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DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AA75

Publication ID: Fall 2001

Title: Electric Motor-Driven Mine Equipment and Accessories and High-Voltage Longwall Equipment Standards for Underground Coal Mines
Abstract: Our current regulations require that high-voltage cables and transformers be kept at least 150 feet from coal extraction areas. These requirements are intended to eliminate an ignition source for methane and coal dust in close proximity to the work area. Highly productive longwall mining systems are now in widespread use in the mining industry. They use safe high-voltage electrical equipment and associated cables. Mine operators, however, currently must apply to us for a modification from the existing regulations if they want to use this high-voltage equipment. The proposed rule would eliminate the need for a modification to use this equipment and would establish safety requirements for the design, construction, installation, use, and maintenance of high-voltage longwall equipment and associated cables.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 18 30 CFR 75
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 30 USC 957

Legal Deadline: None

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	08/27/1992	57 FR 39036
Extension of Comment Period to 11/13/1992	10/23/1992	57 FR 48350
Reopen Record	10/18/1995	60 FR 53891
Extension of Comment Period	11/14/1995	60 FR 57203
Comment Period End	12/18/1995	60 FR 57203
Reopen Record	12/28/1999	64 FR 72620
Comment Period End	02/28/2000
Final Rule	09/00/2002

Additional Information: The first high-voltage longwall system started operating in 1985. Since that time we have issued approximately 130 system design approvals for high-voltage longwall equipment. Over the last 16 years, no electrical-type fatalities or serious injuries occurred to miners because of high-voltage equipment used in accordance with over 100 granted high-voltage petitions for modification (petitions). Because of this new improved high-voltage technology, the designed safety benefits and the observed use experience, MSHA is revising its existing 30 CFR part 18 electric motor-driven mine equipment and accessories approval requirements by adding specific design requirements for high-voltage longwall equipment in underground mines.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: Marvin W. Nichols Jr. Director, Office of Standards Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov