Improving and Eliminating Regulations, Phase 5, Miscellaneous Technology Improvements (Methane Testing)

This final rule provides an alternative method of compliance with the requirement for qualified persons to make periodic methane tests at face areas from under permanent roof support, using extendable probes or other acceptable means. The rule applies only during roof bolting activities in room and pillar mining operations which use continuous mining machines. It allows methane tests to be made by sweeping a probe inby the last roof support, provided that a number of requirements for roof support, ventilation, and continuous methane monitoring at the roof bolting machine are met to protect the miners. The rule results in increased mining efficiency and provides an equivalent level of safety to miners.