# Presentation: 194297

## QUALITY ASSURANCE

**&**
**MATERIALS TESTING DIVISION **
**(QA&MTD)**

**Notes:**
Hi,
I’m Mark Schwartz and I’m the technician in the Quality Assurance and Materials Testing Division.

I’m going to provide you with the information that you will need to submit a complete application for the material programs I’ll be discussing.

Hopefully, this information will be of assistance to you in submitting your applications, which in turn will help us expedite your application, with minimal costs.

## QA&MTD

**CHEMIST**

**PHYSICAL SCIENTISTS**

**INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERS**

**MINING EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE SPECIALISTS**

**Ken Sproul – Division Chief**

**TECHNICIAN**

**TEAM LEADER**

**Notes:**
Here is the overall technical employee structure of the Quality Assurance & Materials Testing Division.

## QA&MTD

**MISSION**

**Maintain Integrity of MSHA Approval**

**QA - ensures mine equipment manufacturers**
**continue to make the equipment as it was approved**

**Approval/Acceptance/Suitability  of Mining Materials**

**MTD- evaluates mining materials to the applicable **
**requirements of 30 CFR and voluntary standards**

**Notes:**
This is the mission for the QA&MTD.  However, since the subject today is Approvals, I’m going to focus only on the MTD responsibilities.

I know the majority of you here will never submit for one of these approvals & acceptances that I’ll be discussing.  But most of your products incorporate some of these materials, therefore, you may be interested on how they get approved and accepted.

## QA&MTD

**PROGRAMS**

**Product Audits**

**Technical Assistance**

**Approvals***

**Field Complaints**

**Permissibility Training**

**Accident Investigations**

**Notes:**
Product audits Part 7 and Field audits

## QA&MTD

**Approval/Acceptance/Suitability of Mining Materials**

**QA&MTD evaluates mining materials to the applicable **
**requirements of 30 CFR and voluntary standards,**
** ****typically for ****flame resistance**

**Notes:**
All of the procedures and regulations that I’ll be referencing can be found on the MSHA website as Dave explained before.

The material approvals & acceptances typically deal with flame resistance, however, some materials such as hydraulic fluids and non-traditional stopping's have other characteristics that we evaluate also. 

All of our procedures encourage the applicant to contact us before they submit their application if there is something  they don’t understand or want to discuss.   

Please pay attention as some of this information will be on the test.  I kidd!!

## QA&MTD

**APPLICANT**

- An individual or organization that manufactures
- or *controls the assembly* of a product and that applies to
- MSHA for approval of that product.
*Controls the assembly* –
- design specifications must be specific to the applicant
- applicant must provide oversight of the manufacturing process

**Notes:**
When I first receive an application I have to first determine if the submitter is a proper applicant.

Here is our definition of an applicant:

## QA&MTD

**FLAME RESISTANT- MATERIAL APPROVAL PROGRAMS**

** ****The A&CC Conducts Product Audit Flame Tests**

**Flame Tests are Conducted at Applicants’ or 3rd Party Lab**

**Cables:  Power,  Signal,  Fiber Optic,  Co-Axial & Splice Kits**

**Brattice Cloth & Vent Tubing**

**PART 7 APPROVALS**

**Notes:**
For Part 7 cables:
We require the smallest size, electrically and physically, to be tested and a representative larger size.  However, we suggest that a #1 AWG or a 1/0 AWG be that largest tested.  Most test labs can’t handle anything larger and the flame test results are usually not significant on those larger sizes. 
Explain “P”
 We do not approve, certify or endorse labs.  However, we list them in the application procedures as a convenience to the applicant. 
Our policy for witnessing cables: 
We will witness the first test of an applicant for power cables.
We may waive witnessing for the applicants first test if is for signal cable but a video will be required.
We will witness all tests at specific labs, if we feel that they have problems conducting the flame tests appropriately. This will continue until our confidence level is at a point where we fell comfortable.
We have the right to witness any tests.  
We will request products for Part 7 product audit and conduct flame tests at the center.
If a failure occurs, the applicant will be given an opportunity to respond before MSHA takes action.

## Submit:

- Application Form
- Certified Statements
- Testing Schedule
- Cross Sectional Drawing

**Notes:**
These forms are all contained in the application procedure.

Discuss Certified Statements.

Make sure to provide the jacket and insulation supplier and the part number used to order the materials.

## PAR No. ______________, Company Code No._____________

We [insert name] certify that the cable meets the design portion of the technical requirements as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.

We [insert name] certify that we will perform the Quality Assurance requirements of 30CFR, Subpart A, Section 7.7.
______________________________________
Signature of Authorized Company Representative

Further;
After completion of the required cable testing, the applicant must certify that the cable meets the performance portion of the Technical Requirements as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.  However, if an MSHA representative witnesses the testing, this statement is not necessary. 
We __________[insert name]________ certify that the cable meets the performance requirements of Subpart K, [choose one]: Section 7.407 (power cable) or Section 7.408 (signal/fiber optic/co-axial) as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.
___________________________________________
Signature of Authorized Company Representative 

- We _[insert name_] certify that the cable meets the design portion of the technical requirements as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.
- We [_insert name_] certify that we will perform the Quality Assurance requirements of 30CFR, Subpart A, Section 7.7.
- ______________________________________
- Signature of Authorized Company Representative
- Further;
- After completion of the required cable testing, the ***applicant*** must certify that the cable meets the performance portion of the Technical Requirements as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.  However, if an MSHA representative witnesses the testing, this statement is not necessary.
- We __________[_insert name]_________ certify that the cable meets the performance requirements of Subpart K, [*choose one*]: _Section 7.407_ (power cable) or _Section 7.408_ (signal/fiber optic/co-axial) as specified in 30CFR, Subpart 7K, Section 7.404.
- ___________________________________________
- Signature of Authorized Company Representative

## Slide 10

## QA&MTD

**FLAME RESISTANT - MATERIAL APPROVAL PROGRAMS**

**30CFR Part 18 Acceptances **

**Conveyor Belt**

**Conduit Hose**

**Fire Suppression Hose Jacket**

**Fire Hose Liner**

**Battery Box Insulation**

**Cable Reel Insulation**

**Non-Asbestos Packing Material**

**Life Lines**

**Notes:**
Conveyor belts, non-asbestos packing material and lifelines have their own application procedure.
Sample sizes:
Conveyor belt – min ply & max ply with thinnest covers & heaviest fabric weight
Conduit hose – a complete 3 foot sample and 4,  1⁄2” x 6” samples
Fire hose liner/Fire Suppression hose jacket – min & max thicknesses – 1⁄2” x 6” long
Cable reel insulation – thinnest cross-section & representative thickest up to 1⁄2”
Battery Box insulation – material coated on 1⁄4” thick steel plate 1⁄2” x 6” long.

## Slide 12

## QA&MTD

**VOLUNTARY - FLAME RESISTANT ACCEPTANCES **

**Flame Resistant Solid Products Taken Into Mines **

**Hydraulic/Air/Water  Hose  Jacket**

**Belt Wipers/Skirt/Impact Bars**

**Roof/Rib Grid Material**

**Hydraulic Hose Protective Sleeve**

**Notes:**
This is a voluntary application procedure, meaning that the products evaluated under this procedure are not required by regulation to be flame resistant.
It is offered as an additional support to the industry where there was interest in providing additional flame resistant products.

## Submit:

- Application Form
- Toxicity Statement
- Test Samples
- QA Plan

**Notes:**
If you provide the following information, your application can be expedited.
Formulation:  Must be provided in chemical terms, with % by weight of each ingredient along with its tolerance.  
Signed Toxicity statement.
QA information.

a. Procurement procedures for the components or ingredients of the product, 
b. Manufacturing practices to maintain the formulation, 
c. Procedures for record keeping, such as test results, etc. 
d. Critical Characteristics that will be flame tested or inspected to ensure that the finished product meets the flame resistance test requirements. 

## 
a. Procurement procedures for the components or ingredients of the product, 

b. Manufacturing practices to maintain the formulation, 

c. Procedures for record keeping, such as test results, etc. 

d. Critical Characteristics that will be flame tested or inspected to ensure that the finished product meets the flame resistance test requirements. 

- a. Procurement procedures for the components or ingredients of the product,
- b. Manufacturing practices to maintain the formulation,
- c. Procedures for record keeping, such as test results, etc.
- d. Critical Characteristics that will be flame tested or inspected to ensure that the finished product meets the flame resistance test requirements.

## Acceptance Formats 

**Acceptance Formats**** **
**Typically 30CFR Part 18 Acceptance will have this format:**** **
**18-CBXXYYYYY/0 -  for conveyor belt (2G)**
**18-FHXXYYYYY/0  - for fire hose liner (2G)**
**18-FSXXYYYYY/0  - for fire suppression hose cover (2G)**
**18-HCXXYYYYY/0 – for hose conduit (2G)**
**Voluntary Acceptances will have this format:**
**IC-xxx/00**
**However, when there is a dual use product such as **
**fire suppression hose cover &**
** ****hydraulic hose cover, the acceptance number may look like this:**
** ****“****2G-IC-xxxC/0”**

## QA&MTD

**VOLUNTARY  EVALUATIONS **
**“****SUITABILITY” **

** ****Ventilation Products – 30CFR Part 75.333**

**Sealants – Strength Enhancing & Non-Strength Enhancing**

- Non-strength Enhancing
- ASTM E-162 – (Flame spread index of less than 25)

- Strength Enhancing
- ASTM E-162 & ASTM E-72 (39 PSF min. average.)

**Notes:**
These materials have test requirements rooted in 30CFR but are not required to be listed under any approval or acceptance.  To expedite and simply the use of these products we have created a program under which we evaluate the products and issue a “Suitability” number.  This is done as a convenience to the industry and to help our inspectors.  

30CFR Part 75.333 defines traditional as steel, concrete etc. therefore, this program is for other materials.
Suitability is not an approval or certification or acceptance, just a letter stating that the subject design or product meets the 30CFR Part 75.333 requirements.
Tested at an independent lab.  ASTM E-72 and ASTM E-162 for strength enhancing sealants, just ASTM E162 for non-strength enhancing sealants.
For stoppings: ASTM E 119 and ASTM E 72.
We typically witness the ASTM E 72 test.
20 gauge min.

## Submit:

- Application Form
- Toxicity Statement
- Sample
- QA Plan
- Testing Schedules

## QA&MTD

**“****SUITABILITY” **

**Non - Traditional Stoppings **

- 30CFR Part 75.333 defines traditional as steel, concrete etc.

- Non-combustibility Test
- ASTM E-119 – (no flames or holes larger than 2 sq. in.)

- Strength Test
- ASTM E-72 – (39 PSF min. average.)

** ****Ventilation Products – 30CFR Part 75.333**

**QA&MTD**

## Submit:

- Application Form
- Toxicity Statement
- QA Plan
- Testing Schedules

## QA&MTD

**VOLUNTARY SUBMITTALS**

**Issuance of an “ID” Number for Formulations**

-    Applicants are required to list the ingredients
-       of their products by chemical terms
-       in their application
-  Provide MSDS Sheets

- Chemical suppliers do not want to divulge their proprietary formulations to the applicant.

**Notes:**
Applicants are required to list the ingredients of their products by chemical terms in their application. However, many times the chemical suppliers do not want to divulge their proprietary formulations to the applicant.  
But the applicant is required to provide that information to MSHA as part of their application procedure.
So we offer a solution.  The chemical supplier generally feels comfortable providing MSHA the information.  So they send us the formulation, and then we assign an “ID” number to that specific formulation.
The chemical supplier can then provide that “ID” to their customer, who lists that “ID” on their application. There is no charge to the chemical supplier for the issuance of the “ID” number.

## QA&MTD

**FIRE RESISTANT HYDRAULIC FLUIDS**

**30 CFR Part 35**

**Synthetics **

**Invert Emulsions **

**Water Glycols **

**High Waters - concentrates **

**Spray Flammability**

**Auto Ignition Spray**

**Basic Tests**

**Wick Evaporation **

**Notes:**
Tests: PH, 
Quantity needed: 10 gallons except for High waters (2 quarts)
All ingredients specified by chemical name.
The function of each ingredient needs specified.
Label will list mixing & handling instructions.

## QA&MTD

**CONTACT INFORMATION**