View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings

Printer-Friendly Version Download RIN Data in XML

DOL/MSHA

RIN: 1219-AB19

Publication ID: Spring 1999

Title: ●Underground Coal Mining; Self-Contained Self-Rescuer Service Life Approval and Training
Abstract: Self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) are closed circuit breathing apparatuses that provide a source of oxygen and greatly increase a miner's chance of surviving a mine emergency involving an irrespirable atmosphere. Recent experience involving SCSRs stored or used in underground coal mines has revealed instances where SCSRs have not functioned properly and other instances where the devices have not been donned properly, rendering them ineffective. The Agency intends to publish a proposed rule to address the appropriate service life of SCSRs and the adequacy of training. During a recent emergency evacuation of a coal mine, the use of SCSRs was supplemented by personal emergency devices (PEDs). PEDs are communication devices that inform individual miners underground of an emergency situation. The use of PEDs during this mine emergency enabled all of the miners underground (approximately 70) to escape safely, even when one SCSR could not be used. The Agency intends to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to explore the viability of implementing a PED type device in underground mines for use in mine emergencies. In addition, MSHA would address in the ANPRM other issues relating to the effective design, implementation and use of SCSRs in underground mines, whether metal and nonmetal or coal mines.
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)	Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Prerule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 42 CFR 84 30 CFR 48.8
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 30 USC 957

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
ANPRM	08/00/1999

Additional Information: This rulemaking includes the metal and nonmetal rulemaking RIN 1219-AB06 (Self-Contained Self-Rescue Devices in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mines). This new rulemaking addresses SCSRs at both coal and metal and nonmetal mines.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined	Government Levels Affected: Undetermined
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