[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 246 (Tuesday, December 26, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61032-61035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-27666]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory 
Safety Standards

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice is a summary of petitions for modification 
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by the 
parties listed below.

DATES: All comments on the petitions must be received by MSHA's Office 
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before January 25, 2018.

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]. Include the docket 
number of the petition in the subject line of the message.
    2. Facsimile: 202-693-9441.
    3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, 
Arlington, Virginia 22202-5452, Attention: Sheila McConnell, Director, 
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances. Persons delivering 
documents are required to check in at the receptionist's desk in Suite 
4E401. Individuals may inspect copies of the petition and

[[Page 61033]]

comments during normal business hours at the address listed above.
    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.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety 
and Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
Part 44 govern the application, processing, and disposition of 
petitions for modification.

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 of Labor (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-2017-024-C.
    Petitioner: ICG Illinois, LLC, 5945 Lester Road, Williamsville, 
Illinois 62693.
    Mine: Viper Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11-02664, located in Sangamon 
County, Illinois.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d) (Permissible electric 
equipment).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the use of nonpermissible electronic 
testing or diagnostic equipment inby the last open crosscut. The 
petitioner states that:
    (1) The use of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment will be limited to: Laptop computers; oscilloscopes; 
vibration analysis machines; cable fault detectors; point temperature 
probes; infrared temperature devices; insulation testers (meggers); 
voltage, current, resistance, and power measurement devices; ultrasonic 
thickness gauges; electronic component testers; and electronic 
tachometers. Other testing and diagnostic equipment may be used if 
approved in advance by the MSHA District Manager.
    (2) All nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment 
used in or inby the last open crosscut will be examined by a qualified 
person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.153, prior to use to ensure the 
equipment is being maintained in a safe operating condition. The 
examinations results will be recorded weekly in the examination book 
and will be made available to MSHA and the miners at the mine.
    (3) A qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, will 
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use 
of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment in or 
inby the last open crosscut.
    (4) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will 
not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above one 
percent. When one percent or more methane concentration is detected 
while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used, the 
equipment will be deenergized immediately and the nonpermissible 
electronic equipment will be withdrawn outby the last open crosscut.
    (5) All hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved and 
maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined in 
30 CFR 75.320.
    (6) Except for time necessary to troubleshoot under actual mining 
conditions, coal production in the Mechanized Mining Unit will cease. 
However, coal may remain in or on the equipment to test and diagnose 
the equipment under ``load.''
    (7) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in 
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
    (8) Qualified personnel who use electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment will be properly trained to recognize the hazards and 
limitations associated with use of such equipment.
    The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded by the existing standard.

    Docket Number: M-2017-025-C.
    Petitioner: ICG Illinois, LLC, 5945 Lester Road, Williamsville, 
Illinois 62693.
    Mine: Viper Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 11-02664, located in Sangamon 
County, Illinois.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) (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 nonpermissible electronic 
testing or diagnostic equipment in return air outby the last open 
crosscut. The petitioner states that:
    (1) The use of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment will be limited to: Laptop computers; oscilloscopes; 
vibration analysis machines; cable fault detectors; point temperature 
probes; infrared temperature devices; insulation testers (meggers); 
voltage, current, resistance, and power measurement devices; ultrasonic 
thickness gauges; electronic component testers; and electronic 
tachometers. Other testing and diagnostic equipment may be used if 
approved in advance by the MSHA District Manager.
    (2) All nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment 
used in return air outby the last open crosscut will be examined by a 
qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.153, prior to use to ensure 
the equipment is being maintained in a safe operating condition. The 
examinations results will be recorded weekly in the examination book 
and will be made available to MSHA and the miners at the mine.
    (3) A qualified person, as defined in 30 CFR 75.151, will 
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use 
of nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment in return 
air outby the last open crosscut.
    (4) Nonpermissible electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will 
not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above one 
percent. When one percent or more methane concentration is detected 
while the nonpermissible electronic equipment is being used, the 
equipment will be deenergized immediately and the nonpermissible 
electronic equipment will be withdrawn from the return air outby the 
last open crosscut.
    (5) All hand-held methane detectors will be MSHA-approved and 
maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined in 
30 CFR 75.320.
    (6) Except for time necessary to troubleshoot under actual mining 
conditions, coal production in the Mechanized Mining Unit will cease.

[[Page 61034]]

However, coal may remain in or on the equipment to test and diagnose 
the equipment under ``load.''
    (7) All electronic testing and diagnostic equipment will be used in 
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
    (8) Qualified personnel who use electronic testing and diagnostic 
equipment will be properly trained to recognize the hazards and 
limitations associated with use of such equipment.
    The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded by the existing standard.
    Docket Number: M-2017-026-C.
    Petitioner: Rosebud Mining Company, 301 Market Street, Kittanning, 
Pennsylvania 16201.
    Mine: Cresson Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 36-09308, located in Cambria 
County, Pennsylvania.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.503 (Permissible electric face 
equipment; maintenance) and 18.35(a)(5)(i) (Portable (trailing) cables 
and cords).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the use of 480-volt extended trailing 
cables on Mobile Bridge Conveyors, Dual Boom Roof Bolters, Truss 
Bolters, Single Boom Roof Bolters, and Shuttle Cars and 995-volt 
extended trailing cables on continuous mining machines. The petitioner 
states that:
    (1) Table 9 in Appendix 1 specifies the maximum length of trailing 
cables as: 600 feet using No. 4 American Wire Gauge (AWG) cables, 700 
feet using No. 2 AWG cable, 850 feet using No. 2/0 AWG cable, and 1,000 
feet using No. 4/0 AWG cable.
    (2) Trailing cables that supply 995-volt 3-phase Alternating 
Current (AC) to continuous miners will not be smaller than No. 2/0 AWG 
shielded cable and will not exceed a length of:
    a. 1,000 feet when using No. 2/0 AWG shielded cable; or
    b. 1,250 feet when using No. 4/0 AWG shielded cable.
    (3) Trailing cables that supply 480-volt 3-phase AC to mobile 
bridge conveyors will not be smaller than No. 2/0 AWG cable and will 
not exceed a length of:
    a. 1,000 feet when using 2/0 AWG cable; or
    b. 1,250 feet when using No. 4/0 AWG cable.
    (4) Trailing cables that supply 480-volt 3-phase AC to the Fletcher 
Dual Boom Roof Bolter and Fletcher Tilt Head Truss Bolter will not 
exceed 1,200 feet in length when using No. 2 AWG cable.
    (5) Trailing cables that supply 480-volt 3-phase AC to the Long 
Airdox Single Head Roof Bolter will not exceed 900 feet in length when 
using No. 4 AWG cable.
    (6) Trailing cables that supply 480-volt 3-phase AC to shuttle cars 
will not exceed 900 feet in length when using No. 4 AWG cable.
    (7) All circuit breakers used to protect No. 4 AWG trailing cable 
exceeding 600 feet in length will have instantaneous trip units 
calibrated and sealed to trip at 500 amperes with +/- 10 percent trip 
tolerance. The circuit breakers will have permanent, legible labels 
attached. The label will identify the circuit breaker as being suitable 
for protecting No. 4 AWG cables.
    (8) Replacement circuit breakers and/or instantaneous trip units 
used to protect No. 4 AWG cables will be calibrated and sealed to trip 
at 500 amperes with +/-10 percent trip tolerance.
    (9) All circuit breakers used to protect No. 2 AWG cables exceeding 
700 feet in length will have instantaneous trip units calibrated and 
sealed to trip at 500 amperes with +/-10 percent trip tolerance. The 
circuit breakers will have permanent, legible labels. The label will 
identify the circuit breaker as being suitable for protecting No. 2 AWG 
cables.
    (10) Replacement circuit breakers and/or instantaneous trip units 
used to protect No. 2 AWG cables will be calibrated and sealed to trip 
at 500 amperes with +/-10 percent trip tolerance.
    (11) All circuit breakers used to protect No. 2/0 AWG cables or No. 
4/0 AWG cables exceeding 850 feet in length will have instantaneous 
units calibrated and sealed to trip at 1,500 amperes with +/-10 percent 
trip tolerance.
    (12) These circuit breakers will have permanent, legible labels. 
The label will identify the circuit breaker as being suitable for 
protecting No. 2/0 AWG or No. 4/0 AWG cables.
    (13) Replacement circuit breakers and/or instantaneous trip units 
used to protect No. 2/0 AWG or No. 4 AWG cables will be calibrated and 
sealed to trip at 1,500 amperes with +/-10 percent trip tolerance.
    (14) All components that provide short-circuit protection will have 
a sufficient interruption rating in accordance with the maximum 
calculated fault currents available.
    (15) During production, persons designated by the operator will 
visually examine the trailing cables daily to ensure the cables are in 
safe operating condition and that the instantaneous settings of the 
specially calibrated breakers do not have seals removed or have been 
tampered with and they do not exceed the stipulated settings.
    (16) Trailing cables not in safe operating condition will be 
removed from service immediately and repaired or replaced.
    (17) Splices or repairs in the trailing cables will be made in a 
workmanlike manner, in accordance with the instruction of the 
manufacturer of the splice or repair materials. The splice or repair 
will comply with the requirements in 30 CFR 75.603 and 75.604.
    (18) Permanent warning labels will be installed and maintained on 
the cover or covers of the power center identifying the location of 
each sealed short circuit protective device. These labels will warn 
miners not to change or alter these sealed short circuit settings.
    (19) Excess cable will be stored behind the anchor(s) on equipment 
that use cable reels to prevent the cables from overheating.
    (20) Petitioner will not implement this change until the petition 
for modification is approved and not until all miners who will be 
responsible for examination of the cables and associated electrical 
components have been trained on the contents and precautions included 
in the petition.
    (21) Within 60 days after the proposed decision and order becomes 
final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for the approved 
30 CFR part 48 training plan to the District Manager. These proposed 
revisions will specify task training for miners designated to examine 
the trailing cables for safe operating condition, and verify the 
settings of the circuit breakers that protect the trailing cables do 
not exceed the specified settings in Items 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. 
The training will include the following elements:
    a. The hazards of setting the circuit breakers too high to 
adequately protect the trailing cables.
    b. How to verify that the circuit breakers protecting the trailing 
cables are properly set and maintained.
    c. Mining methods and operating procedures that will protect the 
trailing cables against damage.
    d. The proper procedure for visually examining trailing cables to 
ensure the cables are in safe operating condition by inspecting the 
entire cable for nicks and abrasions and observing the insulation and 
integrity of any splices or repairs.
    The procedure as specified in 30 CFR 48.3 for approval of proposed 
revisions to already approved training plans will apply.

[[Page 61035]]

    The petitioner asserts that the proposed alternative method will at 
all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection 
afforded by the existing standard.

Sheila McConnell,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2017-27666 Filed 12-22-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4520-43-P