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DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AA76

Publication ID: Fall 1996

Title: Belt Entry Use as Intake Aircourses to Ventilate Working Sections
Abstract: Since 1970, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations have generally prohibited belt haulage entries from being used to ventilate active working places. The intention of this prohibition is to prevent smoke from a belt conveyor fire from being coursed to miners in their workplace. Improved technology, including sophisticated atmospheric monitoring systems, has since made it possible to safely use "belt air" to ventilate active working places. This rulemaking would permit the use of belt air, provided that certain safety requirements are met. In many cases, the use of belt air may result in more efficient and effective ventilation systems, enhancing the health and safety of miners. Additionally, because this regulation will eliminate the need for mine operators to seek regulatory variances from MSHA, costs and burdens on both industry and MSHA will be reduced.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Other Significant
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 75
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	06/00/1997

Additional Information: A public hearing was held in April 1990.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: Businesses
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Room 631, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov