mine-safety · Mine Safety and Health Administration · Published 2007-05-22 · Effective 2007-05-22 · 72 FR 28796
Document
Document number
07-2535
Federal Register citation
72 FR 28796
CFR reference
30 CFR 75
Type
Rule
Action
Emergency temporary standard; Notice of public hearings; Notice of close of comment period.
Category
mine-safety
Sub-agency
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Publication date
2007-05-22
Effective date
2007-05-22
Abstract
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is issuing an emergency temporary standard (ETS) under section 101(b) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 in response to the grave danger that miners face when underground seals separating abandoned areas from active workings fail. MSHA has concluded from its investigations of mine explosions that occurred and other recent reports, that additional immediate action is necessary to protect miners. This ETS includes requirements to strengthen the design, the construction, the maintenance, and the repair of seals, as well as requirements for sampling and controlling atmospheres behind seals. It also increases the level of overpressure for new seals, thus implementing the requirements of the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response (MINER) Act of 2006.