Electric Motor-Driven Mine Equipment and Accessories and High-Voltage Longwall Equipment Standards for Underground Coal Mines

This final rule establishes MSHA's new mandatory electrical safety standards for the installation, use, and maintenance of high- voltage longwall mining systems used in underground coal mines. The final rule also includes design approval requirements for high-voltage equipment operated in longwall face areas of underground mines. These provisions allow the use of high-voltage longwall face equipment with enhanced safety protection from fire, explosion, and shock hazards. In addition to providing a safer mining environment and facilitating the use of advanced equipment designs, the final rule reduces paperwork requirements by eliminating the need for petitions for modification (variances).