1085, Beckley, West 
Virginia 25801.

[[Page 67925]]

    Mine: No. 58 Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 46-08884, located in McDowell 
County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1101-1(b) (Type and quality of 
firefighting equipment).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit weekly inspection and functional testing of 
its complete deluge-type water spray system and removal of blow-off 
dust cover from the nozzles. The petitioner states that the results of 
the examination and functional test and any malfunction or clogged 
nozzle detected, will be recorded in a book and maintained on the 
surface for that purpose. The petitioner states that the record will be 
retained at the mine for one year. The petitioner further states that: 
(1) Blow-off dust covers are currently provided for each nozzle; (2) in 
view of frequent inspections and functional testing of the system, the 
dust covers are not necessary because nozzles can be maintained in an 
unclogged condition through weekly use; and (3) it is burdensome to 
recap the large number of covers weekly after each inspection and 
functional test. The petitioner asserts that the alternative method 
will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded the miners employed at the No. 58 Mine by the existing 
standard.

    Dated: December 15, 2009.
Patricia W. Silvey,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances.
[FR Doc. E9-30159 Filed 12-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P