[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2022-2027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28446]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Parts 56 and 57

[Docket No. MSHA-2019-0007]
RIN 1219-AB88


Electronic Detonators

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Direct final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is revising 
certain safety standards for explosives at metal and nonmetal (MNM) 
mines. This rule updates existing provisions consistent with 
technological advancements involving electronic detonators. MSHA is 
publishing a direct final rule because the Agency expects that there 
will be no significant adverse

[[Page 2023]]

comments on the rule. Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, 
MSHA is publishing a companion proposed rule for notice and comment 
rulemaking to provide a procedural framework to finalize the rule in 
the event that the Agency receives significant adverse comment and 
withdraws this direct final rule. The companion proposed rule and the 
direct final rule are substantially identical.

DATES: This direct final rule is effective on March 16, 2020 unless 
substantive adverse comments are received or postmarked by midnight 
Eastern Standard Time on February 13, 2020. If adverse comment is 
received, MSHA will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the 
Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments and informational materials, identified by 
RIN 1219-AB88 or Docket No. MSHA-2019-0007, by one of the following 
methods listed below:
     Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
     Email: [email protected].
     Mail: MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, Virginia 
22202-5452.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: 201 12th Street South, Suite 
4E401, Arlington, Virginia, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Sign in at the receptionist's 
desk on the 4th floor East, Suite 4E401.
    Instructions: All submissions for the direct final rule must 
include RIN 1219-AB88 or Docket No. MSHA-2019-0007. MSHA posts all 
comments without change, including any personal information provided. 
Access comments electronically on http://www.regulations.gov and on 
MSHA's website at https://www.msha.gov/regulations/rulemaking.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read comments received, go to 
http://www.regulations.gov or http://www.msha.gov/currentcomments.asp. 
To read background documents, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Review 
comments in person at the Office of Standards, Regulations, and 
Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington, Virginia 
22202-5452. Sign in at the receptionist's desk on the 4th floor East, 
Suite 4E401.
    Email Notification: To subscribe to receive email notification when 
MSHA publishes rulemaking documents in the Federal Register, go to 
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOL/subscriber/new.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila A. McConnell, Director, Office 
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, at 
[email protected] (email), 202-693-9440 (voice); or 202-693-
9441 (facsimile). These are not toll-free numbers.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Direct Final Rule

    Concurrent with this direct final rule, MSHA is publishing a 
separate, substantially identical proposed rule in the Proposed Rules 
section of this Federal Register edition. The concurrent publication of 
these documents will speed notice and comment rulemaking under 30 
U.S.C. 811 and the Administrative Procedure Act (see 5 U.S.C. 553) 
should the Agency decide to withdraw the direct final rule. All 
interested parties who wish to comment should comment at this time 
because MSHA does not anticipate initiating an additional comment 
period.
    MSHA has determined that notice and public comment are unnecessary 
because the rule imposes no new requirements; it simply clarifies the 
application of MSHA's existing standards to technologies developed 
after the standards were promulgated. For this reason, MSHA believes 
good cause exists to dispense with notice and comment and proceed with 
a direct final rule.
    If MSHA does not receive significant adverse comments on or before 
February 13, 2020, the Agency will publish a notification in the 
Federal Register no later than March 16, 2020, confirming the effective 
date of the direct final rule.
    For purposes of this direct final rule, a significant adverse 
comment is one that explains why the rule would be inappropriate, 
including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach, or 
why it would be ineffective, less safe than other alternatives, or 
unacceptable without a change. In determining whether a significant 
adverse comment merits withdrawal of this direct final rule, MSHA will 
consider whether the comment raises an issue significant enough to 
warrant a substantive response in a notice-and-comment process. A 
comment recommending an addition to the rule should explain why this 
rule would be ineffective, less safe than other alternatives, or 
unacceptable without the addition.
    If significant adverse comments are received, the Agency will 
publish a notfication in the Federal Register withdrawing this direct 
final rule no later than March 16, 2020. In the event the direct final 
rule is withdrawn, the Agency intends to proceed with the proposed 
rulemaking by addressing the comments received and publishing a final 
rule. The comment period for the proposed rule runs concurrently with 
that of the direct final rule. Any comments received under the proposed 
rule will be treated as comments regarding this direct final rule. 
Likewise, significant adverse comments submitted to this direct final 
rule will be considered as comments to the proposed rule. The Agency 
will consider such comments in developing a subsequent final rule.

II. Background

A. General Discussion

    A detonator is a device containing a detonating charge that is used 
to initiate an explosion reliably, at a specified time, and, as 
applicable, in a prescribed sequence. There are three types of 
detonators primarily used in blasting operations in MNM mines. These 
are non-electric, electric, and electronic detonators. A non-electric 
detonator is designed to initiate explosions without the use of 
electric wires. A non-electric detonator includes devices that use 
detonating cords, shock-tube or safety fuse detonators, or a 
combination of these.
    An electric detonator uses electrical currents to initiate 
detonation. Electrical currents from the detonator's lead wires or 
connectors ignite an electric match which in turn ignites a pyrotechnic 
delay element that initiates the base charge. The pyrotechnic delay 
element burns at an approximated rate. The length and composition of 
the pyrotechnic delay element control the approximate rate of burn and 
thus the timing. Since the approximate rate of burn is subject to 
variation, the timing accuracy of electric detonators is affected. 
Electric detonator systems typically include a blasting machine that 
delivers the electrical current to the detonator. Circuit testers, such 
as a blaster's galvanometer, are used to check the continuity and 
resistance of the individual detonator and the entire electric 
circuit.\1\
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    \1\ MSHA considers detonators fired by a shock tube and 
incorporating a pre-programmed microchip delay rather than a 
pyrotechnic one to be electric detonators, not electronic 
detonators.
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    In contrast to electric detonators, electronic detonator systems do 
not have a pyrotechnic delay element. Electronic detonator systems are 
designed to use electronic components to transmit a firing signal with 
validated commands and secure communications to each detonator, and a 
detonator cannot be initiated by other means.

[[Page 2024]]

Typically, each detonator has a microchip to control sequence timing 
and an integrated circuit chip and a capacitor, internal to each 
detonator, to control the blast initiation timing. Electronic 
detonators enable exact time delays between blasts to ensure the blast 
energy is used to break rock, reducing fugitive energy loss in the form 
of vibrations.
    Unlike non-electric and electric systems, electronic detonator 
systems are uniquely designed by each manufacturer, which requires that 
these devices be used according to manufacturers' instructions. Because 
these electronic detonator systems require password log-ins, operators 
must authorize persons to initiate the detonations, which minimizes the 
potential for accidental misuse.
    Based on MSHA's experience with the electronic detonator systems it 
has reviewed,\2\ the Agency has found that electronic detonator systems 
have a number of advantages compared to non-electric and electric 
systems, including greater operator control to limit their use to 
authorized personnel, more precise timing, reduced vibrations, and a 
reduced sensitivity to stray electrical currents and radio frequencies.
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    \2\ See https://arlweb.msha.gov/TECHSUPP/ACC/lists/00elecdet.pdf.
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B. Rulemaking Background

    MSHA's existing standards in 30 CFR parts 56 and 57, subpart E, 
focus on hazards associated with transporting, maintaining, using, or 
working near explosive materials, including detonators.
    Since 1979, MSHA standards have defined detonators to mean any 
device containing a detonating charge that is used to initiate an 
explosive such as electric blasting caps and non-electrical 
instantaneous or delay blasting caps. At the time these standards were 
issued, MSHA believed that the definition provided for the automatic 
inclusion of new detonators as they developed. Metal and Nonmetal Mine 
Safety; New and Revised Definitions and Safety and Health Standards for 
Explosives, 44 FR 48535, 48538 (August 17, 1979).
    On January 18, 1991, MSHA revised the definition of detonators in 
Sec. Sec.  56.6000 and 57.6000 (56 FR 2072) to clarify that the 
definition does not include detonating cords and that the detonators 
may be either ``Class A'' (explosives that include devices that 
constitute a maximum shipping hazard) or ``Class C'' (explosive devices 
that may contain Class A explosives, but in restricted quantities) as 
classified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 49 CFR 173.53 
and 173.100.\3\
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    \3\ As MSHA was in the process of publishing this 1991 rule, DOT 
revised its classification requirements at 49 CFR 173.50 and 173.53 
(55 FR 52619) consistent with the United Nations Recommendations on 
the Transport of Dangerous Goods, issued December 21, 1990. Under 
DOT's revisions, Class A explosives were reclassified as ``Division 
1.1 and Division 1.2'' to mean explosives that have a mass explosion 
hazard (explosion would affect the entire load instantaneously) or 
projection hazard (explosion would result in projection of 
fragments). Class C explosives were reclassified as ``Division 1.4'' 
to mean explosives that have a minor explosion hazard (explosive 
effects are confined to the packaging). These revised definitions 
form the current classification system recognized for shipping and 
packaging explosives in the U.S.
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    Since MSHA published these rules, advancements in computer and 
micro-processing technology have led to electronic timing of 
detonations. On September 28, 2004, MSHA issued Program Information 
Bulletin (PIB) No. P04-20, Electronic Detonators and Requirements for 
Shunting and Circuit Testing, to respond to stakeholder inquiries 
concerning how to apply the MSHA requirements for shunting and circuit 
testing to electronic detonators. In PIB No. P04-20, MSHA reported 
results of the Agency's evaluation of two electronic detonator systems. 
MSHA found that the systems contained their own integral elements for 
shunting and circuit testing, which met the Agency's existing standards 
for shunting and circuit testing when used as recommended by the 
manufacturers. Since issuing PIB No. P04-20, MSHA has evaluated several 
other electronic detonator systems and determined that these systems 
also contain their own integral elements for shunting and circuit 
testing that meet the intended MSHA requirements when the systems are 
used according to the manufacturers' instructions. Existing MSHA 
standards require operators to adhere to manufacturers' instructions 
for all detonation systems, including new systems. See 30 CFR 56.6308 
and 57.6308; 56 FR 2072, 2081.

C. Regulatory Review and Reform

    On February 28, 2008, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 
selected MSHA's explosives standards for regulatory review pursuant to 
its Small Business Regulatory Review and Reform Initiative,\4\ which 
was designed to identify existing federal rules that small business 
stakeholders believe should be reviewed and reformed. The MSHA reform 
nomination, discussed in the SBA's February 2008 report, stated that 
MSHA should update its existing explosive standards to be consistent 
with modern mining industry standards. The report further noted 
industry concerns that MSHA's existing standards do not address 
fundamental aspects of explosive safety, such as electronic detonation. 
On July 30, 2008, SBA also testified before the House Subcommittee on 
Regulations, Healthcare, and Trade that SBA's Office of Advocacy had 
met with nominated agencies to discuss the importance of reviewing and 
reforming the identified rules.\5\
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    \4\ SBA, Office of Advocacy, Report on the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, FY 2007; Annual Report of the Chief Counsel for 
Advocacy on Implementation of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and 
Executive Order 13272, February 2008.
    \5\ Testimony of the Honorable Thomas M. Sullivan, Chief Counsel 
for Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. House of 
Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on 
Regulations, Health Care, and Trade, July 30, 2008.
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    In 2018, the Agency announced its intent to review existing 
regulations to assess compliance costs and reduce regulatory burden. As 
part of this review, MSHA sought stakeholders' assistance in 
identifying those regulations that could be repealed, replaced, or 
modified without reducing miners' safety or health. MSHA published on 
its website, https://www.msha.gov/provide-or-view-comments-msha-regulations-repeal-replace-or-modify, a notice that the Agency is 
seeking assistance in identifying regulations for review. All comments 
are posted on the Agency's website.
    As a result of this solicitation, MSHA received comments from the 
Institute of Makers of Explosives (IME) requesting that MSHA modernize 
its standards to ``properly address'' electronic detonators. IME noted 
that electronic detonators have been used by the industry for over two 
decades and provide a ``sophisticated level of safety and security,'' 
and recommended several regulatory modifications to both coal and MNM 
standards. Specifically, IME proposed changes to Sec. Sec.  56.6000 and 
57.6000, the definition of ``Detonator;'' 56.6310, Misfire waiting 
period; 57.6407, Circuit testing; 57.6604, Precautions during storms; 
75.1310, Explosives and blasting equipment; and 77.1303, Explosives, 
handling and use.
    For this rulemaking, MSHA addresses the use of electronic 
detonators in MNM surface and underground mines and modifies Sec. Sec.  
56.6000 and 57.6000, the definition of ``Detonator;'' 56.6310 and 
57.6310, Misfire waiting period; 56.6407 and 57.6407, Circuit testing; 
and 57.6604, Precautions during storms. MSHA is amending certain 
portions of the explosives standards to include electronic detonators. 
However, the

[[Page 2025]]

other explosives standards in subparts E in 30 CFR parts 56 and 57 
continue to apply to electronic detonators.
    For those electronic detonators that the Agency has reviewed, MSHA 
agrees with IME that electronic detonators provide a working 
environment that is as safe or safer for miners compared to non-
electric and electric detonators because they provide for greater 
control of a blast.\6\ MSHA believes that recognizing electronic 
detonator systems as distinct from electric detonators will eliminate 
confusion over certain regulatory requirements. For example, Sec. Sec.  
56.6401 and 57.6401 and 56.6407 and 57.6407 require that electric 
detonators be shunted and tested to provide protection against 
premature detonation caused by extraneous current flowing through 
portions of the circuit as they are prepared. Operators use a 
galvanometer or other instrument to test electric circuits to determine 
whether an individual series circuit is continuous, to locate broken 
wires and connections, and to avoid introducing excessive current to 
the circuit. 56 FR 2082-83.
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    \6\ See Program Information Bulletin No. P04-20, Electronic 
Detonators and Requirements for Shunting and Circuit Testing. In 
addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface 
Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) published a study in 2013 
that concluded that electronic detonators are more accurate and 
precise than the non-electric systems. (Field Testing and Analysis 
of Blasts Utilizing Short Delays with Electronic Detonators (Lusk, 
Silva, and Eltschlager (September 2013)).
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    However, the electronic detonator systems that MSHA has reviewed 
contain their own integral elements for shunting and circuit testing 
that exceed the safety protections in MSHA's requirements when the 
systems are used according to the manufacturer's instructions. These 
systems, typically, are designed with an integrated circuit and a 
capacitor system internally wired to each electronic detonator, which 
isolates the base charge from the wires leading to the internal 
capacitors and microchip, making shunting unnecessary.
    In addition, based on MSHA's experience, the Agency has found that 
electronic detonator systems inherently provide more protection than 
MSHA's shunting and circuit testing standards do for electric 
detonators because electronic detonator systems communicate digitally 
to each detonator and are designed to prevent interference from stray 
currents and other electromagnetic interference. Additionally, 
electronic detonators are less likely to be misused because they cannot 
be fired simply by a battery or by other routine electric sources.

III. Section-by-Section Analysis

A. Sections 56.6000 and 57.6000--Definitions

    In Sec. Sec.  56.6000 and 57.6000, the definition for Detonator is 
modified by adding the words ``electronic detonators,'' before the word 
``electric'' in the second sentence of the paragraph. Also, in Sec.  
56.6000 a comma is added after the word ``caps'' in the second 
sentence.
    The addition of the term ``electronic detonators'' to Sec. Sec.  
56.6000 and 57.6000, Detonator, modernizes the definition by including 
electronic detonators. The addition of a comma in Sec.  56.6000 is for 
clarity and to conform with the definition of Detonator in Sec.  
57.6000.

B. Sections 56.6310 and 57.6310--Misfire Waiting Period

    Sections 56.6310 and 57.6310 require that in the event of a misfire 
while blasting, personnel must wait a specific time period based on the 
type of detonator being used before entering the blast area for safety. 
Under Sec. Sec.  56.6310 and 57.6310, a new paragraph (c) is added that 
requires a 30 minute waiting period, or for the manufacturer-
recommended time, whichever is longer, in the event of a misfire while 
blasting with an electronic detonator.
    MSHA believes that waiting at least 30 minutes before entering a 
blast area if electronic detonators are involved in a misfire provides 
personnel an adequate amount of time to analyze the circumstances of 
the misfire and to develop a plan of action to safely enter the blast 
area. In MSHA's experience, this waiting period is consistent with 
industry-recommended standards.\7\ In the event that an electronic 
detonator manufacturer recommends more than a 30-minute waiting period 
if a misfire occurs using its electronic detonators, persons must 
follow the manufacturer's recommended wait time before entering the 
blast area. This is consistent with Sec. Sec.  56.6308 and 57.6308, 
requiring persons to follow manufacturer's instructions for using 
detonation systems.
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    \7\ Institute of Makers of Explosives, Safety Library 
Publication No. 4, Warnings and Instructions for Consumers in 
Transporting, Storing, Handling, and Using Explosive Materials 
(October 2016).
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C. Sections 56.6407 and 57.6407--Circuit Testing

    Sections 56.6407 and 57.6407 require that electric blasting 
circuits be tested to ensure the circuits are properly wired. Under 
Sec.  56.6407(a) and (c), the words ``or electronic'' are added.
    Under Sec.  57.6407(a)(3) and (b)(2), the words ``or electronic'' 
are added.
    A blasting galvanometer is used to test electric detonator circuits 
to prevent misfires by determining whether an individual series circuit 
is continuous and by locating broken wires and connections. A blasting 
galvanometer or other appropriate type of testing equipment is used to 
avoid introducing excessive current into the circuit. This differs from 
the electronic detonator systems the Agency has reviewed because these 
systems have a means for circuit testing incorporated into their 
designs. The Agency anticipates that other electronic detonator systems 
MSHA has not reviewed also have integral circuit testing mechanisms. 
While revising the standard would clarify that the circuit-testing 
requirement applies to electronic detonator systems, the Agency 
believes that most or all electronic detonator systems already comply 
with this safety standard. This change does not require that electronic 
detonator systems with integral circuit testing be tested additionally 
with a galvanometer or other outside mechanism.

D. Section 57.6604(b)--Precautions During Storms

    Under Sec.  57.6604, underground electrical blasting operations 
must be suspended during the approach and progress of an electrical 
storm. Electromagnetic fields and stray currents can be generated from 
lightning. Higher energy levels of electromagnetic interference and 
stray current are generally disruptive or damaging to electronic 
equipment. Based on MSHA's experience with the electronic detonators it 
has examined, electronic detonator systems and technologies generally 
have the base charge isolated from the wires leading to the internal 
capacitors and microchip providing built-in protection from 
interference from electromagnetic fields and stray current. However, 
MSHA is aware that an electromagnetic pulse, such as lightning strikes 
traveling through underground mines by paths such as air lines, water 
lines, and conductive ore bodies, can damage all types of detonators 
and equipment and cause misfires. Therefore, for Sec.  57.6604(b), the 
words ``electronic or'' are added after the word ``Underground''.
    The Agency believes that most or all electronic detonator systems 
are designed to minimize or eliminate the possibility that lightning 
could initiate a blast; many systems may not be capable of being 
initiated by lightning. In addition, to the extent these systems are 
capable of being initiated by lightning, MSHA believes that operators 
already

[[Page 2026]]

have been applying these requirements to electronic detonator systems 
through manufacturers' directions and accepted industry practices. MSHA 
believes the revision will have little or no actual impact on 
operators' existing practices and simply eliminates ambiguity in the 
requirements under Sec.  57.6604(b).

III. Regulatory Economic Analysis

Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility.
    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of lnformation and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule 
as not a `major rule', as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
    MSHA has assessed the costs and benefits of the changes and has 
determined that there are no costs associated with this direct final 
rule. Currently, electronic detonators have been used by the mining 
industry for more than 20 years and account for at least 15 percent of 
the blast initiation systems used in the U.S. in all industries.\8\ As 
part of the Agency's regulatory reform efforts, MSHA received comments 
from industry representatives supporting the changes. This direct final 
rule codifies activity already undertaken by the mining industry 
regarding electronic detonators. This rulemaking is a deregulatory 
action under E.O. 13771 in its effects.
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    \8\ U.S. Geological Survey, Minerals Yearbook, Explosive 
Consumption Report (2015-2016).
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    This direct final rule will not increase or decrease the costs or 
benefits associated with the use of electronic detonators; however, 
this action will eliminate ambiguity about detonator options in the 
application of existing requirements so that mine operators will be 
able to use their resources more efficiently when making business 
decisions.
    Among other things, this direct final rule clarifies the 
nonapplicability of certain MSHA standards to electronic detonating 
systems. For example, while the new ``circuit testing'' standard now 
makes clear that the standard contemplates electronic detonating 
systems as well as electric detonators, the preamble clarifies that 
most or all of these electronic systems inherently comply and that, 
therefore, the specific actions operators must take when using electric 
detonators generally need not be taken for electronic detonating 
systems. Likewise, while this rulemaking does not directly address 
MSHA's shunting standards, the preamble clarifies that, while those 
standards require operators to take specific actions when using 
electric detonators, they are not applicable to inherently compliant 
electronic detonating systems. Through these clarifications, MSHA will 
ensure the safety advantages offered by the use of electronic 
detonators are available to mine operators, including greater operator 
control to limit use to authorized personnel, more precise timing, 
reduced vibrations, and a reduced sensitivity to stray electrical 
currents and radio frequencies. Furthermore, consistent with the 
directive in E.O. 13777, this direct final rule will update outdated 
regulations and accommodate technological advances.
    Under E.O. 12866, a significant regulatory action is one meeting 
any of a number of specified conditions, including the following: 
Having an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, 
creating a serious inconsistency or interfering with an action of 
another agency, materially altering the budgetary impact of 
entitlements or the rights of entitlement recipients, or raising novel 
legal or policy issues. MSHA has determined that this is an ``other 
significant'' regulatory action under E.O. 12866.

IV. Feasibility

    MSHA has concluded that the requirements of the direct final rule 
would be both technologically and economically feasible because the 
requirements are already generally accepted industry practices for the 
use of electronic detonators.

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act and Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act

    Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, as 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA), MSHA has analyzed the compliance cost impact of the direct 
final rule on small entities. Based on that analysis, MSHA certifies 
that the rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities because it does not impose any new 
costs. Therefore, the Agency is not required to develop an initial 
regulatory flexibility analysis.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) provides for the Federal 
Government's collection, use, and dissemination of information. The 
goals of the PRA include minimizing paperwork and reporting burdens and 
ensuring the maximum possible utility from the information that is 
collected (44 U.S.C. 3501). There are no information collections 
associated with this direct final rule.

VII. Other Regulatory Considerations

A. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    MSHA has reviewed the direct final rule under the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). MSHA has determined that 
this direct final rule does not include any federal mandate that may 
result in increased expenditures by State, local, or tribal 
governments; nor would it increase private sector expenditures by more 
than $100 million (adjusted for inflation) in any one year or 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Accordingly, the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires no further Agency action 
or analysis. Since the direct final rule does not cost over $100 
million in any one year, the rule is not a major rule under the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.

B. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    The direct final rule does not have ``federalism implications'' 
because it would not ``have substantial direct effects on the States, 
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government.'' Accordingly, under E.O. 13132, no further 
Agency action or analysis is required.

C. Executive Order 12630: Government Actions and Interference With 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights

    The direct final rule does not implement a policy with takings 
implications. Accordingly, under E.O. 12630, no further Agency action 
or analysis is required.

D. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform

    The direct final rule was written to provide a clear legal standard 
for affected conduct and was carefully reviewed to eliminate drafting 
errors

[[Page 2027]]

and ambiguities, so as to minimize litigation and undue burden on the 
Federal court system. Accordingly, the rule meets the applicable 
standards provided in section 3 of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform.

E. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This direct final rule does not have ``tribal implications'' 
because it would not ``have substantial direct effects on one or more 
Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal government and 
Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal government and Indian tribes.'' Accordingly, under 
E.O. 13175, no further Agency action or analysis is required.

F. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to publish a statement of 
energy effects when a rule has a significant energy action that 
adversely affects energy supply, distribution or use. MSHA has reviewed 
this direct final rule for its energy effects because the rule applies 
to the metal and nonmetal mining sector. MSHA has concluded that it is 
not a significant energy action because it is not likely to have a 
significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of 
energy. Accordingly, under this analysis, no further Agency action or 
analysis is required.

G. Executive Order 13272: Proper Consideration of Small Entities in 
Agency Rulemaking

    MSHA has thoroughly reviewed the direct final rule to assess and 
take appropriate account of its potential impact on small businesses, 
small governmental jurisdictions, and small organizations. MSHA has 
determined and certified that the direct final rule does not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

List of Subjects

30 CFR Part 56

    Chemicals, Electric power, Explosives, Fire prevention, Hazardous 
substances, Metals, Mine safety and health, Noise control, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

30 CFR Part 57

    Chemicals, Electric power, Explosives, Fire prevention, Gases, 
Hazardous substances, Metals, Mine safety and health, Noise control, 
Radiation protection, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, and under the authority of 
the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended by the Mine 
Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006, MSHA is amending 
chapter I of title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 56--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL 
MINES

0
1. The authority citation for part 56 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.


0
2. In Sec.  56.6000, revise the definition for ``Detonator'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  56.6000   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Detonator. Any device containing a detonating charge used to 
initiate an explosive. These devices include electronic detonators, 
electric or nonelectric instantaneous or delay blasting caps, and delay 
connectors. The term ``detonator'' does not include detonating cord. 
Detonators may be either ``Class A'' detonators or ``Class C'' 
detonators, as classified by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 
173.53 and 173.100, which is available at any MSHA Metal and Nonmetal 
Safety and Health district office.
* * * * *

0
3. In Sec.  56.6310, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) and add paragraph 
(c) to read as follows:


Sec.  56.6310   Misfire waiting period.

* * * * *
    (a) For 30 minutes if safety fuse and blasting caps are used;
    (b) For 15 minutes if any other type detonators are used; or
    (c) For 30 minutes if electronic detonators are used, or for the 
manufacturer-recommended time, whichever is longer.


Sec.  56.6407   [Amended]

0
4. In Sec.  56.6407, amend paragraphs (a) and (c) by adding the words 
``or electronic'' after the word ``electric''.

PART 57--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINES

0
5. The authority citation for part 57 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  30 U.S.C. 811.


0
6. In Sec.  57.6000, revise the definition for ``Detonator'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  57.6000   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Detonator. Any device containing a detonating charge used to 
initiate an explosive. These devices include electronic detonators, 
electric or nonelectric instantaneous or delay blasting caps, and delay 
connectors. The term ``detonator'' does not include detonating cord. 
Detonators may be either ``Class A'' detonators or ``Class C'' 
detonators, as classified by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR 
173.53 and 173.100, which is available at any MSHA Metal and Nonmetal 
Safety and Health district office.
* * * * *

0
7. In Sec.  57.6310, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) and add paragraph 
(c) to read as follows:


Sec.  57.6310   Misfire waiting period.

* * * * *
    (a) For 30 minutes if safety fuse and blasting caps are used;
    (b) For 15 minutes if any other type detonators are used; or
    (c) For 30 minutes if electronic detonators are used, or for the 
manufacturer-recommended time, whichever is longer.


Sec.  57.6407   [Amended]

0
8. In Sec.  57.6407, amend paragraphs (a)(3) and (b)(2) by adding the 
words ``or electronic'' after the word ``electric''.


Sec.  57.6604   [Amended]

0
9. In Sec.  57.6604, amend paragraph (b) by adding the words 
``electronic or'' after the word ``Underground''.

David G. Zatezalo,
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Administration.
[FR Doc. 2019-28446 Filed 1-13-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P