83_FR_17762 83 FR 17684 - Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standard

83 FR 17684 - Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standard

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 78 (April 23, 2018)

Page Range17684-17687
FR Document2018-08409

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

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 78 (Monday, April 23, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 78 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17684-17687]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08409]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petitions for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory 
Safety Standard

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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

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 May 23, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit your comments, identified by ``docket 
number'' on the subject line, by any of the following methods:
    1. Email: [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 petitions and 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

[[Page 17685]]

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-2018-012-C.
    Petitioner: Hamilton County Coal, LLC, 18033 County Road, 500E, 
Dahlgren, Illinois 62828-4294.
    Mine: Mine No. 1, MSHA I.D. No. 11-03203, located in Hamilton 
County, Illinois.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1506 (Refuge alternatives).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit through alternative safety measures, use of 
the Dr[auml]ger PAS Lite[supreg] Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus 
(SCBA) and ChargeAir Filling Stations in conjunction with a centrally 
located built-in-place (BIP) Refuge Alternative (RA) at Mine No. 1.
    The petitioner states that:
    (1) The proposed alternative safety measures place the primary 
focus on facilitating escape and emphasize survivable refuge as a last 
resort. The utilization of SCBS along with ChargeAir Filling Stations 
provides the best opportunity for mine evacuation due to the SCBS 
making verbal communication possible and eliminating potential hazards 
that exist within transfer between Self-Contained Self Rescuers 
(SCSRs).
    (2) If mine escape is not possible, the utilization of a centrally 
located BIP RA as last resort provides the best opportunity for 
survival due to its inherent advantages. Utilizing a borehole to the 
surface to supply continuous fresh air to trapped miners, the BIP RA is 
able to maintain a superior environment, as compared to portable RAs. 
The result is an improved psychological and physiological environment 
that can be advantageous to the health and safety of miners in the 
stress of an emergency. The location and construction of the BIP RA has 
a higher likelihood of avoiding damage from both primary and secondary 
explosions that often occur at the face area. The communication system 
to the BIP RA has a higher likelihood of surviving a disaster because 
it is protected inside the borehole to the surface and behind the 
structure walls.
    (3) Mine No. 1 extracts coal from the Herrin No. 6 coal seam by 
both continuous mining and longwall extraction methods. The average 
mining height at Mine No. 1 is approximately 8.5 feet. Mine No. 1 
utilizes both SCSRs and SCBAs which are approved by MSHA and/or NIOSH. 
These devices include the Ocenco M-20 SCSR, Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSR, CSE 
Self Rescuer Long Duration (SLRD) SCSR, and the Dr[auml]ger PAS 
Lite[supreg] SCBA. The breathable air units are provided in the 
underground mine workings as follows:

--A cache of Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs located at the section power centers;
--A cache of 24 Dr[auml]ger PAS Lite[supreg] SCBAs located outby the 
section loading in the primary escapeway;
--An additional 14 Dr[auml]ger PAS Lite[supreg] SCBAs located on the 
section safety ride;
--A cache of (2) Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs located at intervals not to 
exceed 2,000 feet along both the primary escapeway and the alternative 
escapeway;
--At intervals not to exceed 5,700 feet along the primary escapeway, 
the mine has in place refill station(s) for the Dr[auml]ger PAS 
Lite[supreg] SCBAs and an additional five (5) one-hour SCSRs and/or 
SCBAs;
--At intervals not to exceed 5,700 feet along the alternate escapeway, 
the mine has in place caches of Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs;
--Both the SCBA refill(s) and the caches are accessible by a man door 
located in the stopping line separating the primary and alternate 
escapeway; and
--All mantrips and vehicles on which persons travel throughout the mine 
are provided with SCBAs equal to the occupant capacity of the 
equipment. All employees and visitors are trained in the donning and 
transfer of these units.

    The petitioners request for modification of the application of 30 
CFR 75.1506 will be conditioned upon compliance with the following:

--The mine will construct a BIP RA in a crosscut located within one 
hour of walking distance from the shaft and slope bottoms.
--The BIP RA will be constructed with two (2) approved 15-pounds per 
square inch (psi) minimum stoppings adjacent to the escapeway entries.

    The BIP RA will provide a minimum of 60 cubic feet of volume per 
person and a minimum of 15 square feet of floor space per person.

--Access to the BIP RA will be gained through a door which is approved 
in conjunction with a 15-psi stopping.
--An air-sampling pipe will be installed in the 15-psi minimum 
stopping. The air-sampling pipe will be of 1 inch diameter and will be 
equipped with a threaded cap located inside the BIP RA.
--A Pressure Relief Pipe will be installed in the 15-psi minimum 
stopping. This pipe will be of six inch diameter and will be equipped 
with a one-way check valve.
--Air monitoring equipment will be placed inside the airlock area of 
the BIP RA.
--Ten (10) SCBAs and ten (10) Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs will be stored 
within the airlock area of the BIP RA.
--An airlock wall will be constructed within the BIP RA. This airlock 
wall will be constructed as a dry-stacked and plastered stopping.
--A pressure by-pass pipe will be installed within the airlock wall. 
This pipe will be six inches in diameter.
--Access through the airlock will be gained by use of a man door.
--A cased eight inch diameter borehole will be utilized to provide 
breathable air from the blower located on the surface.
--A 2-wire page phone cable will be installed in the borehole and 
shunted on both ends.
--A storage box will be provided within the BIP RA and will contain at 
a minimum a page phone and spare battery, fire extinguisher, 
lightsticks, portable toilet, sanitation bags, toilet paper, first aid 
kit, pipe wrench, etc.
--A minimum of the 2,000 calories of food and 2.25 quarts of portable 
water per person per day in approved containers sufficient to sustain 
the maximum number of persons reasonably expected to use the BIP RA for 
at least 96 hours.
--At a minimum, breathable air units will continue to be maintained as 
provided above in this petition.
--Miners will continue to travel into irrespirable atmospheres to gain 
access to the BIP RA by use of the Dr[auml]ger PAS Lite[supreg] SCBAs 
as follows:

    a. The ChargeAir Filling Station is an automatic cascading refill 
system that is

[[Page 17686]]

stored at approved locations in underground mines. It contains numerous 
banks of cylinders that are used to store breathing air at a pressure 
of 6,000 psi. The plumbing of these banks allows for automatic 
cascading when the users are refilling their SCBA's.
    b. The ChargeAir Filling Station utilizes specialized valves that 
allow for the cascading process to be done automatically with no need 
for the user to open and close storage cylinder valves. Typically 
cascading is done with a user manually opening and closing valves at a 
control panel. The sequence in which the banks are opened is very 
important. If the wrong bank of cylinders is opened, the number of 
SCBA's that can be refilled will be fewer than anticipated. Draeger has 
made the ChargeAir Filling Station an automatic cascade system to help 
eliminate errors by removing the human factor in this process.
    c. Once the user has donned their SCBA they proceed to exit the 
mine. The ChargeAir Filling Station is pressurized at all times while 
underground making it ready for use at any moment. When the SCBA user 
arrives at the ChargeAir Filling Station, they access the control panel 
and open the main pressure valve. Once the valve is opened, high 
pressure air is sent to all of the refill lines. The user grasps an 
individual refill line and connects it to their SCBA. The SCBA is 
instantly recharged.
    d. The user then disconnects from the ChargeAir Filling Station and 
proceeds to the next ChargeAir Filling Station, replenishing their 60-
minute SCBA air supply. This refilling of the users SCBA is repeated 
along the escapeways until the SCBA user exits the mine.
    e. In an emergency situation when visibility is minimal and the 
atmosphere is toxic, changing out escape equipment becomes increasingly 
difficult. With the Dr[auml]ger PAS Lite[supreg] SCBA refill system, 
the units are not exchanged during an escape, but rather recharged 
while donned and miners are breathing clean air.
    f. An SCBA utilizes a positive pressure system, which means that 
breathing air flows into the face piece upon each inhalation. In 
addition, the air is cool due to the expansion from compression.
    g. Wearing a full face mask makes verbal communication possible, 
which is very important in an emergency.
    h. The system removes the potential hazards that exist within 
transfer between SCSRs and the potential hazards created by use of a 
negative pressure system.

--All underground mine personnel will be trained in the provisions of 
this petition before the petition is implemented. A record of this 
training will be documented and made available for inspection by 
authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of the 
Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

    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-2018-013-C.
    Petitioner: The Coteau Properties Company, 204 County Road, Beulah, 
North Dakota 58523-9475.
    Mine: Freedom Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 32-00595, located in Mercer 
County, North Dakota.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 77.1607(u) (Loading and haulage 
equipment; operation).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit the use of large tow ropes and/or a 
Lambordini Model 9LD 625-2 engine driven hydraulic power pack to tow 
disabled haulage trucks in lieu of a solid tow bar and safety chain.
    The petitioner states that:
    (1) The proposed towing system will only apply to vehicles with a 
``fail safe'' braking system and emergency steering capabilities.
    (2) The tow ropes used to tow a disabled vehicle will be a minimum 
of 3\5/8\ inch Dyneema material, at least 50 feet in length, with an 
average breaking strength of 1,459,000 pounds and maintained in good 
condition. Tow ropes will be attached to both vehicles with tow balls 
or equivalent attachments. Connecting the towing ropes between vehicles 
must be done when the vehicles are at a protected location and the 
engines are not running.
    (3) Radio communications between the towed and the towing vehicles 
must be maintained at all time when the vehicles are moving. The towed 
vehicle driver must be able to see at least 10 feet in front of the 
vehicle. Towing speed will not exceed 5 miles per hour.
    (4) The engine driven hydraulic ``power pack'' will be adequately 
designed to supply the correct hydraulic pressure recommended by the 
towed vehicle manufacturer. The power pack will be securely mounted to 
the towed vehicle as to not impede the operation of the vehicle or pose 
safety hazards such as a broken hydraulic line or exhaust fumes that 
may enter the operator's compartment. The power pack will not impede 
the ability to exit the vehicle quickly.
    (5) The power pack will operate at all times when the vehicle is 
being towed to maintain normal braking and steering functions. The 
power pack must be examined prior to each use by a qualified mechanic 
trained to perform the examination.
    (6) Prior to towing operation, testing of the brakes and steering 
will be performed at a protected location. The test must include fully 
pressurizing the air system to assure the brakes function properly and 
depleting the air system to assure the ``fail safe'' brakes reapply at 
the proper pressures.
    (7) All qualified mechanics will be trained to perform the 
installation of the power pack and to recognize conditions that would 
prohibit use of the power pack to tow a vehicle.
    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-2018-004-M.
    Petitioner: Hutchinson Salt Company, Three Gateway Center, 401 
Liberty Avenue, Suite 1500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222.
    Mine: Hutchinson Salt Company Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 14-0412, located 
in Reno County, Kansas.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.12084 (Branch circuit disconnecting 
devices).
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the 
existing standard to permit an alternative method of compliance of the 
standard with respect to branch circuit disconnecting devices.
    The petitioner states that:
    (1) The Hutchinson Salt Mine maintains an electrical system 
throughout the mine. That system includes the use of underground 
transformer stations where the voltage coming into the mine is stepped 
down for use of the electrical equipment in the mine.
    (2) Petitioner proposes to use an LBU II Loadbreaker fuse cutouts 
as disconnects at each underground transformer station on the incoming 
sides of the transformers.
    (3) There are approximately 20 transformers throughout the 
underground portion of the mine. These areas are accessed as needed for 
maintenance purposes. This condition exposes persons to fatal 
electrical hazards.
    (4) The petitioner currently has a means to disconnect the 480-volt 
power at the output side of the step down transformers in the mine. The 
petitioner

[[Page 17687]]

is filing this petition for modification with respect to the power 
coming to each transformer station.
    (5) The petitioner proposes the following alternative method to be 
utilized.
    (a) Petitioner will install LBU II Loadbreaker fuse cutouts at each 
transformer station underground (branch power station) where feasible 
as a means of disconnecting the 2,300-volt power supply.
    (b) Such cutouts will be installed at least 9 feet above the mine 
floor in the open air. It will be possible to operate such switches 
from the mine floor.
    (c) A properly rated hot stick will be utilized to break the fuse 
under load if necessary.
    (d) The miner using such hot stick will utilize appropriate 
Personal Protective Equipment.
    (e) If it becomes necessary to lock and tag out the Loadbreaker 
cutouts, appropriate procedures will be utilized, including, either 
disabling the hot stick with a lockout device covering the hook or 
removing the fuse cutouts from their holders and locking them in a box.
    (f) Within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order becomes 
final, the petitioner will submit proposed revisions for its approved 
30 CFR part 48 training plan to the District Manager for the area in 
which the mine is located. These proposed revisions will specify task 
training for miners designated to perform electrical work under the 
requirements of this petition.
    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. 2018-08409 Filed 4-20-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4520-43-P



                                             17684                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Notices

                                             manufacturer’s recommended safe use                     feet of pillar workings or longwall faces               The petitioner asserts that the
                                             procedures.                                             will be examined prior to use by a                    proposed alternative method will at all
                                                (12) Qualified personnel who use                     certified person to ensure equipment is               times guarantee no less than the same
                                             nonpermissible hand-held drill                          being maintained in a safe operating                  measure of protection afforded by the
                                             equipment will be properly trained to                   condition.                                            existing standard.
                                             recognize the hazards and limitations                      (5) The results of the examinations
                                                                                                                                                           Sheila McConnell,
                                             associated with use of such equipment                   will be recorded and retained for one
                                             in areas where methane could be                         year and made available to MSHA on                    Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,
                                                                                                                                                           and Variances.
                                             present.                                                request.
                                                                                                        (6) A qualified person, as defined in              [FR Doc. 2018–08408 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am]
                                                (13) The nonpermissible electronic
                                             hand-held drill equipment will not be                   30 CFR 75.151, will continuously                      BILLING CODE 4520–43–P

                                             put into service until MSHA has                         monitor for methane immediately before
                                             initially inspected the equipment and                   and during the use of nonpermissible
                                                                                                     hand-held drill equipment within 150                  DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
                                             determined that it is in compliance with
                                             all of the above terms and conditions.                  feet of pillar workings or longwall faces.
                                                                                                        (7) Nonpermissible hand-held drill                 Mine Safety and Health Administration
                                                (14) Cables supplying power to low-
                                             voltage hand-held drill equipment will                  equipment will not be used if methane                 Petitions for Modification of
                                             only be used when permissible hand-                     is detected in concentrations at or above             Application of Existing Mandatory
                                             held drill equipment is not available.                  1.0 percent. When methane is detected                 Safety Standard
                                                Within 60 days after the Proposed                    at such level while the nonpermissible
                                             Decision and Order (PDO) becomes                        hand-held drill equipment is being                    AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health
                                             final, the petitioner will submit                       used, the equipment will be deenergized               Administration, Labor.
                                             proposed revisions for its Part 48                      immediately and withdrawn further                     ACTION: Notice.
                                             training plan to the District Manager.                  than 150 feet of pillar workings or
                                             These revisions will specify initial and                longwall faces.                                       SUMMARY:   This notice is a summary of
                                             refresher training regarding the terms                     (8) All hand-held methane detectors                petitions for modification submitted to
                                             and conditions in the PDO.                              will be MSHA-approved and                             the Mine Safety and Health
                                                The petitioner asserts that the                      maintained in permissible and proper                  Administration (MSHA) by the parties
                                             proposed alternative method will at all                 operating condition as defined in 30                  listed below.
                                             times guarantee no less than the same                   CFR 75.320.                                           DATES: All comments on the petitions
                                             measure of protection afforded by the                      (9) Coal production will cease in the              must be received by MSHA’s Office of
                                             existing standard.                                      entry or crosscut where the drill is in               Standards, Regulations, and Variances
                                                                                                     use. Accumulations of coal and                        on or before May 23, 2018.
                                                Docket Number: M–2018–011–C.                         combustible materials referenced in 30
                                                Petitioner: Mingo Logan Coal LLC,                                                                          ADDRESSES: You may submit your
                                                                                                     CFR 75.400 will be removed before                     comments, identified by ‘‘docket
                                             P.O. Box E, Sharples, West Virginia                     drilling begins to provide additional
                                             25183.                                                                                                        number’’ on the subject line, by any of
                                                                                                     safety to miners.                                     the following methods:
                                                Mine: Mountaineer II Mine, MSHA                         (10) Nonpermissible electronic hand-
                                             I.D. No. 46–09029, located in Logan                                                                              1. Email: zzMSHA-comments@
                                                                                                     held drill equipment will not be used                 dol.gov. Include the docket number of
                                             County, West Virginia.                                  when float coal dust is in suspension.
                                                Regulation Affected: 30 CFR                                                                                the petition in the subject line of the
                                                                                                        (11) All hand-held drill equipment                 message.
                                             75.1002(a) (Installation of electric                    will be used in accordance with the
                                             equipment and conductors;                                                                                        2. Facsimile: 202–693–9441.
                                                                                                     manufacturer’s recommended safe use                      3. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery:
                                             permissibility).                                        procedures.
                                                Modification Request: The petitioner                                                                       MSHA, Office of Standards,
                                                                                                        (12) Qualified personnel who use
                                             requests a modification of the existing                                                                       Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th
                                                                                                     nonpermissible hand-held drill
                                             standard to permit an alternative                                                                             Street South, Suite 4E401, Arlington,
                                                                                                     equipment will be properly trained to
                                             method of compliance to allow the use                                                                         Virginia 22202–5452, Attention: Sheila
                                                                                                     recognize the hazards and limitations
                                             of nonpermissible electronic low-                                                                             McConnell, Director, Office of
                                                                                                     associated with use of such equipment
                                             voltage or battery-powered                                                                                    Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
                                                                                                     in areas where methane could be
                                             nonpermissible electronic hand-held                                                                           Persons delivering documents are
                                                                                                     present.
                                             drill equipment within 150 feet of pillar                                                                     required to check in at the receptionist’s
                                                                                                        (13) The nonpermissible electronic
                                             workings or longwall faces.                                                                                   desk in Suite 4E401. Individuals may
                                                                                                     hand-held drill equipment will not be
                                                The petitioner states that:                                                                                inspect copies of the petitions and
                                                                                                     put into service until MSHA has
                                                (1) Nonpermissible electronic low-                                                                         comments during normal business
                                                                                                     initially inspected the equipment and
                                             voltage or battery-powered                                                                                    hours at the address listed above.
                                                                                                     determined that it is in compliance with
                                             nonpermissible electronic equipment                                                                              MSHA will consider only comments
                                                                                                     all of the above terms and conditions.
                                             will be limited to hand-held drill                         (14) Cables supplying power to low-                postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or
                                             equipment.                                              voltage hand-held drill equipment will                proof of delivery from another delivery
                                                (2) All other hand-held drill                        only be used when permissible hand-                   service such as UPS or Federal Express
                                             equipment used within 150 feet of pillar                held drill equipment is not available.                on or before the deadline for comments.
                                             workings or longwall faces will be                         Within 60 days after the Proposed                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES




                                             permissible.                                            Decision and Order (PDO) becomes                      Barbara Barron, Office of Standards,
                                                (3) Other hand-held drill equipment                  final, the petitioner will submit                     Regulations, and Variances at 202–693–
                                             may be used if approved in advance by                   proposed revisions for its Part 48                    9447 (Voice), barron.barbara@dol.gov
                                             the MSHA District Manager.                              training plan to the District Manager.                (email), or 202–693–9441 (Facsimile).
                                                (4) All nonpermissible low-voltage or                These revisions will specify initial and              [These are not toll-free numbers.]
                                             battery-powered nonpermissible hand-                    refresher training regarding the terms                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
                                             held equipment to be used within 150                    and conditions in the PDO.                            101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Notices                                             17685

                                             Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the                  superior environment, as compared to                     walking distance from the shaft and
                                             Code of Federal Regulations Part 44                     portable RAs. The result is an improved                  slope bottoms.
                                             govern the application, processing, and                 psychological and physiological                       —The BIP RA will be constructed with
                                             disposition of petitions for modification.              environment that can be advantageous                     two (2) approved 15-pounds per
                                                                                                     to the health and safety of miners in the                square inch (psi) minimum stoppings
                                             I. Background                                           stress of an emergency. The location and                 adjacent to the escapeway entries.
                                                Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine                   construction of the BIP RA has a higher                  The BIP RA will provide a minimum
                                             Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine                     likelihood of avoiding damage from                    of 60 cubic feet of volume per person
                                             Act) allows the mine operator or                        both primary and secondary explosions                 and a minimum of 15 square feet of
                                             representative of miners to file a                      that often occur at the face area. The                floor space per person.
                                             petition to modify the application of any               communication system to the BIP RA                    —Access to the BIP RA will be gained
                                             mandatory safety standard to a coal or                  has a higher likelihood of surviving a                   through a door which is approved in
                                             other mine if the Secretary of Labor                    disaster because it is protected inside                  conjunction with a 15-psi stopping.
                                             (Secretary) determines that:                            the borehole to the surface and behind                —An air-sampling pipe will be installed
                                                1. An alternative method of achieving                the structure walls.                                     in the 15-psi minimum stopping. The
                                             the result of such standard exists which                   (3) Mine No. 1 extracts coal from the
                                                                                                                                                              air-sampling pipe will be of 1 inch
                                             will at all times guarantee no less than                Herrin No. 6 coal seam by both
                                                                                                                                                              diameter and will be equipped with a
                                             the same measure of protection afforded                 continuous mining and longwall
                                                                                                                                                              threaded cap located inside the BIP
                                             the miners of such mine by such                         extraction methods. The average mining
                                                                                                                                                              RA.
                                             standard; or                                            height at Mine No. 1 is approximately
                                                                                                                                                           —A Pressure Relief Pipe will be
                                                2. That the application of such                      8.5 feet. Mine No. 1 utilizes both SCSRs
                                                                                                                                                              installed in the 15-psi minimum
                                             standard to such mine will result in a                  and SCBAs which are approved by
                                                                                                                                                              stopping. This pipe will be of six inch
                                             diminution of safety to the miners in                   MSHA and/or NIOSH. These devices
                                                                                                                                                              diameter and will be equipped with a
                                             such mine.                                              include the Ocenco M–20 SCSR, Ocenco
                                                                                                     EBA 6.5 SCSR, CSE Self Rescuer Long                      one-way check valve.
                                                In addition, the regulations at 30 CFR
                                                                                                                                                           —Air monitoring equipment will be
                                             44.10 and 44.11 establish the                           Duration (SLRD) SCSR, and the Dräger
                                                                                                                                                              placed inside the airlock area of the
                                             requirements and procedures for filing                  PAS Lite® SCBA. The breathable air
                                                                                                     units are provided in the underground                    BIP RA.
                                             petitions for modification.
                                                                                                                                                           —Ten (10) SCBAs and ten (10) Ocenco
                                                                                                     mine workings as follows:
                                             II. Petitions for Modification                                                                                   EBA 6.5 SCSRs will be stored within
                                                                                                     —A cache of Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs                         the airlock area of the BIP RA.
                                                Docket Number: M–2018–012–C.                            located at the section power centers;
                                                Petitioner: Hamilton County Coal,                                                                          —An airlock wall will be constructed
                                                                                                     —A cache of 24 Dräger PAS Lite®
                                             LLC, 18033 County Road, 500E,                                                                                    within the BIP RA. This airlock wall
                                                                                                        SCBAs located outby the section
                                             Dahlgren, Illinois 62828–4294.                                                                                   will be constructed as a dry-stacked
                                                                                                        loading in the primary escapeway;
                                                Mine: Mine No. 1, MSHA I.D. No. 11–                  —An additional 14 Dräger PAS Lite®                      and plastered stopping.
                                             03203, located in Hamilton County,                         SCBAs located on the section safety                —A pressure by-pass pipe will be
                                             Illinois.                                                  ride;                                                 installed within the airlock wall. This
                                                Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.1506                  —A cache of (2) Ocenco EBA 6.5 SCSRs                     pipe will be six inches in diameter.
                                             (Refuge alternatives).                                     located at intervals not to exceed                 —Access through the airlock will be
                                                Modification Request: The petitioner                    2,000 feet along both the primary                     gained by use of a man door.
                                             requests a modification of the existing                    escapeway and the alternative                      —A cased eight inch diameter borehole
                                             standard to permit through alternative                     escapeway;                                            will be utilized to provide breathable
                                             safety measures, use of the Dräger PAS                 —At intervals not to exceed 5,700 feet                   air from the blower located on the
                                             Lite® Self-Contained Breathing                             along the primary escapeway, the                      surface.
                                             Apparatus (SCBA) and ChargeAir                             mine has in place refill station(s) for            —A 2-wire page phone cable will be
                                             Filling Stations in conjunction with a                     the Dräger PAS Lite® SCBAs and an                    installed in the borehole and shunted
                                             centrally located built-in-place (BIP)                     additional five (5) one-hour SCSRs                    on both ends.
                                             Refuge Alternative (RA) at Mine No. 1.                     and/or SCBAs;                                      —A storage box will be provided within
                                                The petitioner states that:                          —At intervals not to exceed 5,700 feet                   the BIP RA and will contain at a
                                                (1) The proposed alternative safety                     along the alternate escapeway, the                    minimum a page phone and spare
                                             measures place the primary focus on                        mine has in place caches of Ocenco                    battery, fire extinguisher, lightsticks,
                                             facilitating escape and emphasize                          EBA 6.5 SCSRs;                                        portable toilet, sanitation bags, toilet
                                             survivable refuge as a last resort. The                 —Both the SCBA refill(s) and the caches                  paper, first aid kit, pipe wrench, etc.
                                             utilization of SCBS along with                             are accessible by a man door located               —A minimum of the 2,000 calories of
                                             ChargeAir Filling Stations provides the                    in the stopping line separating the                   food and 2.25 quarts of portable water
                                             best opportunity for mine evacuation                       primary and alternate escapeway; and                  per person per day in approved
                                             due to the SCBS making verbal                           —All mantrips and vehicles on which                      containers sufficient to sustain the
                                             communication possible and                                 persons travel throughout the mine                    maximum number of persons
                                             eliminating potential hazards that exist                   are provided with SCBAs equal to the                  reasonably expected to use the BIP RA
                                             within transfer between Self-Contained                     occupant capacity of the equipment.                   for at least 96 hours.
                                             Self Rescuers (SCSRs).                                     All employees and visitors are trained             —At a minimum, breathable air units
                                                (2) If mine escape is not possible, the                 in the donning and transfer of these                  will continue to be maintained as
                                                                                                        units.
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                                             utilization of a centrally located BIP RA                                                                        provided above in this petition.
                                             as last resort provides the best                           The petitioners request for                        —Miners will continue to travel into
                                             opportunity for survival due to its                     modification of the application of 30                    irrespirable atmospheres to gain
                                             inherent advantages. Utilizing a                        CFR 75.1506 will be conditioned upon                     access to the BIP RA by use of the
                                             borehole to the surface to supply                       compliance with the following:                           Dräger PAS Lite® SCBAs as follows:
                                             continuous fresh air to trapped miners,                 —The mine will construct a BIP RA in                     a. The ChargeAir Filling Station is an
                                             the BIP RA is able to maintain a                           a crosscut located within one hour of              automatic cascading refill system that is


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                                             17686                          Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Notices

                                             stored at approved locations in                         —All underground mine personnel will                  pack will not impede the ability to exit
                                             underground mines. It contains                           be trained in the provisions of this                 the vehicle quickly.
                                             numerous banks of cylinders that are                     petition before the petition is                         (5) The power pack will operate at all
                                             used to store breathing air at a pressure                implemented. A record of this                        times when the vehicle is being towed
                                             of 6,000 psi. The plumbing of these                      training will be documented and                      to maintain normal braking and steering
                                             banks allows for automatic cascading                     made available for inspection by                     functions. The power pack must be
                                             when the users are refilling their                       authorized representatives of the                    examined prior to each use by a
                                             SCBA’s.                                                  Secretary and representatives of the                 qualified mechanic trained to perform
                                                b. The ChargeAir Filling Station                      Illinois Department of Natural                       the examination.
                                             utilizes specialized valves that allow for               Resources.                                              (6) Prior to towing operation, testing
                                             the cascading process to be done                                                                              of the brakes and steering will be
                                                                                                        The petitioner asserts that the
                                             automatically with no need for the user                                                                       performed at a protected location. The
                                                                                                     proposed alternative method will at all
                                             to open and close storage cylinder                                                                            test must include fully pressurizing the
                                             valves. Typically cascading is done with                times guarantee no less than the same
                                                                                                     measure of protection afforded by the                 air system to assure the brakes function
                                             a user manually opening and closing                                                                           properly and depleting the air system to
                                             valves at a control panel. The sequence                 existing standard.
                                                                                                                                                           assure the ‘‘fail safe’’ brakes reapply at
                                             in which the banks are opened is very                      Docket Number: M–2018–013–C.
                                                                                                                                                           the proper pressures.
                                             important. If the wrong bank of                            Petitioner: The Coteau Properties
                                                                                                                                                              (7) All qualified mechanics will be
                                             cylinders is opened, the number of                      Company, 204 County Road, Beulah,
                                                                                                                                                           trained to perform the installation of the
                                             SCBA’s that can be refilled will be fewer               North Dakota 58523–9475.
                                                                                                        Mine: Freedom Mine, MSHA I.D. No.                  power pack and to recognize conditions
                                             than anticipated. Draeger has made the                                                                        that would prohibit use of the power
                                             ChargeAir Filling Station an automatic                  32–00595, located in Mercer County,
                                                                                                     North Dakota.                                         pack to tow a vehicle.
                                             cascade system to help eliminate errors                                                                          The petitioner asserts that the
                                             by removing the human factor in this                       Regulation Affected: 30 CFR
                                                                                                     77.1607(u) (Loading and haulage                       proposed alternative method will at all
                                             process.                                                                                                      times guarantee no less than the same
                                                c. Once the user has donned their                    equipment; operation).
                                                                                                        Modification Request: The petitioner               measure of protection afforded by the
                                             SCBA they proceed to exit the mine.                                                                           existing standard.
                                             The ChargeAir Filling Station is                        requests a modification of the existing
                                             pressurized at all times while                          standard to permit the use of large tow                  Docket Number: M–2018–004–M.
                                             underground making it ready for use at                  ropes and/or a Lambordini Model 9LD                      Petitioner: Hutchinson Salt Company,
                                             any moment. When the SCBA user                          625–2 engine driven hydraulic power                   Three Gateway Center, 401 Liberty
                                             arrives at the ChargeAir Filling Station,               pack to tow disabled haulage trucks in                Avenue, Suite 1500, Pittsburgh,
                                             they access the control panel and open                  lieu of a solid tow bar and safety chain.             Pennsylvania 15222.
                                             the main pressure valve. Once the valve                    The petitioner states that:                           Mine: Hutchinson Salt Company
                                             is opened, high pressure air is sent to all                (1) The proposed towing system will                Mine, MSHA I.D. No. 14–0412, located
                                             of the refill lines. The user grasps an                 only apply to vehicles with a ‘‘fail safe’’           in Reno County, Kansas.
                                             individual refill line and connects it to               braking system and emergency steering                    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 57.12084
                                             their SCBA. The SCBA is instantly                       capabilities.                                         (Branch circuit disconnecting devices).
                                             recharged.                                                 (2) The tow ropes used to tow a                       Modification Request: The petitioner
                                                d. The user then disconnects from the                disabled vehicle will be a minimum of                 requests a modification of the existing
                                             ChargeAir Filling Station and proceeds                  35⁄8 inch Dyneema material, at least 50               standard to permit an alternative
                                             to the next ChargeAir Filling Station,                  feet in length, with an average breaking              method of compliance of the standard
                                             replenishing their 60-minute SCBA air                   strength of 1,459,000 pounds and                      with respect to branch circuit
                                             supply. This refilling of the users SCBA                maintained in good condition. Tow                     disconnecting devices.
                                             is repeated along the escapeways until                  ropes will be attached to both vehicles                  The petitioner states that:
                                             the SCBA user exits the mine.                           with tow balls or equivalent                             (1) The Hutchinson Salt Mine
                                                e. In an emergency situation when                    attachments. Connecting the towing                    maintains an electrical system
                                             visibility is minimal and the atmosphere                ropes between vehicles must be done                   throughout the mine. That system
                                             is toxic, changing out escape equipment                 when the vehicles are at a protected                  includes the use of underground
                                             becomes increasingly difficult. With the                location and the engines are not                      transformer stations where the voltage
                                             Dräger PAS Lite® SCBA refill system,                   running.                                              coming into the mine is stepped down
                                             the units are not exchanged during an                      (3) Radio communications between                   for use of the electrical equipment in the
                                             escape, but rather recharged while                      the towed and the towing vehicles must                mine.
                                             donned and miners are breathing clean                   be maintained at all time when the                       (2) Petitioner proposes to use an LBU
                                             air.                                                    vehicles are moving. The towed vehicle                II Loadbreaker fuse cutouts as
                                                f. An SCBA utilizes a positive                       driver must be able to see at least 10 feet           disconnects at each underground
                                             pressure system, which means that                       in front of the vehicle. Towing speed                 transformer station on the incoming
                                             breathing air flows into the face piece                 will not exceed 5 miles per hour.                     sides of the transformers.
                                             upon each inhalation. In addition, the                     (4) The engine driven hydraulic                       (3) There are approximately 20
                                             air is cool due to the expansion from                   ‘‘power pack’’ will be adequately                     transformers throughout the
                                             compression.                                            designed to supply the correct hydraulic              underground portion of the mine. These
                                                g. Wearing a full face mask makes                    pressure recommended by the towed                     areas are accessed as needed for
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                                             verbal communication possible, which                    vehicle manufacturer. The power pack                  maintenance purposes. This condition
                                             is very important in an emergency.                      will be securely mounted to the towed                 exposes persons to fatal electrical
                                                h. The system removes the potential                  vehicle as to not impede the operation                hazards.
                                             hazards that exist within transfer                      of the vehicle or pose safety hazards                    (4) The petitioner currently has a
                                             between SCSRs and the potential                         such as a broken hydraulic line or                    means to disconnect the 480-volt power
                                             hazards created by use of a negative                    exhaust fumes that may enter the                      at the output side of the step down
                                             pressure system.                                        operator’s compartment. The power                     transformers in the mine. The petitioner


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                                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 78 / Monday, April 23, 2018 / Notices                                                  17687

                                             is filing this petition for modification                Aeronautics and Space Administration                     services for terrestrial, maritime,
                                             with respect to the power coming to                     (NASA) announces a meeting of the                        aviation, and space users
                                             each transformer station.                               National Space-Based Positioning,
                                                                                                                                                           Patricia Rausch,
                                                (5) The petitioner proposes the                      Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Advisory
                                                                                                                                                           Advisory Committee Management Officer,
                                             following alternative method to be                      Board.
                                                                                                                                                           National Aeronautics and Space
                                             utilized.                                                                                                     Administration.
                                                                                                     DATES: Wednesday, May 16, 2018,
                                                (a) Petitioner will install LBU II
                                                                                                     9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Thursday,                 [FR Doc. 2018–08352 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am]
                                             Loadbreaker fuse cutouts at each
                                                                                                     May 17, 2018, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.,                 BILLING CODE 7510–13–P
                                             transformer station underground
                                                                                                     Local Time.
                                             (branch power station) where feasible as
                                             a means of disconnecting the 2,300-volt                 ADDRESSES:  Sheraton Inner Harbor in
                                             power supply.                                           Baltimore, Harborview Ballroom, 300                   NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE
                                                (b) Such cutouts will be installed at                South Charles Street, Baltimore, MD                   ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES
                                             least 9 feet above the mine floor in the                21201.
                                                                                                                                                           Institute of Museum and Library
                                             open air. It will be possible to operate
                                                                                                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:               Mr.    Services
                                             such switches from the mine floor.
                                                (c) A properly rated hot stick will be               James J. Miller, Designated Federal
                                                                                                     Officer, Human Exploration and                        Submission for OMB Review,
                                             utilized to break the fuse under load if                                                                      Comment Request, Proposed
                                             necessary.                                              Operations Mission Directorate, NASA
                                                                                                     Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546,                   Collection: IMLS National Medals
                                                (d) The miner using such hot stick                                                                         Nomination Forms
                                             will utilize appropriate Personal                       (202) 358–4417, fax (202) 358–4297, or
                                             Protective Equipment.                                   jj.miller@nasa.gov.                                   AGENCY:  Institute of Museum and
                                                (e) If it becomes necessary to lock and              SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      The                   Library Services, National Foundation
                                             tag out the Loadbreaker cutouts,                        meeting will be open to the public up                 on the Arts and the Humanities.
                                             appropriate procedures will be utilized,                to the seating capacity of the room. It is            ACTION: Submission for OMB review,
                                             including, either disabling the hot stick               imperative that the meeting be held on                comment request.
                                             with a lockout device covering the hook                 these dates to accommodate the
                                             or removing the fuse cutouts from their                                                                       SUMMARY:    The Institute of Museum and
                                                                                                     scheduling priorities of the key
                                             holders and locking them in a box.                                                                            Library Services announces the
                                                                                                     participants. Visitors will be requested
                                                (f) Within 60 days after the Proposed                                                                      following information collection has
                                                                                                     to sign a visitor’s register.
                                             Decision and Order becomes final, the                                                                         been submitted to the Office of
                                                                                                       The agenda for the meeting includes                 Management and Budget (OMB) for
                                             petitioner will submit proposed
                                                                                                     the following topics:                                 review and approval in accordance with
                                             revisions for its approved 30 CFR part
                                             48 training plan to the District Manager                • Update on U.S. Space-Based                          the Paperwork Reduction Act. This
                                             for the area in which the mine is                         Positioning, Navigation and Timing                  program helps to ensure that requested
                                             located. These proposed revisions will                    (PNT) Policy and Global Positioning                 data can be provided in the desired
                                             specify task training for miners                          System (GPS) modernization                          format, reporting burden (time and
                                                                                                                                                           financial resources) is minimized,
                                             designated to perform electrical work                   • Current and planned GPS capabilities
                                             under the requirements of this petition.                                                                      collection instruments are clearly
                                                                                                       and services while assessing future
                                                The petitioner asserts that the                                                                            understood, and the impact of collection
                                                                                                       PNT architecture alternatives with a
                                             proposed alternative method will at all                                                                       requirements on respondents can be
                                                                                                       focus on affordability
                                             times guarantee no less than the same                                                                         properly assessed. This notice proposes
                                                                                                     • Methods in which to Protect,                        the clearance of the IMLS National
                                             measure of protection afforded by the
                                                                                                       Toughen, and Augment (PTA) access                   Medals Nomination forms and
                                             existing standard.
                                                                                                       to GPS/Global Navigation Satellite                  instructions.
                                             Sheila McConnell,                                         Systems (GNSS) services in key                         A copy of the proposed information
                                             Director, Office of Standards, Regulations,               domains for multiple user sectors                   collection request can be obtained by
                                             and Variances.                                          • Economic impacts of GPS/GNSS on                     contacting the individual listed below
                                             [FR Doc. 2018–08409 Filed 4–20–18; 8:45 am]               the United States and in select                     in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
                                             BILLING CODE 4520–43–P                                    international regions, with a                       DATES: Comments must be submitted to
                                                                                                       consideration towards effects of                    the office listed in the FOR FURTHER
                                                                                                       potential PNT service disruptions if                INFORMATION CONTACT section below on
                                             NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND                                  radio spectrum interference is                      or before May 22, 2018.
                                             SPACE ADMINISTRATION                                      introduced                                             OMB is particularly interested in
                                                                                                     • Potential benefits, perceived                       comments that help the agency to:
                                             [Notice: 18–032]                                                                                                 • Evaluate whether the proposed
                                                                                                       vulnerabilities, and any proposed
                                             National Space-Based Positioning,                         regulatory constraints to accessing                 collection of information is necessary
                                             Navigation, and Timing Advisory                           foreign Radio Navigation Satellite                  for the proper performance of the
                                             Board; Meeting                                            Service (RNSS) signals in the U.S. and              functions of the agency, including
                                                                                                       subsequent impacts on multi-GNSS                    whether the information will have
                                             AGENCY: National Aeronautics and                          receiver markets                                    practical utility;
                                             Space Administration (NASA).                                                                                     • Evaluate the accuracy of the
                                                                                                     • Opportunities for enhancing the
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                                             ACTION: Notice of meeting.                                                                                    agency’s estimate of the burden of the
                                                                                                       interoperability of GPS with other                  proposed collection of information,
                                             SUMMARY: In accordance with the                           emerging international GNSS                         including the validity of the
                                             Federal Advisory Committee Act, as                      • Emerging trends and requirements for                methodology and assumptions used;
                                             amended, and the President’s 2004 U.S.                    PNT services in U.S. and international                 • Enhance the quality, utility, and
                                             Space-Based Positioning, Navigation,                      fora through PNT Board technical                    clarity of the information to be
                                             and Timing (PNT) Policy, the National                     assessments, including back-up                      collected; and


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Document Created: 2018-04-21 00:33:29
Document Modified: 2018-04-21 00:33:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesAll comments on the petitions must be received by MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before May 23, 2018.
ContactBarbara 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.]
FR Citation83 FR 17684 

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