Title 30—Mineral Resources--Volume 1
PART 75—MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS—UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
§ 75.1106-2   Transportation of liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders; requirements.
(a) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders transported into or through an underground coal mine shall be:
(1) Placed securely in devices designed to hold the cylinder in place during transit on self-propelled equipment or belt conveyors;
(2) Disconnected from all hoses and gages;
(3) Equipped with a metal cap or “headband” (fence-type metal protector around the valve stem) to protect the cylinder valve during transit; and,
(4) Clearly labeled “empty” or “MT” when the gas in the cylinder has been expended.
(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, when liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders are transported by a trolley wire haulage system into or through an underground coal mine, such cylinders shall be placed in well insulated and substantially constructed containers which are specifically designed for holding such cylinders.
(c) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders shall not be transported on mantrips.
§ 75.1106-3   Storage of liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders; requirements.
(a) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders stored in an underground coal mine shall be:
(1) Clearly marked and identified as to their contents in accordance with Department of Transportation regulations.
(2) Placed securely in storage areas designated by the operator for such purpose, and where the height of the coalbed permits, in an upright position, preferably in specially designated racks, or otherwise secured against being accidently tipped over.
(3) Protected against damage from falling material, contact with power lines and energized electrical equipment, heat from welding, cutting or soldering, and exposure to flammable liquids.
(b) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders shall not be stored or left unattended in any area inby the last open crosscut of an underground coal mine.
(c) When not in use, the valves of all liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders shall be in the closed position, and all hoses shall be removed from the cylinder.
§ 75.1106-4   Use of liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders; general requirements.
(a) Persons assigned by the operator to use and work with liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas shall be trained and designated by the operator as qualified to perform the work to which they are assigned, and such qualified persons shall be specifically instructed with respect to the dangers inherent in the use of such gases in an underground coal mine.
(b) Persons who perform welding, cutting, or burning operations shall wear clothing free from excessive oil or grease.
(c) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas shall be used only in well-ventilated areas.
(d) Not more than one liquefied or nonliquefied compressed gas unit, consisting of one oxygen cylinder and one additional gas cylinder, shall be used to repair any unit of equipment which is inby the loading point of any section.
(e) Where liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas is used regularly in underground shops or other underground structures, such shops or structures shall be on a separate split of air.
(f) Where liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas is used in any area in which oil, grease, or coal dust is present, oil and grease deposits shall, where practicable, be removed and the entire area within 10 feet of the worksite covered with a heavy coating of rock dust.
(g) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders shall be located no less than 10 feet from the worksite, and where the height of the coal seam permits, they shall be placed in an upright position and chained or otherwise secured against falling.
(h) Liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas shall not be used under direct pressure from the cylinder and, where such gases are used under reduced pressure, the pressure level shall not exceed that recommended by the manufacturer.
(i) “Manifolding cylinders” shall only be performed in well-ventilated shops where the necessary equipment is properly installed and operated in accordance with specifications for safety prescribed by the manufacturer.
§ 75.1106-5   Maintenance and tests of liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders; accessories and equipment; requirements.
(a) Hose lines, gages, and other cylinder accessories shall be maintained in a safe operating condition.
(b) Defective cylinders, cylinder accessories, torches, and other welding, cutting, and burning equipment shall be labeled “defective” and taken out of service.
(c) Each qualified person assigned to perform welding, cutting, or burning with liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas shall be equipped with a wrench specifically designed for use with liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders and a suitable torchtip cleaner to maintain torches in a safe operating condition.
(d) Tests for leaks on the hose valves or gages of liquefied and nonliquefied compressed gas cylinders shall only be made with a soft brush and soapy water or soap suds, or other device approved by the Secretary.
§ 75.1106-6   Exemption of small low pressure gas cylinders containing nonflammable or nonexplosive gas mixtures.
Small low pressure gas cylinders containing nonflammable or nonexplosive gas mixtures, which provide for the emission of such gas under a pressure reduced from a pressure which does not exceed 250 p.s.i.g., and which is manufactured and sold in conformance with U.S. Department of Transportation Special Permit No. 6029 as a calibration test kit for methane monitoring systems, shall be exempt from the requirements of §§ 75.1106-2(c) and 75.1106-4(d), (f) and (g).
§ 75.1107   Fire suppression devices.
On and after March 30, 1971, fire-suppression devices meeting specifications prescribed by the Secretary shall be installed on unattended underground equipment and suitable fire-resistant hydraulic fluids approved by the Secretary shall be used in the hydraulic systems of such equipment. Such fluids shall be used in the hydraulic systems of other underground equipment unless fire suppression devices meeting specifications prescribed by the Secretary are installed on such equipment.
§ 75.1107-1   Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and fire suppression devices on underground equipment.
(a)(1) Unattended electrically powered equipment used underground which uses hydraulic fluid shall use approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluid.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (a) (3) of this section, within 24 production shift hours after being installed, unattended electrically powered equipment used underground shall be equipped with a fire suppression device which meets the applicable requirements of §§ 75.1107-3 through 75.1107-16.
(3) Unattended enclosed motors, controls, transformers, rectifiers, and other similar noncombustible electrically powered equipment containing no flammable fluid may be protected:
(i) By an approved fire suppression device, or
(ii) Be located at least 2 feet from coal or other combustible materials, or
(iii) Be separated from the coal or combustible materials by a 4-inch-thick masonry firewall or equivalent; and be mounted on a minimum 4-inch-thick noncombustible surface, platform, or equivalent. The electrical cables at such equipment shall conform with the requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G) or be in metal conduit.
(b) Attended electrically powered equipment used underground which uses hydraulic fluid shall use approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluid unless such equipment is protected by a fire suppression device which meets the applicable requirements of §§ 75.1107-3—75.1107-16.
(c) For purpose of §§ 75.1107—75.1107-16 the following underground equipment shall be considered attended equipment:
(1) Any machine or device regularly operated by a miner assigned to operate such machine or device;
(2) Any machine or device which is mounted in the direct line of sight of a jobsite which is located within 500 feet of such machine or device and which jobsite is regularly occupied by a miner assigned to perform job duties at such jobsite during each production shift.
(d) Machines and devices described under paragraph (c) of this section must be inspected for fire and the input powerline deenergized when workmen leave the area for more than 30 minutes.
§ 75.1107-2   Approved fire-resistant hydraulic fluids; minimum requirements.
Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids and concentrates required to be employed in the hydraulic system of underground equipment in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall be considered suitable only if they have been produced under an approval, or any modification thereof, issued pursuant to Part 35 Subchapter I of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 30), or any revision thereof.
§ 75.1107-3   Fire suppression devices; approved components; installation requirements.
(a) The components of each fire suppression device required to be installed in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall be approved by the Secretary, or where appropriate be listed as approved by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.
(b) Where used, pressure vessels shall conform with the requirements of sections 3603, 3606, 3607, 3707, and 3708 of National Fire Code No. 22 “Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection” (NFPA No. 22-1971).
(c) The cover of hose of fire suppression devices, if used on the protected equipment and installed after the effective date of this section, shall meet the flame-resistant requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G).
(d) Fire suppression devices required to be installed in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1107-1 shall where appropriate be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
§ 75.1107-4   Automatic fire sensors and manual actuators; installation; minimum requirements.
(a)(1) Where fire suppression devices are installed on unattended underground equipment, one or more point-type sensors or equivalent shall be installed for each 50 square feet of top surface area, or fraction thereof, of such equipment, and each sensor shall be designed to activate the first suppression system and disconnect the electrical power source to the equipment protected, and, except where sprinklers are used, there shall be in addition, a manual actuator installed to operate the system. Where sprinklers are used, provision shall be made for manual application of water to the protected equipment in lieu of a manual actuator.
(2) Two or more manual actuators, where practicable, shall be installed, as provided in paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section, to activate fire suppression devices on attended equipment purchased on or after the effective date of this § 75.1107-4. At least one manual actuator shall be used on equipment purchased prior to the effective date of this § 75.1107-4.
(i) Manual actuators installed on attended equipment regularly operated by a miner, as provided in § 75.1107-1(c)(1) shall be located at different locations on the equipment, and at least one manual actuator shall be located within easy reach of the operator's normal operating position.
(ii) Manual actuators to activate fire suppression devices on attended equipment not regularly operated by a miner, as provided in § 75.1107-1(c)(2), shall be installed at different location, and at least one manual actuator shall be installed so as to be easily reached by the miner at the jobsite or by persons approaching the equipment.
(b) Sensors shall, where practicable, be installed in accordance with the recommendations set forth in National Fire Code No. 72A “Local Protective Signaling Systems” (NFPA No. 72A-1967).
(c) On unattended equipment the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the power to the main motor (or equivalent) so it will remain operative if the circuit breakers (or other protective device) actuates. On attended equipment powered through a trailing cable the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the electrical power provided by the cable.
(d) Point-type sensors (such as thermocouple, bimetallic strip, or rate of temperature rise) located in ventilated passageways shall be installed downwind from the equipment to be protected.
(e) Sensor systems shall include a device or method for determining their operative condition.
§ 75.1107-5   Electrical components of fire suppression devices; permissibility requirements.
The electrical components of each fire suppression device used on permissible equipment inby the last open crosscut or on equipment in the return airways of any coal mine shall be permissible or intrinsically safe and such components shall be maintained in permissible or intrinsically safe condition.
§ 75.1107-6   Capacity of fire suppression devices; location and direction of nozzles.
(a) Each fire suppression device shall be:
(1) Adequate in size and capacity to extinguish potential fires in or on the equipment protected; and
(2) Suitable for the atmospheric conditions surrounding the equipment protected (e.g., air velocity, type, and proximity of adjacent combustible material); and
(3) Rugged enough to withstand rough usage and vibration when installed on mining equipment.
(b) The extinguishant-discharge nozzles of each fire suppression device shall, where practicable, be located so as to take advantage of mine ventilation air currents. The fire suppression device may be of the internal injection, inundating, or combination type. Where fire control is achieved by internal injection, or combination of internal injection and inundation, hazardous locations shall be enclosed to minimize runoff and overshoot of the extinguishing agent and the extinguishing agent shall be directed onto:
(1) Cable reel compartments and electrical cables on the equipment which are subject to flexing or to external damage; and
(2) All hydraulic components on the equipment which are exposed directly to or located in the immediate vicinity of electrical cables which are subject to flexing or to damage.
§ 75.1107-7   Water spray devices; capacity; water supply; minimum requirements.
(a) Where water spray devices are used on unattended underground equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.25 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.
(b) Where water spray devices are used for inundating attended underground equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.18 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads), and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.
(c) Where water is used for internal injection on attended equipment the total quantity of water shall be at least 4.5 gallons times the number of hazardous locations; however, the total minimum amount of water shall not be less than the following:
(d) Where water is used in a combination internal injection and inundation system on attended equipment the rate of flow shall be at least 0.12 gallon per minute per square foot over the top surface area of the equipment (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads), and the supply of water shall be adequate to provide the required flow of water for 10 minutes.
(e) On equipment provided with a cable reel and an internal injection or combination-type system, the amount of water discharged into the cable reel compartments shall be approximately 25 percent of the amount required to be discharged by the system, however, such quantity need not exceed 10 gallons.
(f) Liquid chemicals may be used, as approved by the Secretary in self-contained fire suppression devices. Such liquid chemicals shall be nontoxic and when applied to a fire shall not produce excessive toxic compounds. The quantity of liquid chemicals required shall be proportionately less than water as based on equivalency ratings established by the Secretary or equivalency ratings made by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.
§ 75.1107-8   Fire suppression devices; extinguishant supply systems.
(a) Fire suppression systems using water or liquid chemical to protect attended equipment shall:
(1) Be maintained at a pressure consistent with the pipe, fittings, valves, and nozzles used in the system.
(2) Be located so as to be protected against damage during operation of the equipment protected.
(3) Employ liquid which is free from excessive sediment and noncorrosive to the system.
(4) Include strainers equipped with flush-out connections or equivalent protective devices and a rising stem or other visual indicator-type shutoff valve.
(b) Water supplies for fire suppression devices installed on underground equipment may be maintained in mounted water tanks or by connection to water mains. Such water supplies shall be continuously connected to the fire suppression device whenever the equipment is connected to a power source, except for a reasonable time for changing hose connections to hydrants while the machine is stopped in a ventilated passageway.
§ 75.1107-9   Dry chemical devices; capacity; minimum requirements.
(a) Dry chemical fire extinguishing systems used on underground equipment shall be of the multipurpose powder-type and shall include the following:
(1) The system including all hose and nozzles shall be protected against the entrance of moisture, dust, or dirt;
(2) The system shall be guarded against damage during operation of the equipment protected;
(3) Hose and pipe shall be as short as possible; the distance between the chemical container and furthest nozzle shall not exceed 50 feet;
(4) Hose, piping, and fittings between the actuator and the chemical container shall have a bursting pressure of 500 pounds per square inch (gage) or higher; the hose, piping, and fittings between the chemical container and the nozzles shall have a bursting pressure of 300 pounds per square inch (gage) or higher and
(5) The system shall discharge in 1 minute or less, for quantities less than 50 pounds (nominal) 1 and in less than 2 minutes for quantities more than 50 pounds;
1 Many dry chemical systems were originally designed for sodium bicarbonate before all-purpose chemical (ammonium phosphate) was shown to be more effective. Sodium bicarbonate is denser than ammonium phosphate; hence, for example, a 50-pound system designed for the sodium bicarbonate will hold slightly more by weight than all-purpose dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) by weight. The word “nominal” is used in § 75.1107-9 to express the approximate weight in pounds of all-purpose dry chemical.
(b) On unattended underground equipment, the number of pounds of dry chemical employed by the system shall be not less than 1 pound per square foot of top surface area of the equipment; however, the minimum amount in any system shall be 20 pounds (nominal). The discharge shall be directed into and on potentially hazardous locations of the equipment.
(c) On attended underground equipment, the number of pounds (nominal) employed by the system shall equal 5 times the total number of hazardous locations; however, the minimum amount in any system shall not be less than the following, except that systems on haulage vehicles installed prior to the effective date of this section may contain 20 pounds (nominal).
(d) The amount of dry chemical discharged into the cable reel compartments of attended underground equipment shall be approximately 25 percent of the total amount required to be discharged by the system; however, the quantity discharged into cable reel compartments need not exceed 10 pounds.
§ 75.1107-10   High expansion foam devices; minimum capacity.
(a) On unattended underground equipment the amount of water delivered as high expansion foam for a period of approximately 20 minutes shall be not less than 0.06 gallon per minute per square foot of surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate for any system shall be not less than 3 gallons per minute.
(b) On attended underground equipment, foam may be delivered by internal injection, inundation, or combination-type systems. Each system shall deliver water as foam for a minimum of 10 minutes. For internal injection, the rate of water application as high expansion foam shall be not less than 0.5 gallon per minute per hazardous location; however, the minimum total rate shall be not less than 2 gallons per minute. For inundation, the rate of water application as high expansion foam shall be not less than 0.05 gallon per minute per square foot of top surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate shall be not less than 5 gallons of water per minute.
(c) In combined internal injection and inundation systems the rate of water applied as foam shall not be less than 0.035 gallon per minute per square foot of top surface area of the equipment protected; however, the minimum total rate shall not be less than 3.5 gallons of water per minute.
(d) Where internal injection is employed, the amount of water discharged as high expansion foam into the cable reel compartments of underground equipment regularly operated by a miner shall be approximately 25 percent of the total amount required to be discharged by the system; however, the quantity of water discharged as foam into the cable reel compartment need not exceed 1.5 gallons.
§ 75.1107-11   Extinguishing agents; requirements on mining equipment employed in low coal.
On mining equipment no more than 32 inches high, the quantity of extinguishing agent required under the provisions of §§ 75.1107-7, 75.1107-9, and 75.1107-10 may be reduced by one-fourth if space limitations on the equipment require such reduction.
§ 75.1107-12   Inerting of mine atmosphere prohibited.
No fire suppression device designed to control fire by total flooding shall be installed to protect unattended underground equipment except in enclosed dead-end entries or enclosed rooms.
§ 75.1107-13   Approval of other fire suppression devices.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 75.1107-1 through 75.1107-12 the District Manager for the District in which the mine is located may approve any other fire suppression system or device which provides substantially equivalent protection as would be achieved through compliance with those sections: Provided, That no such system or device shall be approved which does not meet the following minimum criteria:
(a) Components shall be approved by the Secretary, or where appropriate be listed as approved by a nationally recognized agency approved by the Secretary.
(b) The fire suppression equipment shall be designed to withstand the rigors of the mine environment. Where used, pressure vessels shall conform with the requirements of section 3603, 3606, 3607, 3707, and 3708 of National Fire Code No. 22 “Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection” (NFPA No. 22-1971).
(c) The cover of hose of fire suppression devices, if used on the protected equipment, shall meet the flame-resistant requirements of Part 18 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 2G).
(d) Extinguishing agents shall not create a serious toxic or other hazard to the miners.
(e) The electrical components of the fire suppression device shall meet the requirements for electrical components of the mining machine.
(f) Where used, manual actuators for initiating the operation of the fire suppression device shall be readily accessible to the machine operator. On unattended equipment, an automatic as well as a manual actuator shall be provided.
(g) On unattended equipment the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the power to the main motor (or equivalent) so it will remain operative if the circuit breakers (or other protective device) actuates. On attended equipment powered through a trailing cable the fire suppression device shall operate independently of the electrical power provided by the cable.
(h) On unattended equipment, the sensor system shall have a means for checking its operative condition.
(i) The fire suppression agent shall be directed at locations where the greatest potential fire hazard exists. Cable reel compartments shall receive approximately twice the quantity of extinguishing agent as each other hazardous location.
(j) The rate of application of the fire suppression agent shall minimize the time for quenching and the total quantity applied shall be sufficient to quench a fire in its incipient stage.
(k) The effectiveness of the quenching agent, together with the total quantity of agent and its rate of application shall provide equivalent protection to the water, dry powder, or foam systems described in §§ 75.1107-7, 75.1107-9, and 75.1107-10.
(l) The fire suppression device shall be operable at all times electrical power is connected to the mining machine, except during tramming when the machine is in a ventilated passageway, the water hose if used, may be switched from one hydrant to another in a reasonable time and except in systems meeting the minimum special criteria set forth in paragraph (m) of this section.
(m) Systems for attended equipment which are not continuously connected to a water supply shall not be approved unless they meet the following minimum criteria:
(1) The machine shall be equipped with a firehose at least 50 feet in length which is continuously connected to the machine-mounted portion of the system.
(2) Hydrants in proximity to the area where the machine is to be used shall be equipped with sufficient hose to reach the machine at any time it is connected to a power source.
(3) The machine shall be used only where the operator (or other person) will always be in ventilated air uncontaminated by smoke and hot gases from the machine fire while extending the machine-mounted hose to connect with the hydrant-mounted hose.
(4) The machine and hydrant hoses shall be readily accessible so that the connection between the machine-mounted hose and the hydrant hose can be made and water flow achieved in not more than 3 minutes under actual mining conditions for any location of the machine while electric power is connected.
(5) The rate of water flow at the machine shall provide a minimum of 0.12 gallon of water per minute per square foot of top surface area (excluding conveyors, cutters, and gathering heads). The water shall discharge to all hazardous locations on the machine.
(6) Hose, if used on the machine, in addition to meeting the flame resistant requirements for the cover of a hose provided in §§ 75.1107-3(b) and 75.1107-13(c) shall have a minimum burst pressure 4 times that of the static water pressure at the mining machine. Fabric braid hose shall have at least two braids, and wire braid hose shall have at least a single braid.
(7) In addition to the hose located at the hydrant (which is intended to be connected to the hose on the machine) the firefighting equipment required by § 75.1100-2(a) shall be maintained.
(8) A sufficient number of trained miners shall be kept on the section when the machine is in use to connect the machine hose to the hydrant hose and achieve water flow in not more than 3 minutes.
§ 75.1107-14   Guards and handrails; requirements where fire suppression devices are employed.
All unattended underground equipment provided with fire suppression devices which are mounted in dead end entries, enclosed rooms or other potentially hazardous locations shall be equipped with adequate guards at moving or rotating components. Handrails or other effective protective devices shall be installed at such locations where necessary to facilitate rapid egress from the area surrounding such equipment.
§ 75.1107-15   Fire suppression devices; hazards; training of miners.
Each operator shall instruct all miners normally assigned to the active workings of the mine with respect to any hazards inherent in the operation of all fire suppression devices installed in accordance with § 75.1107-1 and, where appropriate, the safeguards available at each such installation.
§ 75.1107-16   Inspection of fire suppression devices.
(a) All fire suppression devices shall be visually inspected at least once each week by a person qualified to make such inspections.
(b) Each fire suppression device shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the requirements specified in the appropriate National Fire Code listed as follows for the type and kind of device used:
(c) A record of the inspections required by this section shall be maintained by the operator. The record of the weekly inspections may be maintained at an appropriate location by each fire suppression device.
§ 75.1107-17   Incorporation by reference; availability of publications.
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a), the technical publications to which reference is made in §§ 75.1107-1 through 75.1107-16, and which have been prepared by organizations other than the Bureau of Mines or the Mine Safety and Health Administration, are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. The incorporated publications are available for examination at each MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health district office. National Fire Codes are available from the National Fire Protection Association, 11 Tracy Drive, Avon, MA 02322; Telephone: 800-344-3555 (toll free); http://www.nfpa.org.
§ 75.1108   Approved conveyor belts.
(a) Until December 31, 2009 conveyor belts placed in service in underground coal mines shall be:
(1) Approved under Part 14; or
(2) Accepted under Part 18.
(b) Effective December 31, 2009 conveyor belts placed in service in underground coal mines shall be approved under Part 14. If MSHA determines that Part 14 approved belt is not available, the Agency will consider an extension of the effective date.
(c) Effective December 31, 2018 all conveyor belts used in underground coal mines shall be approved under Part 14.
§ 75.1200   Mine map.
The operator of a coal mine shall have in a fireproof repository located in an area on the surface of the mine chosen by the mine operator to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard, an accurate and up-to-date map of such mine drawn on scale. Such map shall show:
(a) The active workings;
(b) All pillared, worked out, and abandoned areas, except as provided in this section;
(c) Entries and aircourses with the direction of airflow indicated by arrows;
(d) Contour lines of all elevations;
(e) Elevations of all main and cross or side entries;
(f) Dip of the coalbed;
(g) Escapeways;
(h) Adjacent mine workings within 1,000 feet;
(i) Mines above or below;
(j) Water pools above; and
(k) Either producing or abandoned oil and gas wells located within 500 feet of such mine and any underground area of such mine; and,
(l) Such other information as the Secretary may require. Such map shall identify those areas of the mine which have been pillared, worked out, or abandoned, which are inaccessible or cannot be entered safely and on which no information is available.
§ 75.1200-1   Additional information on mine map.
Additional information required to be shown on mine maps under § 75.1200 shall include the following:
(a) Name and address of the mine;
(b) The scale and orientation of the map;
(c) The property or boundary lines of the mine;
(d) All drill holes that penetrate the coalbed being mined;
(e) All shaft, slope, drift, and tunnel openings and auger and strip mined areas of the coalbed being mined;
(f) The location of all surface mine ventilation fans; the location may be designated on the mine map by symbols;
(g) The location of railroad tracks and public highways leading to the mine, and mine buildings of a permanent nature with identifying names shown;
(h) The location and description of at least two permanent base line points coordinated with the underground and surface mine traverses, and the location and description of at least two permanent elevation bench marks used in connection with establishing or referencing mine elevation surveys;
(i) The location of any body of water dammed in the mine or held back in any portion of the mine; provided, however, such bodies of water may be shown on overlays or tracings attached to the mine maps used to show contour lines as provided under paragraph (m) of this section;
(j) The elevations of tops and bottoms of shafts and slopes, and the floor at the entrance to drift and tunnel openings;
(k) The elevation of the floor at intervals of not more than 200 feet in:
(1) At least one entry of each working section, and main and cross entries;
(2) The last line of open crosscuts of each working section, and main and cross entries before such sections and main and cross entries are abandoned;
(3) Rooms advancing toward or adjacent to property or boundary lines or adjacent mines;
(l) The elevation of any body of water dammed in the mine or held back in any portion of the mine; and,
(m) Contour lines passing through whole number elevations of the coalbed being mined. The spacing of such lines shall not exceed 10-foot elevation levels, except that a broader spacing of contour lines may be approved by the District Manager for steeply-pitching coalbeds. Contour lines may be placed on overlays or tracings attached to mine maps.
(n) The locations of refuge alternatives.
§ 75.1200-2   Accuracy and scale of mine maps.
(a) The scale of mine maps submitted to the Secretary shall not be less than 100 or more than 500 feet to the inch.
(b) Mine traverses shall be advanced by closed loop methods of traversing or other equally accurate methods of traversing.
§ 75.1201   Certification.
Such map shall be made or certified by a registered engineer or a registered surveyor of the State in which the mine is located.
§ 75.1202   Temporary notations, revisions, and supplements.
Such map shall be kept up-to-date by temporary notations and such map shall be revised and supplemented at intervals prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of a survey made or certified by such engineer or surveyor.
§ 75.1202-1   Temporary notations, revisions, and supplements.
(a) Mine maps shall be revised and supplemented at intervals of not more than 6 months.
(b) Temporary notations shall include:
(1) The location of each working face of each working place;
(2) Pillars mined or other such second mining;
(3) Permanent ventilation controls constructed or removed, such as seals, overcasts, undercasts, regulators, and permanent stoppings, and the direction of air currents indicated;
(4) Escapeways and refuge alternatives designated by means of symbols.
§ 75.1203   Availability of mine map.
The coal mine map and any revision and supplement thereof shall be available for inspection by the Secretary or his authorized representative, by coal mine inspectors of the State in which the mine is located, by miners in the mine and their representatives and by operators of adjacent coal mines and by persons owning, leasing, or residing on surface areas of such mines or areas adjacent to such mines. The operator shall furnish to the Secretary or his authorized representative and to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, upon request, one or more copies of such maps and any revision and supplement thereof. Such map or revision and supplement thereof shall be kept confidential and its contents shall not be divulged to any other person, except to the extent necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act and in connection with the functions and responsibilities of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
§ 75.1204   Mine closure; filing of map with Secretary.
Whenever an operator permanently closes or abandons a coal mine, or temporarily closes a coal mine for a period of more than 90 days, he shall promptly notify the Secretary of such closure. Within 60 days of the permanent closure or abandonment of the mine, or, when the mine is temporarily closed, upon the expiration of a period of 90 days from the date of closure, the operator shall file with the Secretary a copy of the mine map revised and supplemented to the date of the closure. Such copy of the mine map shall be certified by a registered surveyor or registered engineer of the State in which the mine is located and shall be available for public inspection.
§ 75.1204-1   Places to give notice and file maps.
Operators shall give notice of mine closures and file copies of maps with the Coal Mine Safety and Health District Office for the district in which the mine is located.
§ 75.1300   Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this subpart.
Approval. A document issued by MSHA which states that an explosive or explosive unit has met the requirements of this part and which authorizes an approval marking identifying the explosive or explosive unit as approved as permissible.
Battery starting. The use of unconfined explosives to start the flow of coal down a breast or chute in an anthracite mine.
Blasting off the solid. Blasting the working face without providing a second free face by cutting, shearing or other method before blasting.
Instantaneous detonator. An electric detonator that fires within 6 milliseconds after application of the firing current.
Laminated partition. A partition composed of the following material and minimum nominal dimensions: 1/2 -inch thick plywood, 1/2 -inch thick gypsum wall board, 1/8 -inch thick low carbon steel and 1/4 -inch thick plywood, bonded together in that order.
Opener hole. The first hole or holes fired in a round blasted off the solid to create an additional free face.
Permissible blasting unit. A device that has been approved by MSHA and that is used for firing electric detonators.
Permissible explosive. Any substance, compound or mixture which is approved by MSHA and whose primary purpose is to function by explosion.
Round. A group of boreholes fired or intended to be fired in a continuous sequence with one application of the firing current.
Sheathed explosive unit. A device consisting of an approved or permissible explosive covered by a sheath encased in a sealed covering and designed to be fired outside the confines of a borehole.
Short-delay electric detonator. An electric detonator with a designated delay period of 25 to 1,000 milliseconds.
§ 75.1301   Qualified person.
(a) A qualified person under this subpart is a person who—
(1) Is certified or qualified to use explosives by the State in which the mine is located provided that the State requires a demonstration of ability to safely use permissible explosives as prescribed by this subpart effective January 17, 1989; or
(2) In States that do not certify or qualify persons to use explosives required by this section, has at least 1 year of experience working in an underground coal mine that includes direct involvement with procedures for handling, loading, and preparing explosives for blasting and demonstrates to an authorized representative of the Secretary the ability to use permissible explosives safely.
(b) Persons qualified or certified by a State to use permissible explosives in underground coal mines as of May 17, 1989, are considered qualified under this section even though their State program did not contain a demonstration of ability requirement.
§ 75.1310   Explosives and blasting equipment.
(a) Only permissible explosives, approved sheathed explosive units, and permissible blasting units shall be taken or used underground.
(b) Black blasting powder, aluminum-cased detonators, aluminum-alloy-cased detonators, detonators with aluminum leg wires, and safety fuses shall not be taken or used underground.
(c) Explosives shall be fired only with a permissible blasting unit used in a manner consistent with its approval. Blasting units approved by MSHA that have approval labels specifying use with short-delay detonators with delay periods between 25-500 milliseconds are accepted to fire short-delay detonators up to 1,000 milliseconds, instantaneous detonators and long period delay detonators for anthracite mines.
(d) Permissible explosives and sheathed explosive units shall not be used underground when they are below the minimum product firing temperature specified by the approval. Explosives previously approved which do not specify a minimum firing temperature are permissible for use so long as the present approval is maintained.
(e) Electric detonators shall be compatible with the blasting unit and have sufficient strength to initiate the explosives being used.
§ 75.1311   Transporting explosives and detonators.
(a) When explosives and detonators are to be transported underground—
(1) They shall be enclosed in separate, substantially constructed containers made of nonconductive material, with no metal or other conductive materials exposed inside, except as specified in paragraph (d) of this section; and
(2) Each container of explosives and of detonators shall be indelibly marked with a readily visible warning identifying the contents.
(b) When explosives and detonators are transported by any cars or vehicles—
(1) The cars or vehicles shall be marked with warnings to identify the contents as explosive. The warnings shall be readily visible to miners approaching from any direction and in indelible letters;
(2) Explosives and detonators shall be transported either in separate cars or vehicles, or if in the same cars or vehicles as follows:
(i) Class A and Class C detonators in quantities greater than 1,000 shall be kept in the original containers as shipped from the manufacturer and separated from explosives by a hardwood partition at least 4 inches thick, a laminated partition or equivalent; and
(ii) Class A and Class C detonators in quantities of no more than 1,000 shall be separated from explosives by a hardwood partition at least 4 inches thick, a laminated partition or equivalent.
(3) No persons, other than those necessary to operate the equipment or to accompany the explosives and detonators, shall be transported with explosives and detonators, and
(4) When explosives and detonators are transported using trolley locomotives—
(i) Trips carrying explosives and detonators shall be separated from all other mantrips by at least a 5-minute interval; and
(ii) Cars containing explosives or detonators shall be separated from the locomotives by at least one car that is empty or that contains noncombustible materials.
(c) When explosives and detonators are transported on conveyor belts—
(1) Containers of explosives shall be separated from containers of detonators by at least 50 feet;
(2) At least 6 inches of clearance shall be maintained between the top of any container of explosives or container of detonators and the mine roof or other obstruction;
(3) Except when persons are riding the belt to accompany explosives or detonators, a person shall be at each transfer point between belts and at the unloading location; and
(4) Conveyor belts shall be stopped before explosives or detonators are loaded or unloaded.
(d) When explosives and detonators are transported by hand they shall be carried in separate, nonconductive, closed containers.
§ 75.1312   Explosives and detonators in underground magazines.
(a) The quantity of explosives kept underground shall not be more than is needed for 48 hours of use.
(b) Except as provided in § 75.1313, explosives and detonators taken underground shall be kept in—
(1) Separate, closed magazines at least 5 feet apart; or
(2) The same closed magazine when—
(i) Separated by a hardwood partition at least 4 inches thick; or
(ii) Separated by a laminated partition; or
(iii) Separated by a device that is equivalent.
(c) Only explosives and detonators shall be kept in underground magazines.
(d) Magazines shall be substantially constructed and all interior surfaces shall be made of nonconductive material, with no metal or other conductive material exposed inside.
(e) All magazines shall be—
(1) Located at least 25 feet from roadways and any source of electric current;
(2) Located out of the direct line of the forces from blasting; and
(3) Kept as dry as practicable.
(f) Magazine locations shall be posted with indelibly marked and readily visible warnings indicating the presence of explosives.
(g) Only materials and equipment to be used in blasting shall be stored at magazine locations.
§ 75.1313   Explosives and detonators outside of magazines.
(a) The quantity of explosives outside a magazine for use in a working section or other area where blasting is to be performed shall—
(1) Not exceed 100 pounds; or
(2) Not exceed the amount necessary to blast one round when more than 100 pounds of explosives is required.
(b) Explosives and detonators outside a magazine that are not being transported or prepared for loading boreholes shall be kept in closed separate containers made of nonconductive material with no metal or other conductive material exposed inside and the containers shall be—
(1) At least 15 feet from any source of electric current;
(2) Out of the direct line of the forces from blasting;
(3) In a location to prevent damage by mobile equipment; and
(4) Kept as dry as practicable.
(c) Explosives and detonators not used during the shift shall be returned to a magazine by the end of the shift.
§ 75.1314   Sheathed explosive units.
(a) A separate instantaneous detonator shall be used to fire each sheathed explosive unit.
(b) Sheathed explosive units shall be primed and placed in position for firing only by a qualified person or a person working in the presence of and under the direction of a qualified person. To prime a sheathed explosive unit, the entire detonator shall be inserted into the detonator well of the unit and be held securely in place.
(c) Sheathed explosive units shall not be primed until immediately before the units are placed where they are to be fired. A sheathed explosive unit shall not be primed if it is damaged or deteriorated.
(d) Except in anthracite mines, rock dust shall be applied to the roof, ribs and floor within a 40-foot radius of the location where the sheathed explosive units are to be fired.
(e) No more than three sheathed explosive units shall be fired at one time.
(f) No sheathed explosive unit shall be fired in contact with another sheathed explosive unit.
§ 75.1315   Boreholes for explosives.
(a) All explosives fired underground shall be confined in boreholes except—
(1) Sheathed explosives units and other explosive units approved by MSHA for firing outside the confines of a borehole; and
(2) Shots fired in anthracite mines for battery starting or for blasting coal overhangs. No person shall go inside a battery to start the flow of material.
(b) Each borehole in coal for explosives shall be at least 24 inches from any other borehole and from any free face, unless prohibited by the thickness of the coal seam.
(c) Each borehole in rock for explosives shall be at least 18 inches from any other borehole in rock, at least 24 inches from any other borehole in coal, and at least 18 inches from any free face.
(d) No borehole that has contained explosives shall be used for starting any other hole.
(e) When blasting slab rounds off the solid, opener holes shall not be drilled beyond the rib line.
(f) When coal is cut for blasting, the coal shall be supported if necessary to maintain the stability of the column of explosives in each borehole.
§ 75.1316   Preparation before blasting.
(a)(1) All nonbattery-powered electric equipment, including cables, located within 50 feet from boreholes to be loaded with explosives or the sites where sheathed explosive units are to be placed and fired shall be deenergized or removed to at least 50 feet from these locations before priming of explosives. Battery-powered equipment shall be removed to at least 50 feet from these locations before priming of explosives.
(2) As an alternative to paragraph (a)(1) of this section, electric equipment, including cables, need not be deenergized or removed if located at least 25 feet from these locations provided stray current tests conducted prior to priming the explosives detect stray currents of 0.05 ampere or less through a 1-ohm resistor.
(i) Tests shall be made at floor locations on the perimeter, on energized equipment frames and on repaired areas of energized cables within the area between 25 to 50 feet from the locations where the explosives are to be primed.
(ii) Tests shall be conducted using a blasting multimeter or other instrument specifically designed for such use.
(3) The blasting cable or detonator circuitry shall not come in contact with energized electric equipment, including cables.
(b) Before loading boreholes with explosives, each borehole shall be cleared and its depth and direction determined.
(c) No borehole drilled beyond the depth of cut coal shall be loaded with explosives unless that portion of the borehole deeper than the cut is tamped with noncombustible material.
(d) When two working faces are approaching each other, cutting, drilling and blasting shall be done at only one working face at a time if the two faces are within 25 feet of each other.
§ 75.1317   Primer cartridges.
(a) Primer cartridges shall be primed and loaded only by a qualified person or a person working in the presence of and under the direction of a qualified person.
(b) Primer cartridges shall not be primed until immediately before loading boreholes.
(c) Only a nonsparking punch shall be used when priming explosive cartridges.
(d) Detonators shall be completely within and parallel to the length of the cartridge and shall be secured by half-hitching the leg wires around the cartridge or secured by an equally effective method.
§ 75.1318   Loading boreholes.
(a) Explosives shall be loaded by a qualified person or a person working in the presence of and under the direction of a qualified person.
(b) When boreholes are being loaded, no other work except that necessary to protect persons shall be done in the working place or other area where blasting is to be performed.
(c) When loading boreholes drilled at an angle of 45 degrees or greater from the horizontal in solid rock or loading long holes drilled upward in anthracite mines—
(1) The first cartridge in each borehole shall be the primer cartridge with the end of the cartridge containing the detonator facing the back of the borehole; and
(2) The explosive cartridges shall be loaded in a manner that provides contact between each cartridge in the borehole.
(d) When loading other boreholes—
(1) The primer cartridge shall be the first cartridge loaded in the borehole;
(2) The end of the cartridge in which the detonator is inserted shall face the back of the borehole; and
(3) The primer cartridge and other explosives shall be pushed to the back of the borehole in a continuous column with no cartridge being deliberately crushed or deformed.
(e) An explosive shall not be loaded into a borehole if it is damaged, deteriorated or if the cartridge is incompletely filled.
(f) Explosives of different brands, types or cartridge diameters shall not be loaded in the same borehole.
(g) Only nonconductive, nonsparking tamping poles shall be used for loading and tamping boreholes. The use of nonsparking connecting devices for extendable tamping poles is permitted.
§ 75.1319   Weight of explosives permitted in boreholes in bituminous and lignite mines.
(a) The total weight of explosives loaded in any borehole in bituminous and lignite mines shall not exceed 3 pounds except when blasting solid rock in its natural deposit.
(b) The total weight of explosives loaded in a borehole less than 6 feet deep in bituminous and lignite mines shall be reduced by 1/2 pound for each foot of borehole less than 6 feet.
§ 75.1320   Multiple-shot blasting.
(a) No more than 20 boreholes shall be fired in a round unless permitted in writing by the District Manager under § 75.1321.
(b) Instantaneous detonators shall not be used in the same circuit with delay detonators in any underground coal mine.
(c) In bituminous and lignite mines, only detonators with delay periods of 1,000 milliseconds or less shall be used.
(d) When blasting in anthracite mines, each borehole in a round shall be initiated in sequence from the opener hole or holes.
(e) Arrangement of detonator delay periods for bituminous and lignite mines shall be as follows:
(1) When blasting cut coal—
(i) The first shot or shots fired in a round shall be initiated in the row nearest the kerf or the row or rows nearest the shear; and
(ii) After the first shot or shots, the interval between the designated delay periods of successive shots shall be at least 50 milliseconds but not more than 100 milliseconds.
(2) When blasting coal off the solid—
(i) Each shot in the round shall be initiated in sequence from the opener hole or holes; and
(ii) After the first shot or shots, the interval between the designated delay periods of successive shots shall be at least 50 milliseconds but not more than 100 milliseconds.
§ 75.1321   Permits for firing more than 20 boreholes and for use of nonpermissible blasting units.
(a) Applications for permits for firing more than 20 boreholes in a round and for the use of nonpermissible blasting units shall be submitted in writing to the District Manager for the district in which the mine is located and shall contain the following information:
(1) The name and address of the mine;
(2) The active workings in the mine affected by the permit and the approximate number of boreholes to be fired;
(3) The period of time during which the permit will apply;
(4) The nature of the development or construction for which they will be used, e.g., overcasts, undercasts, track grading, roof brushing or boom holes;
(5) A plan, proposed by the operator designed to protect miners in the mine from the hazards of methane and other explosive gases during each multiple shot, e.g., changes in the mine ventilation system, provisions for auxiliary ventilation and any other safeguards necessary to minimize such hazards;
(6) A statement of the specific hazards anticipated by the operator in blasting for overcasts, undercasts, track grading, brushing of roof, boom holes or other unusual blasting situations such as coalbeds of abnormal thickness; and
(7) The method to be employed to avoid the dangers anticipated during development or construction which will ensure the protection of life and the prevention of injuries to the miners exposed to such underground blasting.
(b) The District Manager may permit the firing of more than 20 boreholes of permissible explosives in a round where he has determined that it is necessary to reduce the overall hazard to which miners are exposed during underground blasting. He may also permit the use of nonpermissible blasting units if he finds that a permissible blasting unit does not have adequate blasting capacity and that the use of such permissible units will create any of the following development or construction hazards:
(1) Exposure to disturbed roof in an adjacent cavity while scaling and supporting the remaining roof prior to wiring a new series of boreholes;
(2) Exposure to underburden boreholes where prior rounds have removed the burden adjacent to a remaining borehole;
(3) Exposure to an unsupported roof while redrilling large fragmented roof rock following the loss of predrilled boreholes during earlier blasting operations; or
(4) Any other hazard created by the use of permissible blasting units during underground development or construction.
(c) Permits shall be issued on a mine-by-mine basis for periods of time to be specified by the District Manager.
(d) Permits issued under this section shall specify and include as a condition of their use, any safeguards, in addition to those proposed by the operator, which the District Manager issuing such permit has determined will be required to ensure the welfare of the miners employed in the mine at the time of the blasting permitted.
§ 75.1322   Stemming boreholes.
(a) Only noncombustible material shall be used for stemming boreholes.
(b) Stemming materials other than water stemming bags shall be tamped to fill the entire cross sectional area of the borehole.
(c) Stemming material shall contact the explosive cartridge nearest the collar of the borehole.
(d) Each borehole 4 or more feet deep shall be stemmed for at least 24 inches.
(e) Each borehole less than 4 feet deep shall be stemmed for at least half the depth of the borehole.
(f) When blasting off the solid in bituminous and lignite mines, only pliable clay dummies shall be used for stemming.
(g) The diameter of a water stemming bag shall be within 1/4 of an inch of the diameter of the drill bit used to drill the borehole.
(h) Water stemming bags shall be constructed of tear-resistant and flame-resistant material and be capable of withstanding a 3-foot drop when filled without rupturing or developing leaks.
§ 75.1323   Blasting circuits.
(a) Blasting circuits shall be protected from sources of stray electric current.
(b) Detonators made by different manufacturers shall not be combined in the same blasting circuit.
(c) Detonator leg wires shall be shunted until connected into the blasting circuit.
(d) Blasting cables shall be—
(1) Well insulated, copper wire of a diameter not smaller than 18-gauge; and
(2) Long enough to permit the round to be fired from a safe location that is around at least one corner from the blasting area.
(e) Blasting cables shall be shunted until immediately before firing, except when testing for circuit continuity.
(f) Wire used between the blasting cable and detonator circuitry shall—
(1) Be undamaged;
(2) Be well insulated;
(3) Have a resistance no greater than 20-gauge copper wire; and
(4) Be not more than 30 feet long.
(g) Each wire connection in a blasting circuit shall be—
(1) Properly spliced; and
(2) Separated from other connections in the circuit to prevent accidental contact and arcing.
(h) Uninsulated connections in each blasting circuit shall be kept out of water and shall not contact the coal, roof, ribs, or floor.
(i) When 20 or fewer boreholes are fired in a round, the blasting circuit shall be wired in a single series.
(j) Immediately prior to firing, all blasting circuits shall be tested for continuity and resistance using a blasting galvanometer or other instrument specifically designed for testing blasting circuits.
§ 75.1324   Methane concentration and tests.
(a) No shot shall be fired in an area that contains 1.0 volume percent or more of methane.
(b) Immediately before shots are fired, the methane concentration in a working place or any other area where blasting is to be performed, shall be determined by a person qualified to test for methane.
§ 75.1325   Firing procedures.
(a) Shots shall be fired by a qualified person or a person working in the presence of and under the direction of a qualified person.
(b) Only one face in a working place shall be blasted at a time, except that when blasting cut coal up to three faces may be blasted in a round if each face has a separate kerf and no more than a total of 20 shots connected in a single series are fired in the round. A permit to fire more than 20 boreholes in a round under the provisions of 30 CFR 75.1320 and 75.1321 may not be obtained for use when blasting multiple faces.
(c) Before blasting—
(1) All persons shall leave the blasting area and each immediately adjacent working place where a hazard would be created by the blast, to an area that is around at least one corner from the blasting area;
(2) The qualified person shall ascertain that all persons are a safe distance from the blasting area; and
(3) A warning shall be given and adequate time allowed for persons to respond.
(d) All shots shall be fired promptly, after all persons have been removed to a safe location.
§ 75.1326   Examination after blasting.
(a) After blasting, the blasting area shall not be entered until it is clear of smoke and dust.
(b) Immediately after the blasting area has cleared, a qualified person or a person working in the presence of and under the direction of a qualified person, shall examine the area for misfires, methane and other hazardous conditions.
(c) If a round has partially detonated, the qualified person shall immediately leave the area and no person shall reenter the affected area for at least 5 minutes.
§ 75.1327   Misfires.
(a) When misfires occur, only work by a qualified person to dispose of misfires and other work necessary to protect persons shall be done in the affected area.
(b) When a misfire cannot be disposed of—
(1) A qualified person shall post each accessible entrance to the area affected by the hazard of the misfire with a warning at a conspicuous location to prohibit entry; and
(2) The misfire shall be immediately reported to mine management.
§ 75.1328   Damaged or deteriorated explosives and detonators.
(a) Damaged explosives or detonators shall be—
(1) Placed in separate containers constructed of nonconductive and nonsparking materials; and
(2) Removed from the mine or placed in a magazine and removed when the magazine is resupplied.
(b) Damaged detonators shall be shunted, if practicable, either before being removed from the mine or placed in a magazine.
(c) Deteriorated explosives and detonators shall be handled and disposed of in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
§ 75.1400   Hoisting equipment; general.
(a) Every hoist used to transport persons shall be equipped with overspeed, overwind, and automatic stop controls.
(b) Every hoist handling a platform, cage, or other device used to transport persons shall be equipped with brakes capable of stopping the fully loaded platform, cage, or other device.
(c) Cages, platforms, or other devices used to transport persons in shafts and slopes shall be equipped with safety catches or other no less effective devices approved by the Secretary that act quickly and effectively in an emergency. Such catches or devices shall be tested at least once every two months.
(d) Hoisting equipment, including automatic elevators, used to transport persons shall be examined daily.
(e) Where persons are transported into or out of a mine by a hoist, a qualified hoisting engineer shall be on duty while any person is underground. No such engineer, however, shall be required for automatically operated cages, platforms, or elevators.
§ 75.1400-1   Hoists; brakes, capability.
Brakes on hoists used to transport persons shall be capable of stopping and holding the fully loaded platform, cage, or other device at any point in the shaft, slope, or incline.
§ 75.1400-2   Hoists; tests of safety catches; records.
A record shall be made in a book of the tests, required by § 75.1400, of the safety catches or other devices approved by the Secretary. Each entry shall be signed by the person making the tests and countersigned by a responsible official.
§ 75.1400-3   Daily examination of hoisting equipment.
Hoists and elevators shall be examined daily and such examinations shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Elevators. A visual examination of the rope for wear, broken wires, and corrosion, especially at excessive strain points such as near the attachments and where the rope rests on sheaves;
(b) Hoists and elevators. (1) An examination of the rope fastenings for defects;
(2) An examination of safety catches;
(3) An examination of the cages, platforms, elevators, or other devices for loose, missing or defective parts;
(4) An examination of the head sheaves to check for broken flanges, defective bearings, rope alignment, and proper lubrication; and
(5) An observation of the lining and all other equipment and appurtenances installed in the shaft.
§ 75.1400-4   Certifications and records of daily examinations.
At the completion of each daily examination required by § 75.1400, the person making the examination shall certify, by signature and date, that the examination has been made. If any unsafe condition is found during the examinations required by § 75.1400-3, the person conducting the examination shall make a record of the condition and the date. Certifications and records shall be retained for one year.
§ 75.1401   Hoists; rated capacities; indicators.
Hoists shall have rated capacities consistent with the loads handled. An accurate and reliable indicator of the position of the cage, platform, skip, bucket, or cars shall be provided.
§ 75.1401-1   Hoists; indicators.
The indicator required by § 75.1401 of this subpart shall be placed so that it is in clear view of the hoisting engineer and shall be checked daily to determine its accuracy.
§ 75.1402   Communication between shaft stations and hoist room.
There shall be at least two effective methods approved by the Secretary of signaling between each of the shaft stations and the hoist room, one of which shall be a telephone or speaking tube.
§ 75.1402-1   Communication between shaft stations and hoist room.
One of the methods used to communicate between shaft stations and the hoist room shall give signals which can be heard by the hoisting engineer at all times while men are underground.
§ 75.1402-2   Tests of signaling systems.
Signaling systems used for communication between shaft stations and the hoist room shall be tested daily.
§ 75.1403   Other safeguards.
Other safeguards adequate, in the judgment of an authorized representative of the Secretary, to minimize hazards with respect to transportation of men and materials shall be provided.
§ 75.1403-1   General criteria.
(a) Sections 75.1403-2 through 75.1403-11 set out the criteria by which an authorized representative of the Secretary will be guided in requiring other safeguards on a mine-by-mine basis under § 75.1403. Other safeguards may be required.
(b) The authorized representative of the Secretary shall in writing advise the operator of a specific safeguard which is required pursuant to § 75.1403 and shall fix a time in which the operator shall provide and thereafter maintain such safeguard. If the safeguard is not provided within the time fixed and if it is not maintained thereafter, a notice shall be issued to the operator pursuant to section 104 of the Act.
(c) Nothing in the sections in the § 75.1403 series in this Subpart O precludes the issuance of a withdrawal order because of imminent danger.
§ 75.1403-2   Criteria—Hoists transporting materials; brakes.
Hoists and elevators used to transport materials should be equipped with brakes capable of stopping and holding the fully loaded platform, cage, skip, car, or other device at any point in the shaft, slope, or incline.
§ 75.1403-3   Criteria—Drum clutch; cage construction.
(a) The clutch of a free-drum on a personnel hoist should be provided with a locking mechanism or interlocked with the brake to prevent accidental withdrawal of the clutch.
(b) Cages used for hoisting persons should be constructed with the sides enclosed to a height of at least six feet and should have gates, safety chains, or bars across the ends of the cage when persons are being hoisted or lowered.
(c) Self-dumping cages, platforms, or other devices used for transportation of persons should have a locking device to prevent tilting when persons are transported.
(d) An attendant should be on duty at the surface when persons are being hoisted or lowered at the beginning and end of each shift.
(e) Precautions should be taken to protect persons working in shaft sumps.
(f) Workers should wear safety belts while doing work in or over shafts.
§ 75.1403-4   Criteria—Automatic elevators.
(a) The doors of automatic elevators should be equipped with interlocking switches so arranged that the elevator car will be immovable while any door is opened or unlocked, and arranged so that such door or doors cannot be inadvertently opened when the elevator car is not at a landing.
(b) A “Stop” switch should be provided in the automatic elevator compartment that will permit the elevator to be stopped at any location in the shaft.
(c) A slack cable device should be used where appropriate on automatic elevators which will automatically shut-off the power and apply the brakes in the event the elevator is obstructed while descending.
(d) Each automatic elevator should be provided with a telephone or other effective communication system by which aid or assistance can be obtained promptly.
§ 75.1403-5   Criteria—Belt conveyors.
(a) Positive-acting stop controls should be installed along all belt conveyors used to transport men, and such controls should be readily accessible and maintained so that the belt can be stopped or started at any location.
(b) Belt conveyors used for regularly scheduled mantrips should be stopped while men are loading or unloading.
(c) All belt conveyors used for the transportation of persons should have a minimum vertical clearance of 18 inches from the nearest overhead projection when measured from the edge of the belt and there should be at least 36 inches of side clearance where men board or leave such belt conveyors.
(d) When men are being transported on regularly scheduled mantrips on belt conveyors the belt speed should not exceed 300 feet per minute when the vertical clearance is less than 24 inches, and should not exceed 350 feet per minute when the vertical clearance is 24 inches or more.
(e) Adequate illumination including colored lights or reflective signs should be installed at all loading and unloading stations. Such colored lights and reflective signs should be so located as to be observable to all persons riding the belt conveyor.
(f) After supplies have been transported on belt conveyors such belts should be examined for unsafe conditions prior to the transportation of men on regularly scheduled mantrips, and belt conveyors should be clear before men are transported.
(g) A clear travelway at least 24 inches wide should be provided on both sides of all belt conveyors installed after March 30, 1970. Where roof supports are installed within 24 inches of a belt conveyor, a clear travelway at least 24 inches wide should be provided on the side of such support farthest from the conveyor.
(h) On belt conveyors that do not transport men, stop and start controls should be installed at intervals not to exceed 1,000 feet. Such controls should be properly installed and positioned so as to be readily accessible.
(i) Telephone or other suitable communications should be provided at points where men or supplies are regularly loaded on or unloaded from the belt conveyors.
(j) Persons should not cross moving belt conveyors, except where suitable crossing facilities are provided.
§ 75.1403-6   Criteria—Self-propelled personnel carriers.
(a) Each self-propelled personnel carrier should:
(1) Be provided with an audible warning device;
(2) Be provided with a sealed-beam headlight, or its equivalent, on each end;
(3) Be provided with reflectors on both ends and sides.
(b) In addition, each track-mounted self-propelled personnel carrier should:
(1) Be provided with a suitable lifting jack and bar, which shall be secured or carried in a tool compartment;
(2) Be equipped with 2 separate and independent braking systems properly installed and well maintained;
(3) Be equipped with properly installed and well-maintained sanding devices, except that personnel carriers (jitneys), which transport not more than 5 men, need not be equipped with such sanding device;
(4) If an open type, be equipped with guards of sufficient strength and height to prevent personnel from being thrown from such carriers.
§ 75.1403-7   Criteria—Mantrips.
(a) Mantrips should be operated independently of any loaded trip, empty trip, or supply trip and should not be operated within 300 feet of any trip, including another mantrip.
(b) A sufficient number of mantrip cars should be provided to prevent overcrowding of men.
(c) Mantrips should not be pushed.
(d) Where mantrips are operated by locomotives on slopes such mantrips should be coupled to the front and rear by locomotives capable of holding such mantrips. Where ropes are used on slopes for mantrip haulage, such conveyances should be connected by chains, steel ropes, or other effective devices between mantrip cars and the rope.
(e) Safety goggles or eyeshields should be provided for all persons being transported in open-type mantrips.
(f) All trips, including trailers and sleds, should be operated at speeds consistent with conditions and the equipment used, and should be so controlled that they can be stopped within the limits of visibility.
(g) All mantrips should be under the direction of a supervisor and the operator of each mantrip should be familiar with the haulage safety rules and regulations.
(h) Men should proceed in an orderly manner to and from mantrips and no person should be permitted to get on or off a moving mantrip.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Mantrips should not be permitted to proceed until the operator of the mantrip is assured that he has a clear road.
(k) Supplies or tools, except small hand tools or instruments, should not be transported with men.
(l) At places where men enter or leave mantrip conveyances, ample clearance should be provided and provisions made to prevent persons from coming in contact with energized electric circuits.
(m) The mine car next to a trolley locomotive should not be used to transport men. Such cars may be used to transport small tools and supplies. This is not to be construed as permitting the transportation of large or bulky supplies such as shuttle car wheel units, or similar material.
(n) Drop-bottom cars used to transport men should have the bottoms secured with an additional locking device.
(o) Extraneous materials or supplies should not be transported on top of equipment; however, materials and supplies that are necessary for or related to the operation of such equipment may be transported on top of such equipment if a hazard is not introduced.
§ 75.1403-8   Criteria—Track haulage roads.
(a) The speed at which haulage equipment is operated should be determined by the condition of the roadbed, rails, rail joints, switches, frogs, and other elements of the track and the type and condition of the haulage equipment.
(b) Track haulage roads should have a continuous clearance on one side of at least 24 inches from the farthest projection of normal traffic. Where it is necessary to change the side on which clearance is provided, 24 inches of clearance should be provided on both sides for a distance of not less than 100 feet and warning signs should be posted at such locations.
(c) Track haulage roads developed after March 30, 1970, should have clearance on the “tight” side of at least 12 inches from the farthest projection of normal traffic. A minimum clearance of 6 inches should be maintained on the “tight” side of all track haulage roads developed prior to March 30, 1970.
(d) The clearance space on all track haulage roads should be kept free of loose rock, supplies, and other loose materials.
(e) Positive stopblocks or derails should be installed on all tracks near the top and at landings of shafts, slopes, and surface inclines.
§ 75.1403-9   Criteria—Shelter holes.
(a) Shelter holes should be provided on track haulage roads at intervals of not more than 105 feet unless otherwise approved by the Coal Mine Safety District Manager(s).
(b) Shelter holes should be readily accessible and should be at least 5 feet in depth, not more than 4 feet in width (except crosscuts used as shelter holes) and at least the height of the coal seam where the coal seam is less than 6 feet high and at least 6 feet in height where the coal seam is 6 feet or more in height.
(c) Shelter holes should be kept free of refuse and other obstructions. Crosscuts used as shelter holes should be kept free of refuse or other materials to a depth of at least 15 feet.
(d) Shelter holes should be provided at all manually operated doors and at switch throws except: (1) At room switches, or (2) at switches where more than 6 feet of side clearance is provided. The Coal Mine Safety District Manager(s) may permit exemption of this requirement if such shelter holes create a hazardous roof condition.
(e) At each underground slope landing where men pass and cars are handled, a shelter hole at least 10 feet in depth, 4 feet in width, and 6 feet in height should be provided.
§ 75.1403-10   Criteria—Haulage; general.
(a) A permissible trip light or other approved device such as reflectors, approved by the Coal Mine Safety District Manager(s), should be used on the rear of trips pulled, on the front of trips pushed and on trips lowered in slopes. However, trip lights or other approved devices need not be used on cars being shifted to and from loading machines, on cars being handled at loading heads, during gathering operations at working faces, when trailing locomotives are used, or on trips pulled by animals.
(b) Cars on main haulage roads should not be pushed, except where necessary to push cars from side tracks located near the working section to the producing entries and rooms, where necessary to clear switches and sidetracks, and on the approach to cages, slopes, and surface inclines.
(c) Warning lights or reflective signs or tapes should be installed along haulage roads at locations of abrupt or sudden changes in the overhead clearance.
(d) No person, other than the motorman and brakeman, should ride on a locomotive unless authorized by the mine foreman, and then only when safe riding facilities are provided. No person should ride on any loaded car or on the bumper of any car. However, the brakeman may ride on the rear bumper of the last car of a slow moving trip pulled by a locomotive.
(e) Positive-acting stopblocks or derails should be used where necessary to protect persons from danger of runaway haulage equipment.
(f) An audible warning should be given by the operator of all self-propelled equipment including off-track equipment, where persons may be endangered by the movement of the equipment.
(g) Locomotives and personnel carriers should not approach to within 300 feet of preceding haulage equipment, except trailing locomotives that are an integral part of the trip.
(h) A total of at least 36 inches of unobstructed side clearance (both sides combined) should be provided for all rubber-tired haulage equipment where such equipment is used.
(i) Off-track haulage roadways should be maintained as free as practicable from bottom irregularities, debris, and wet or muddy conditions that affect the control of the equipment.
(j) Operators of self-propelled equipment should face in the direction of travel.
(k) Mechanical steering and control devices should be maintained so as to provide positive control at all times.
(l) All self-propelled rubber-tired haulage equipment should be equipped with well maintained brakes, lights, and a warning device.
(m) On and after March 30, 1971, all tram control switches on rubber-tired equipment should be designed to provide automatic return to the stop or off position when released.
§ 75.1403-11   Criteria—Entrances to shafts and slopes.
All open entrances to shafts should be equipped with safety gates at the top and at each landing. Such gates should be self-closing and should be kept closed except when the cage is at such landing.
§ 75.1404   Automatic brakes; speed reduction gear.
Each locomotive and haulage car used in an underground coal mine shall be equipped with automatic brakes, where space permits. Where space does not permit automatic brakes, locomotives and haulage cars shall be subject to speed reduction gear, or other similar devices approved by the Secretary, which are designed to stop the locomotives and haulage cars with the proper margin of safety.
§ 75.1404-1   Braking system.
A locomotive equipped with a dual braking system will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of § 75.1404 for a train comprised of such locomotive and haulage cars, provided the locomotive is operated within the limits of its design capabilities and at speeds consistent with the condition of the haulage road. A trailing locomotive or equivalent devices should be used on trains that are operated on ascending grades.
§ 75.1405   Automatic couplers.
All haulage equipment acquired by an operator of a coal mine on or after March 30, 1971, shall be equipped with automatic couplers which couple by impact and uncouple without the necessity of persons going between the ends of such equipment. All haulage equipment without automatic couplers in use in a mine on March 30, 1970, shall also be so equipped within 4 years after March 30, 1970.
§ 75.1405-1   Automatic couplers, haulage equipment.
The requirement of § 75.1405 with respect to automatic couplers applies only to track haulage cars which are regularly coupled and uncoupled.
§ 75.1429   Guide ropes.
If guide ropes are used in shafts for personnel hoisting applications other than shaft development, the nominal strength (manufacturer's published catalog strength) of the guide rope at installation shall meet the minimum value calculated as follows: Minimum value = Static Load × 5.0.
§ 75.1430   Wire ropes; scope.
(a) Sections 75.1430 through 75.1438 apply to wire ropes in service used to hoist—
(1) Persons in shafts or slopes underground; or
(2) Loads in shaft or slope development when persons work below the suspended loads.
(b) These standards do not apply to wire ropes used for elevators.
§ 75.1431   Minimum rope strength.
At installation, the nominal strength (manufacturer's published catalog strength) of wire ropes used for hoisting shall meet the minimum rope strength values obtained by the following formulas in which “L” equals the maximum suspended rope length in feet:
(a) Winding drum ropes (all constructions, including rotation resistant).
(b) Friction drum ropes.
(c) Tail ropes (balance ropes).
§ 75.1432   Initial measurement.
After initial rope stretch but before visible wear occurs, the rope diameter of newly installed wire ropes shall be measured at least once in every third interval of active length and the measurements averaged to establish a baseline for subsequent measurements. A record of the measurements and the date shall be made by the person taking the measurements. This record shall be retained until the rope is retired from service.
§ 75.1433   Examinations.
(a) At least once every fourteen calendar days, each wire rope in service shall be visually examined along its entire active length for visible structural damage, corrosion, and improper lubrication or dressing. In addition, visual examination for wear and broken wires shall be made at stress points, including the area near attachments, where the rope rests on sheaves, where the rope leaves the drum, at drum crossovers, and at change-of-layer regions. When any visible condition that results in a reduction of rope strength is present, the affected portion of the rope shall be examined on a daily basis.
(b) Before any person is hoisted with a newly installed wire rope or any wire rope that has not been examined in the previous fourteen calendar days, the wire rope shall be examined in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) At least once every six months, nondestructive tests shall be conducted of the active length of the rope, or rope diameter measurements shall be made—
(1) Wherever wear is evident;
(2) Where the hoist rope rests on sheaves at regular stopping points;
(3) Where the hoist rope leaves the drum at regular stopping points; and
(4) At drum crossover and change-of-layer regions.
(d) At the completion of each examination required by paragraph (a) of this section, the person making the examination shall certify, by signature and date, that the examination has been made. If any condition listed in paragraph (a) of this standard is present, the person conducting the examination shall make a record of the condition and the date. Certifications and records of examinations shall be retained for one year.
(e) The person making the measurements or nondestructive tests as required by paragraph (c) of this section shall record the measurements or test results and the date. This record shall be retained until the rope is retired from service.
§ 75.1434   Retirement criteria.
Unless damage or deterioration is removed by cutoff, wire ropes shall be removed from service when any of the following conditions occurs:
(a) The number of broken wires within a rope lay length, excluding filler wires, exceeds either—
(1) Five percent of the total number of wires; or
(2) Fifteen percent of the total number of wires within any strand;
(b) On a regular lay rope, more than one broken wire in the valley between strands in one rope lay length;
(c) A loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outer wires;
(d) Rope deterioration from corrosion;
(e) Distortion of the rope structure;
(f) Heat damage from any source;
(g) Diameter reduction due to wear that exceeds six percent of the baseline diameter measurement; or
(h) Loss of more than ten percent of rope strength as determined by nondestructive testing.
§ 75.1435   Load end attachments.
(a) Wire rope shall be attached to the load by a method that develops at least 80 percent of the nominal strength of the rope.
(b) Except for terminations where use of other materials is a design feature, zinc (spelter) shall be used for socketing wire ropes. Design feature means either the manufacturer's original design or a design approved by a registered professional engineer.
(c) Load end attachment methods using splices are prohibited.
§ 75.1436   Drum end attachment.
(a) For drum end attachment, wire rope shall be attached—
(1) Securely by clips after making one full turn around the drum spoke;
(2) Securely by clips after making one full turn around the shaft, if the drum is fixed to the shaft; or
(3) By properly assembled anchor bolts, clamps, or wedges, provided that the attachment is a design feature of the hoist drum. Design feature means either the manufacturer's original design or a design approved by a registered professional engineer.
(b) A minimum of three full turns of wire rope shall be on the drum when the rope is extended to its maximum working length.
§ 75.1437   End attachment retermination.
Damaged or deteriorated wire rope shall be removed by cutoff and the rope reterminated where there is—
(a) More than one broken wire at an attachment;
(b) Improper installation of an attachment;
(c) Slippage at an attachment; or
(d) Evidence of deterioration from corrosion at an attachment.
§ 75.1438   End attachment replacement.
Wire rope attachments shall be replaced when cracked, deformed, or excessively worn.
§ 75.1500   [Reserved]
§ 75.1501   Emergency evacuations.
(a) For each shift that miners work underground, there shall be in attendance a responsible person designated by the mine operator to take charge during mine emergencies involving a fire, explosion, or gas or water inundation.
(1) The responsible person shall have current knowledge of the assigned location and expected movements of miners underground, the operation of the mine ventilation system, the locations of the mine escapeways and refuge alternatives, the mine communications system, any mine monitoring system if used, locations of firefighting equipment, the mine's Emergency Response Plan, the Mine Rescue Notification Plan, and the Mine Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Program of Instruction.
(2) The responsible person shall be trained annually in a course of instruction in mine emergency response, as prescribed by MSHA's Office of Educational Policy and Development. The course will include topics such as the following:
(i) Organizing a command center;
(ii) Coordinating firefighting personnel;
(iii) Deploying firefighting equipment;
(iv) Coordinating mine rescue personnel;
(v) Establishing fresh air base;
(vi) Deploying mine rescue teams;
(vii) Providing for mine gas sampling and analysis;
(viii) Establishing security;
(ix) Initiating an emergency mine evacuation;
(x) Contacting emergency personnel; and
(xi) Communicating appropriate information related to the emergency.
(3) The operator shall certify by signature and date after each responsible person has completed the training and keep the certification at the mine for 1 year.
(b) The responsible person shall initiate and conduct an immediate mine evacuation when there is a mine emergency which presents an imminent danger to miners due to fire or explosion or gas or water inundation. Only properly trained and equipped persons essential to respond to the mine emergency may remain underground.
(c) The mine operator shall instruct all miners of the identity of the responsible person designated by the operator for their workshift. The mine operator shall instruct miners of any change in the identity of the responsible person before the start of their workshift.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the ability of other persons in the mine to warn of an imminent danger which warrants evacuation.
§ 75.1502   Mine emergency evacuation and firefighting program of instruction.
Each operator of an underground coal mine shall adopt and follow a mine emergency evacuation and firefighting program that instructs all miners in the proper procedures they must follow if a mine emergency occurs.
(a) Program approval. The operator shall submit this program of instruction, and any revisions, for approval to the District Manager of the Coal Mine Safety and Health district in which the mine is located. Within 30 days of approval, the operator shall conduct training in accordance with the revised program.
(b) New or revised provisions. Before implementing any new or revised approved provision in the program of instruction, the operator shall instruct miners in the change.
(c) Instruction plan. The approved program shall include a specific plan designed to instruct miners on all shifts on the following:
(1) Procedures for—
(i) Evacuating the mine for mine emergencies that present an imminent danger to miners due to fire, explosion, or gas or water inundation;
(ii) Evacuating all miners not required for a mine emergency response; and
(iii) The rapid assembly and transportation of necessary miners, fire suppression equipment, and rescue apparatus to the scene of the mine emergency.
(2) The use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue devices, including hands-on training in the complete donning and transferring of all types of self-rescue devices used at the mine.
(3) The deployment, use, and maintenance of refuge alternatives.
(4) Scenarios requiring a discussion of options and a decision as to the best option for evacuation under each of the various mine emergencies (fires, explosions, or gas or water inundations). These options shall include:
(i) Encountering conditions in the mine or circumstances that require immediate donning of self-rescue devices.
(ii) Using continuous directional lifelines or equivalent devices, tethers, and doors;
(iii) Traversing undercasts or overcasts;
(iv) Switching escapeways, as applicable;
(v) Negotiating any other unique escapeway conditions; and
(vi) Using refuge alternatives.
(5) Location and use of the fire suppression and firefighting equipment and materials available in the mine.
(6) Location of the escapeways, exits, routes of travel to the surface, including the location of continuous directional lifelines or equivalent devices.
(7) Location, quantity, types, and use of stored SCSRs, as applicable.
(8) A review of the mine map; the escapeway system; the escape, firefighting, and emergency evacuation plan in effect at the mine; and the locations of refuge alternatives and abandoned areas.
(9) A description of how miners will receive annual expectations training that includes practical experience in donning and transferring SCSRs in smoke, simulated smoke, or an equivalent environment and breathing through a realistic SCSR training unit or device that provides the sensation of SCSR airflow resistance and heat.
(10) A summary of the procedures related to deploying refuge alternatives.
(11) A summary of the construction methods for 15 psi stoppings constructed prior to an event.
(12) A summary of the procedures related to refuge alternative use.
(d) Instructors. (1) The mine operator shall designate a person who has the ability, training, knowledge, or experience to conduct the mine emergency evacuation instruction and drills in his or her area of expertise.
(2) Persons conducting SCSR donning and transferring training shall be able to effectively train and evaluate whether miners can successfully don the SCSR and transfer to additional SCSR devices.
§ 75.1503   Use of fire suppression equipment.
In addition to the approved program of instruction required by 30 CFR 75.1502, each operator of an underground coal mine shall ensure the following.
(a) Working section. At least two miners in each working section on each production shift shall be proficient in the use of all fire suppression equipment available on such working section, and know the location of such fire suppression equipment.
(b) Attended equipment. Each operator of attended equipment specified in 30 CFR 75.1107-1(c)(1), and each miner assigned to perform job duties at the job site in the direct line of sight of attended equipment as described in 30 CFR 75.1107-1(c)(2), shall be proficient in the use of fire suppression devices installed on such attended equipment.
(c) Maintenance shift. The shift foreman and at least one miner for every five miners working underground on a maintenance shift shall be proficient in the use of fire suppression equipment available in the mine, and know the location of such fire suppression equipment.
§ 75.1504   Mine emergency evacuation training and drills.
Each operator of an underground coal mine shall conduct mine emergency evacuation training and drills and require all miners to participate.
(a) Schedule of training and drills. Each miner shall participate in a mine emergency evacuation training and drill once each quarter. Quarters shall be based on a calendar year (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec). In addition—
(1) A newly hired miner, who has not participated in a mine emergency evacuation training and drill at the mine within the previous 3 months, shall participate in the next applicable mine emergency evacuation training and drill.
(2) Prior to assuming duties on a section or outby work location, a foreman shall travel both escapeways in their entirety.
(b) Content of quarterly training and drill. Each quarterly evacuation training and drill shall include the following:
(1) Hands-on training on all types of self-rescue devices used at the mine, which includes—
(i) Instruction and demonstration in the use, care, and maintenance of self-rescue devices;
(ii) The complete donning of the SCSR by assuming a donning position, opening the device, activating the device, inserting the mouthpiece, and putting on the nose clip; and
(iii) Transferring between all applicable self-rescue devices.
(2) Training that emphasizes the importance of—
(i) Recognizing when the SCSR is not functioning properly and demonstrating how to initiate and reinitiate the starting sequence;
(ii) Not removing the mouthpiece, even to communicate, until the miner reaches fresh air; and
(iii) Proper use of the SCSR by controlling breathing and physical exertion.
(3) A realistic escapeway drill that is initiated and conducted with a different approved scenario each quarter and during which each miner—
(i) Travels the primary or alternate escapeway in its entirety, alternating escapeways each quarter;
(ii) Physically locates and practices using the continuous directional lifelines or equivalent devices and tethers, and physically locates the stored SCSRs and refuge alternatives;
(iii) Traverses undercasts or overcasts and doors;
(iv) Switches escapeways, as applicable; and
(v) Negotiates any other unique escapeway conditions.
(4) A review of the mine and escapeway maps, the firefighting plan, and the mine emergency evacuation plan in effect at the mine, which shall include:
(i) Informing miners of the locations of fire doors, check curtains, changes in the routes of travel, and plans for diverting smoke from escapeways.
(ii) Locating escapeways, exits, routes of travel to the surface, abandoned areas, and refuge alternatives.
(5) Operation of the fire suppression equipment available in the mine and the location and use of firefighting equipment and materials.
(6) Reviewing the procedures for deploying refuge alternatives and components.
(7) For miners who will be constructing the 15 psi stoppings prior to an event, reviewing the procedures for constructing them.
(8) Reviewing the procedures for use of the refuge alternatives and components.
(9) Task training in proper transportation of the refuge alternatives and components.
(c) Annual expectations training. Over the course of each year, each miner shall participate in expectations training that includes the following:
(1) Donning and transferring SCSRs in smoke, simulated smoke, or an equivalent environment.
(2) Breathing through a realistic SCSR training unit that provides the sensation of SCSR airflow resistance and heat.
(3) Deployment and use of refuge alternatives similar to those in use at the mine, including—
(i) Deployment and operation of component systems; and
(ii) Instruction on when to use refuge alternatives during a mine emergency, emphasizing that it is the last resort when escape is impossible.
(4) A miner shall participate in expectations training within one quarter of being employed at the mine.
(d) Certification of training and drills. At the completion of each training or drill required in this section, the operator shall certify by signature and date that the training or drill was held in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(1) This certification shall include the names of the miners participating in the training or drill. For each miner, this certification shall list the content of the training or drill component completed, including the escapeway traveled and scenario used, as required in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
(2) Certifications shall be kept at the mine for one year.
(3) Upon request, the certifications shall be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and the representative of the miners.
(4) Upon request, a copy of the certification that shows his or her own training shall be provided to the participating miner.
§ 75.1505   Escapeway maps.
(a) Content and accessibility. An escapeway map shall show the designated escapeways from the working sections or the miners' work stations to the surface or the exits at the bottom of the shaft or slope, refuge alternatives, and SCSR storage locations. The escapeway map shall be posted or readily accessible for all miners—
(1) In each working section;
(2) In each area where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed;
(3) At the refuge alternative; and
(4) At a surface location of the mine where miners congregate, such as at the mine bulletin board, bathhouse, or waiting room.
(b) Keeping maps current. All maps shall be kept up-to-date and any change in route of travel, location of doors, location of refuge alternatives, or direction of airflow shall be shown on the maps by the end of the shift on which the change is made.
(c) Informing affected miners. Miners underground on a shift when any such change is made shall be notified immediately of the change and other affected miners shall be informed of the change before entering the underground areas of the mine.
§ 75.1506   Refuge alternatives.
(a) Each operator shall provide refuge alternatives and components as follows:
(1) Prefabricated self-contained units, including the structural, breathable air, air monitoring, and harmful gas removal components of the unit, shall be approved under 30 CFR part 7; and
(2) The structural components of units consisting of 15 psi stoppings constructed prior to an event shall be approved by the District Manager, and the breathable air, air monitoring, and harmful gas removal components of these units shall be approved under 30 CFR part 7.
(3) Prefabricated refuge alternative structures that states have approved and those that MSHA has accepted in approved Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) that are in service prior to March 2, 2009 are permitted until December 31, 2018, or until replaced, whichever comes first. Breathable air, air-monitoring, and harmful gas removal components of either a prefabricated self-contained unit or a unit consisting of 15 psi stoppings constructed prior to an event in a secure space and an isolated atmosphere that states have approved and those that MSHA has accepted in approved ERPs that are in use prior to March 2, 2009 are permitted until December 31, 2013, or until replaced, whichever comes first. Refuge alternatives consisting of materials pre-positioned for miners to deploy in a secure space with an isolated atmosphere that MSHA has accepted in approved ERPs that are in use prior to March 2, 2009 are permitted until December 31, 2010, or until replaced, whichever comes first.
(b) Except as permitted under paragraph (a)(3) of this section, each operator shall provide refuge alternatives with sufficient capacity to accommodate all persons working underground.
(1) Refuge alternatives shall provide at least 15 square feet of floor space per person and 30 to 60 cubic feet of volume per person according to the following chart. The airlock can be included in the space and volume if waste is disposed outside the refuge alternative.
* Includes an adjustment of 12 inches for clearances.
(2) Refuge alternatives for working sections shall accommodate the maximum number of persons that can be expected on or near the section at any time.
(3) Each refuge alternative for outby areas shall accommodate persons reasonably expected to use it.
(c) Refuge alternatives shall be provided at the following locations:
(1) Within 1,000 feet from the nearest working face and from locations where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed except that for underground anthracite coal mines that have no electrical face equipment, refuge alternatives shall be provided if the nearest working face is greater than 2,000 feet from the surface.
(2) Spaced within one-hour travel distances in outby areas where persons work such that persons in outby areas are never more than a 30-minute travel distance from a refuge alternative or safe exit. However, the operator may request and the District Manager may approve a different location in the ERP. The operator's request shall be based on an assessment of the risk to persons in outby areas, considering the following factors: proximity to seals; proximity to potential fire or ignition sources; conditions in the outby areas; location of stored SCSRs; and proximity to the most direct, safe, and practical route to an intake escapeway.
(d) Roof and rib support for refuge alternative locations shall be specified in the mine's roof control plan.
(e) The operator shall protect the refuge alternative and contents from damage during transportation, installation, and storage.
(f) A refuge alternative shall be removed from service if examination reveals damage that interferes with the functioning of the refuge alternative or any component.
(1) If a refuge alternative is removed from service, the operator shall withdraw all persons from the area serviced by the refuge alternative, except those persons referred to in § 104(c) of the Mine Act.
(2) Refuge alternative components removed from service shall be replaced or be repaired for return to service in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(g) At all times, the site and area around the refuge alternative shall be kept clear of machinery, materials, and obstructions that could interfere with the deployment or use of the refuge alternative.
(h) Each refuge alternative shall be conspicuously identified with a sign or marker as follows:
(1) A sign or marker made of a reflective material with the word “REFUGE” shall be posted conspicuously at each refuge alternative.
(2) Directional signs made of a reflective material shall be posted leading to each refuge alternative location.
(i) During use of the refuge alternative, the atmosphere within the refuge alternative shall be monitored. Changes or adjustments shall be made to reduce the concentration of methane to less than 1 percent; to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide to 1 percent or less and excursions not exceeding 2.5 percent; and to reduce the concentration of carbon monoxide to 25 ppm or less. Oxygen shall be maintained at 18.5 to 23 percent.
(j) Refuge alternatives shall contain a fire extinguisher that—
(1) Meets the requirements for portable fire extinguishers used in underground coal mines under this part;
(2) Is appropriate for extinguishing fires involving the chemicals used for harmful gas removal; and
(3) Uses a low-toxicity extinguishing agent that does not produce a hazardous by-product when activated.
§ 75.1507   Emergency Response Plan; refuge alternatives.
(a) The Emergency Response Plan (ERP) shall include the following for each refuge alternative and component:
(1) The types of refuge alternatives used in the mine, i.e. , a prefabricated self-contained unit or a unit consisting of 15 psi stoppings constructed prior to an event in a secure space and an isolated atmosphere.
(2) Procedures or methods for maintaining approved refuge alternatives and components.
(3) The rated capacity of each refuge alternative, the number of persons expected to use each refuge alternative, and the duration of breathable air provided per person by the approved breathable air component of each refuge alternative.
(4) The methods for providing breathable air with sufficient detail of the component's capability to provide breathable air over the duration stated in the approval.
(5) The methods for providing ready backup oxygen controls and regulators.
(6) The methods for providing an airlock and for providing breathable air in the airlock, except where adequate positive pressure is maintained.
(7) The methods for providing sanitation facilities.
(8) The methods for harmful gas removal, if necessary.
(9) The methods for monitoring gas concentrations, including charging and calibration of equipment.
(10) The method for providing lighting sufficient for persons to perform tasks.
(11) Suitable locations for the refuge alternatives and an affirmative statement that the locations are—
(i) Not within direct line of sight of the working face; and
(ii) Where feasible, not placed in areas directly across from, nor closer than 500 feet radially from, belt drives, take-ups, transfer points, air compressors, explosive magazines, seals, entrances to abandoned areas, and fuel, oil, or other flammable or combustible material storage. However, the operator may request and the District Manager may approve an alternative location in the ERP if mining involves two-entry systems or yield pillars in a longwall that would prohibit locating the refuge alternative out of direct line of sight of the working face.
(12) The maximum mine air temperature at each of the locations where refuge alternatives are to be placed.
(b) For a refuge alternative consisting of 15 psi stoppings constructed prior to an event in a secure space and an isolated atmosphere, the ERP shall specify that—
(1) The breathable air components shall be approved by MSHA; and
(2) The refuge alternative can withstand exposure to a flash fire of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) for 3 seconds and a pressure wave of 15 pounds per square inch (psi) overpressure for 0.2 seconds.
(c) If the refuge alternative sustains persons for only 48 hours, the ERP shall detail advanced arrangements that have been made to assure that persons who cannot be rescued within 48 hours will receive additional supplies to sustain them until rescue. Advance arrangements shall include the following:
(1) Pre-surveyed areas for refuge alternatives with closure errors of less than 20,000:1.
(2) An analysis to demonstrate that the surface terrain, the strata, the capabilities of the drill rig, and all other factors that could affect drilling are such that a hole sufficient to provide required supplies and materials reliably can be promptly drilled within 48 hours of an accident at a mine.
(3) Permissions to cross properties, build roads, and construct drill sites.
(4) Arrangement with a drilling contractor or other supplier of drilling services to provide a suitable drilling rig, personnel and support so that a hole can be completed to the refuge alternative within 48 hours.
(5) Capability to promptly transport a drill rig to a pre-surveyed location such that a drilled hole would be completed and located near a refuge alternative structure within 48 hours of an accident at a mine.
(6) The specifications of pipes, air lines, and approved fans or approved compressors that will be used.
(7) A method for assuring that within 48 hours, breathable air shall be provided.
(8) A method for assuring the immediate availability of a backup source for supplying breathable air and a backup power source for surface installations.
(d) The ERP shall specify that the refuge alternative is stocked with the following:
(1) A minimum of 2,000 calories of food and 2.25 quarts of potable water per person per day in approved containers sufficient to sustain the maximum number of persons reasonably expected to use the refuge alternative for at least 96 hours, or for 48 hours if advance arrangements are made under paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) A manual that contains sufficient detail for each refuge alternative or component addressing in-mine transportation, operation, and maintenance of the unit;
(3) Sufficient quantities of materials and tools to repair components; and
(4) First aid supplies.
§ 75.1508   Training and records for examination, maintenance and repair of refuge alternatives and components.
(a) Persons examining, maintaining, or repairing refuge alternatives and components shall be instructed in how to perform this work.
(1) The operator shall assure that all persons assigned to examine, maintain, and repair refuge alternatives and components are trained.
(2) The mine operator shall certify, by signature and date, the training of persons who examine, maintain, and repair refuge alternatives and components.
(b) At the completion of each repair, the person conducting the maintenance or repair shall make a record of all corrective action taken.
(c) Training certifications and repair records shall be kept at the mine for one year.
§ 75.1600   Communications.
Telephone service or equivalent two-way communication facilities, approved by the Secretary or his authorized representative, shall be provided between the surface and each landing of main shafts and slopes and between the surface and each working section of any coal mine that is more than 100 feet from a portal.
§ 75.1600-1   Communication facilities; main portals; installation requirements.
A telephone or equivalent two-way communication facility shall be located on the surface within 500 feet of all main portals, and shall be installed either in a building or in a box-like structure designed to protect the facilities from damage by inclement weather. At least one of these communication facilities shall be at a location where a responsible person who is always on duty when men are underground can hear the facility and respond immediately in the event of an emergency.
§ 75.1600-2   Communication facilities; working sections; installation and maintenance requirements; audible or visual alarms.
(a) Telephones or equivalent two-way communication facilities provided at each working section shall be located not more than 500 feet outby the last open crosscut and not more than 800 feet from the farthest point of penetration of the working places on such section.
(b) The incoming communication signal shall activate an audible alarm, distinguishable from the surrounding noise level, or a visual alarm that can be seen by a miner regularly employed on the working section.
(c) If a communication system other than telephones is used and its operation depends entirely upon power from the mine electric system, means shall be provided to permit continued communication in the event the mine electric power fails or is cut off; provided, however, that where trolley phones and telephones are both used, an alternate source of power for the trolley phone system is not required.
(d) Trolley phones connected to the trolley wire shall be grounded in accordance with Subpart H of this part.
(e) Telephones or equivalent two-way communication facilities shall be maintained in good operating condition at all times. In the event of any failure in the system that results in loss of communication, repairs shall be started immediately, and the system restored to operating condition as soon as possible.
§ 75.1600-3   Communications facilities; refuge alternatives.
(a) Refuge alternatives shall be provided with a communications system that consists of—
(1) A two-way communication facility that is a part of the mine communication system, which can be used from inside the refuge alternative; and
(2) An additional communication system and other requirements as defined in the communications portion of the operator's approved Emergency Response Plan.
§ 75.1700   Oil and gas wells.
Each operator of a coal mine shall take reasonable measures to locate oil and gas wells penetrating coalbeds or any underground area of a coal mine. When located, such operator shall establish and maintain barriers around such oil and gas wells in accordance with State laws and regulations, except that such barriers shall not be less than 300 feet in diameter, unless the Secretary or his authorized representative permits a lesser barrier consistent with the applicable State laws and regulations where such lesser barrier will be adequate to protect against hazards from such wells to the miners in such mine, or unless the Secretary or his authorized representative requires a greater barrier where the depth of the mine, other geologic conditions, or other factors warrant such a greater barrier.
§ 75.1702   Smoking; prohibition.
No person shall smoke, carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters underground, or smoke in or around oil houses, explosives magazines, or other surface areas where such practice may cause a fire or explosion. The operator shall institute a program, approved by the Secretary, to insure that any person entering the underground area of the mine does not carry smoking materials, matches, or lighters.
§ 75.1702-1   Smoking programs.
Programs required under § 75.1702 shall be submitted to the Coal Mine Safety District Manager for approval on or before May 30, 1970.
§ 75.1703   Portable electric lamps.
Persons underground shall use only permissible electric lamps approved by the Secretary for portable illumination. No open flame shall be permitted in the underground area of any coal mine, except as permitted under § 75.1106.
§ 75.1703-1   Permissible lamps.
Lamps approved by the Bureau of Mines or the Mine Safety and Health Administration under Part 19 or Part 20 of this chapter (Bureau of Mines Schedule 6D and Schedule 10C) are approved lamps for the purposes of § 75.1703.
§ 75.1707-1   New working section.
The term “new working section” as used in § 75.1707 means any extension of the belt or trolley haulage system in main, cross, and room entries necessary for the development of the mine on and after March 30, 1970. Room entries being developed as of March 30, 1970, with certified stop line limitations as shown on the mine map and retreating panels shall not be considered as new working sections.
§ 75.1708   Surface structures, fireproofing.
After March 30, 1970, all structures erected on the surface within 100 feet of any mine opening shall be of fireproof construction. Unless structures existing on or prior to such date which are located within 100 feet of any mine opening are of such construction, fire doors shall be erected at effective points in mine openings to prevent smoke or fire from outside sources endangering miners underground. These doors shall be tested at least monthly to insure effective operation. A record of such tests shall be kept in an area on the surface of the mine chosen by the operator to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard and shall be available for inspection by interested persons.
§ 75.1708-1   Surface structures; fireproof construction.
Structures of fireproof construction is interpreted to mean structures with fireproof exterior surfaces.
§ 75.1709   Accumulations of methane and coal dust on surface coal-handling facilities.
Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent methane and coal dust from accumulating in excessive concentrations in or on surface coal-handling facilities, but in no event shall methane be permitted to accumulate in concentrations in or on surface coal-handling facilities in excess of limits established for methane by the Secretary on and after March 30, 1971. Where coal is dumped at or near air-intake openings, provisions shall be made to avoid dust from entering the mine.
§ 75.1710   Canopies or cabs; diesel-powered and electric face equipment.
In any coal mine where the height of the coalbed permits, an authorized representative of the Secretary may require that diesel-powered and electric face equipment, including shuttle cars, be provided with substantially constructed canopies or cabs to protect the miners operating such equipment from roof falls and from rib and face rolls.
§ 75.1710-1   Canopies or cabs; self-propelled diesel-powered and electric face equipment; installation requirements.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, all self-propelled diesel-powered and electric face equipment, including shuttle cars, which is employed in the active workings of each underground coal mine on and after January 1, 1973, shall, in accordance with the schedule of time specified in paragraphs (a) (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) of this section, be equipped with substantially constructed canopies or cabs, located and installed in such a manner that when the operator is at the operating controls of such equipment he shall be protected from falls of roof, face, or rib, or from rib and face rolls. The requirements of this paragraph (a) shall be met as follows:
(1) On and after January 1, 1974, in coal mines having mining heights of 72 inches or more;
(2) On and after July 1, 1974, in coal mines having mining heights of 60 inches or more, but less than 72 inches;
(3) On and after January 1, 1975, in coal mines having mining heights of 48 inches or more, but less than 60 inches;
(4) On and after July 1, 1975, in coal mines having mining heights of 36 inches or more, but less than 48 inches;
(5)(i) On and after January 1, 1976, in coal mines having mining heights of 30 inches or more, but less than 36 inches,
(ii) On and after July 1, 1977, in coal mines having mining heights of 24 inches or more, but less than 30 inches, and
(6) On and after July 1, 1978, in coal mines having mining heights of less than 24 inches.
(b)(1) For purposes of this section, a canopy means a structure which provides overhead protection against falls of roof.
(2) For purposes of this section, a cab means a structure which provides overhead and lateral protection against falls of roof, rib, and face, or rib and face rolls.
(c) In determining whether to install substantially constructed canopies as opposed to substantially constructed cabs, the operator shall consider and take into account the following factors:
(1) The mining method used;
(2) Physical limitations, including but not limited to the dip of the coalbed, and roof, rib, and face conditions;
(3) Previous accident experience, if any, caused by falls of roof, rib, and face, or rib and face rolls;
(4) Overhead protection, such as that afforded by a substantially constructed canopy, against falls of roof will always be required; and
(5) Lateral protection, such as that afforded by a substantially constructed cab, may also be necessary where the occurrence of falls of rib and face, or rib and face rolls is likely.
(d) For purposes of this section, a canopy or cab will be considered to be substantially constructed if a registered engineer certifies that such canopy or cab has the minimum structural capacity to support elastically:
(1) A dead weight load of 18,000 pounds, or
(2) 15 p.s.i. distributed uniformly over the plan view area of the structure, whichever is lesser.
(e) Evidence of the certification required by paragraph (d) of this section shall be furnished by attaching a plate, label, or other appropriate marking to the canopy or cab for which certification has been made, stating that such canopy or cab meets the minimum requirements for structural capacity set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. Written evidence of such certification shall also be retained by the operator, and shall be made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary upon request. Written evidence of certification may consist of the report of the registered engineer who certified the canopy or cab, or of information from the manufacturer of the canopy or cab stating that a registered engineer has certified that the canopy or cab meets the minimum requirements for structural capacity set forth in paragraph (d) of this section.
(f) An operator may apply to the Director of Technical Support, Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202-5452, for approval of the installation of devices to be used in lieu of substantially constructed canopies or cabs on self-propelled diesel-powered and electric face equipment. The Director of Technical Support may approve such devices if he determines that the use thereof will afford the equipment operator no less than the same measure of protection from falls of roof, face, or rib, or from rib and face rolls as would a substantially constructed canopy or cab meeting the requirements of this section.
§ 75.1711   Sealing of mines.
On or after March 30, 1970, the opening of any coal mine that is declared inactive by the operator, or is permanently closed, or abandoned for more than 90 days, shall be sealed by the operator in a manner prescribed by the Secretary. Openings of all other mines shall be adequately protected in a manner prescribed by the Secretary to prevent entrance by unauthorized persons.
§ 75.1711-1   Sealing of shaft openings.
Shaft openings required to be sealed under § 75.1711 shall be effectively capped or filled. Filling shall be for the entire depth of the shaft and, for the first 50 feet from the bottom of the coalbed, the fill shall consist of incombustible material. Caps consisting of a 6-inch thick concrete cap or other equivalent means may be used for sealing. Caps shall be equipped with a vent pipe at least 2 inches in diameter extending for a distance of at least 15 feet above the surface of the shaft.
§ 75.1711-2   Sealing of slope or drift openings.
Slope or drift openings required to be sealed under § 75.1711 shall be sealed with solid, substantial, incombustible material, such as concrete blocks, bricks or tile, or shall be completely filled with incombustible material for a distance of at least 25 feet into such openings.
§ 75.1711-3   Openings of active mines.
The openings of all mines not declared by the operator, to be inactive, permanently closed, or abandoned for less than 90 days shall be adequately fenced or posted with conspicuous signs prohibiting the entrance of unauthorized persons.
§ 75.1712   Bath houses and toilet facilities.
The Secretary may require any operator to provide adequate facilities for the miners to change from the clothes worn underground, to provide for the storing of such clothes from shift to shift, and to provide sanitary and bathing facilities. Sanitary toilet facilities shall be provided in the active workings of the mine when such surface facilities are not readily accessible to the active workings.
§ 75.1712-1   Availability of surface bathing facilities; change rooms; and sanitary facilities.
Except where a waiver has been granted pursuant to the provisions of § 75.1712-4, each operator of an underground coal mine shall on and after December 30, 1970, provide bathing facilities, clothing change rooms, and sanitary facilities, as hereinafter prescribed, for the use of the miners at the mine.
§ 75.1712-2   Location of surface facilities.
Bathhouses, change rooms, and sanitary toilet facilities shall be in a location convenient for the use of the miners. Where such facilities are designed to serve more than one mine, they shall be centrally located so as to be as convenient for the use of the miners in all the mines served by such facilities.
§ 75.1712-3   Minimum requirements of surface bathing facilities, change rooms, and sanitary toilet facilities.
(a) All bathing facilities, change rooms, and sanitary toilet facilities shall be provided with adequate light, heat, and ventilation so as to maintain a comfortable air temperature and to minimize the accumulation of moisture and odors, and such facilities shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.
(b) Bathing facilities, change rooms, and sanitary toilet facilities shall be constructed and equipped so as to comply with applicable State and local building codes: Provided, however, That where no State or local building codes apply to such facilities, or where no State or local building codes exist, such facilities shall be constructed and equipped so as to meet the minimum construction requirements of the National Building Code; and the minimum plumbing requirements of the U.S.A. Standard Plumbing Code, ASA A40.8-1955.
(c) In addition to the minimum requirements specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this § 75.1712-3, facilities maintained in accordance with § 75.1712-1 shall include the following:
(1) Bathing facilities. (i) Showers shall be provided with both hot and cold water.
(ii) At least one shower head shall be provided where five or less miners use such showers.
(iii) Where five or more miners use such showers, sufficient showers shall be furnished to provide approximately one shower head for each five miners.
(iv) A suitable cleansing agent shall be provided for use at each shower.
(2) Sanitary toilet facilities. (i) At least one sanitary flush toilet shall be provided where 10 or less miners use such facilities.
(ii) Where 10 or more miners use such sanitary toilet facilities, sufficient toilets shall be furnished to provide approximately one sanitary flush toilet for each 10 miners.
(iii) Where 30 or more miners use sanitary toilet facilities, one urinal may be substituted for one sanitary flush toilet, however, where such substitutions are made they shall not reduce the number of toilets below a ratio of two toilets to one urinal.
(iv) An adequate supply of toilet paper shall be provided with each toilet.
(v) Adequate handwashing facilities or hand lavatories shall be provided in or adjacent to each toilet facility.
(3) Change rooms. (i) Individual clothes storage containers or lockers shall be provided for storage of miners clothing and other incidental personal belongings during and between shifts.
(ii) Change rooms shall be provided with ample space to permit the use of such facilities by all miners changing clothes prior to and after each shift.
§ 75.1712-4   Waiver of surface facilities requirements.
The Coal Mine Safety District Manager for the district in which the mine is located may, upon written application by the operator, waive any or all of the requirements of §§ 75.1712-1 through 75.1712-3 if he determines that the operator of the mine cannot or need not meet any part or all of such requirements, and, upon issuance of such waiver, he shall set forth the facilities which will not be required and the specific reason or reasons for such waiver.
§ 75.1712-5   Application for waiver of surface facilities.
Applications for waivers of the requirements of §§ 75.1712-1 through 75.1712-3 shall be filed with the Coal Mine Safety District Manager and shall contain the following information:
(a) The name and address of the mine operator;
(b) The name and location of the mine;
(c) A statement explaining why, in the opinion of the operator, the installation or maintenance of the facilities is impractical or unnecessary.
§ 75.1712-6   Underground sanitary facilities; installation and maintenance.
(a) Except as provided in § 75.1712-7, each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide and maintain one sanitary toilet in a dry location under protected roof, within 500 feet of each working place in the mine where miners are regularly employed during the mining cycle. A single sanitary toilet may serve two or more working places in the same mine, if it is located within 500 feet of each such working place.
(b) Sanitary toilets shall have an attached toilet seat with a hinged lid and a toilet paper holder together with an adequate supply of toilet tissue, except that a toilet paper holder is not required for an unenclosed toilet facility.
(c) Only flush or nonflush chemical or biological toilets, sealed bag toilets, and vault toilets meet the requirements of this section. Privies and combustion or incinerating toilets are prohibited underground.
§ 75.1712-7   Underground sanitary facilities; waiver of requirements.
If it has been determined by the Coal Mine Safety District Manager for the district in which the mine is located that sanitary toilets cannot be provided and maintained within 500 feet of a working place because of the thickness of the coal seam or because of any other physical restriction in the underground workings, he may, upon written application by the operator, waive the location requirements for underground sanitary facilities with respect to such working place.
§ 75.1712-8   Application for waiver of location requirements for underground sanitary facilities.
Applications for waivers of the location requirements of § 75.1712-6 shall be filed with the Coal Mine Safety District Manager and shall contain the following information:
(a) The name and address of the mine operator;
(b) The name and location of the mine;
(c) The thickness of the coal seam in each working place in the mine for which a waiver is requested; and
(d) Other physical restrictions in the mine (for example, poor roof conditions, excessive water, timbering, etc.).
§ 75.1712-9   Issuance of waivers.
Following the receipt of an application submitted in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1712-8, the Coal Mine Safety District Manager shall, if he determines that the operator cannot meet the location requirements of § 75.1712-6 with respect to any or all of the working places in the mine because of the coal seam thickness or because of other physical restriction, issue a waiver of the requirements of this section and designate an alternative site for installation of such facilities. The waiver issued shall specify each working place to which it shall apply, set forth the reasons for such waiver, and the reasons for designation of the alternative site.
§ 75.1712-10   Underground sanitary facilities; maintenance.
Sanitary toilets shall be regularly maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Holding tanks shall be serviced and cleaned when full and in no case less than once each week by draining or pumping or by removing them to the surface for cleaning or recharging. Transfer tanks and transfer equipment used underground shall be equipped with suitable fittings to permit complete drainage of holding tanks without spillage and allow for the sanitary transportation of wastes to the surface. Waste shall be disposed of on the surface in accordance with State and local laws and regulations.
§ 75.1713   Emergency medical assistance; first-aid.
Each operator shall make arrangements in advance for obtaining emergency medical assistance and transportation for injured persons. Emergency communications shall be provided to the nearest point of assistance. Selected agents of the operator shall be trained in first-aid and first-aid training shall be made available to all miners. Each coal mine shall have an adequate supply of first-aid equipment located on the surface, at the bottom of shafts and slopes, and at other strategic locations near the working faces. In fulfilling each of the requirements of this section, the operator shall meet at least minimum requirements prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
§ 75.1713-1   Arrangements for emergency medical assistance and transportation for injured persons; agreements; reporting requirements; posting requirements.
(a) Each operator of an underground coal mine shall make arrangements with a licensed physician, medical service, medical clinic, or hospital to provide 24-hour emergency medical assistance for any person injured at the mine.
(b) Each operator of an underground coal mine shall make arrangements with an ambulance service, or otherwise provide, for 24-hour emergency transportation for any person injured at the mine.
(c) Each operator shall, on or before December 30, 1970, report to the District Manager for the district in which the mine is located the name, title and address of the physician, medical service, medical clinic, hospital or ambulance service with whom arrangements have been made, or otherwise provided, in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this § 75.1713-1.
(d) Each operator shall, within 10 days after any change of the arrangements required to be reported under the provisions of this § 75.1713-1, report such changes to the District Manager. If such changes involve a substitution of persons, the operator shall provide the name, title, and address of the person substituted together with the name and address of the medical service, medical clinic, hospital, or ambulance service with which such person or persons are associated.
(e) Each operator shall, immediately after making an arrangement required under the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this § 75.1713-1, or immediately after any change of such arrangement, post at appropriate places at the mine the names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons or services currently available under such arrangements to provide medical assistance and transportation at the mine.
§ 75.1713-2   Emergency communications; requirements.
(a) Each operator of an underground coal mine shall establish and maintain a communication system from the mine to the nearest point of medical assistance for use in an emergency.
(b) The emergency communication system required to be maintained under paragraph (a) of this § 75.1713-2 may be established by telephone or radio transmission or by any other means of prompt communication to any facility (for example, the local sheriff, the State highway patrol, or local hospital) which has available the means of communication with the person or persons providing emergency medical assistance or transportation in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1713-1.
§ 75.1713-3   First-Aid training; supervisory employees.
The mine operator shall conduct first-aid training courses for selected supervisory employees at the mine. Within 60 days after the selection of a new supervisory employee to be so trained, the mine operator shall certify by signature and date the name of the employee and date on which the employee satisfactorily completed the first-aid training course. The certification shall be kept at the mine and made available on request to an authorized representative of the Secretary.
§ 75.1713-4   First-aid training program; availability of instruction to all miners.
On or before June 30, 1971, each operator of an underground coal mine shall make available to all miners employed in the mine a course of instruction in first-aid conducted by the operator or under the auspices of the operator, and such a course of instruction shall be made available to newly employed miners within 6 months after the date of employment.
§ 75.1713-5   First-aid training program; retraining of supervisory employees; availability to all miners.
Beginning January 1, 1971, each operator of an underground coal mine shall conduct refresher first-aid training courses each calendar year for all selected supervisory employees, and make available refresher first-aid training courses to all miners employed in the mine.
§ 75.1713-6   First-aid training program; minimum requirements.
(a) All first-aid training programs required under the provisions of §§ 75.1713-3 and 75.1713-4 shall include 10 class hours of training in a course of instruction similar to that outlined in “First Aid, A Bureau of Mines Instruction Manual.”
(b) Refresher first-aid training programs required under the provisions of § 75.1713-5 shall include five class hours of refresher training in a course of instruction similar to that outlined in “First Aid, A Bureau of Mines Instruction Manual.”
§ 75.1713-7   First-aid equipment; location; minimum requirements.
(a) Each operator of an underground coal mine shall maintain a supply of the first-aid equipment set forth in paragraph (b) of this § 75.1713-7 at each of the following locations:
(1) At the mine dispatcher's office or other appropriate work area on the surface in close proximity to the mine entry;
(2) At the bottom of each regularly traveled slope or shaft; however, where the bottom of such slope or shaft is not more than 1,000 feet from the surface, such first-aid supplies may be maintained on the surface at the entrance to the mine; and
(3) At a point in each working section not more than 500 feet outby the active working face or faces.
(b) The first-aid equipment required to be maintained under the provisions of paragraph (a) of this § 75.1713-7 shall include at least the following:
(1) One stretcher;
(2) One broken-back board. (If a splint stretcher combination is used it will satisfy the requirements of both (1) and (2)).
(3) 24 triangular bandages (15 if a splint-stretcher combination is used).
(4) Eight 4-inch bandage compresses;
(5) Eight 2-inch bandage compresses.
(6) Twelve 1-inch adhesive compresses;
(7) One foille;
(8) Two cloth blankets:
(9) One rubber blanket or equivalent substitute.
(10) Two tourniquets;
(11) One 1-ounce bottle of aromatic spirits of ammonia or 1 dozen ammonia ampules.
(12) The necessary complements of arm and leg splints or two each inflatable plastic arm and leg splints.
(c) All first-aid supplies required to be maintained under the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this § 75.1713-7 shall be stored in suitable, sanitary, dust tight, moisture proof containers and such supplies shall be accessible to the miners.
§ 75.1714   Availability of approved self-rescue devices; instruction in use and location.
(a) Each operator shall make available to each miner who goes underground, and to visitors authorized to enter the mine by the operator, an approved self-rescue device or devices which is adequate to protect such person for 1 hour or longer.
(b) Before any person authorized by the operator goes underground, the operator shall instruct and train such person in accordance with provisions set forth in 30 CFR part 48.
§ 75.1714-1   Approved self-rescue devices.
The requirements of § 75.1714 shall be met by making available to each person referred to in that section a self-rescue device or devices, which have been approved by MSHA and NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84, as follows:
(a) A 1-hour SCSR;
(b) A SCSR of not less than 10 minutes and a 1-hour canister; or
(c) Any other self-contained breathing apparatus which provides protection for a period of 1 hour or longer and which is approved for use by MSHA as a self-rescue device when used and maintained as prescribed by MSHA.
§ 75.1714-2   Self-rescue devices; use and location requirements.
(a) Self-rescue devices shall be used and located as prescribed in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), (d), (e), or (f) of this section, self-rescue devices shall be worn or carried at all times by each person when underground.
(c) Where the wearing or carrying of the self-rescue device is hazardous to the person, it shall be placed in a readily accessible location no greater than 25 feet from such person.
(d) Where a person works on or around equipment, the self-rescue device may be placed in a readily accessible location on such equipment.
(e) A mine operator may apply to the District Manager under § 75.1502 for permission to place the SCSR more than 25 feet away.
(1) The District Manager shall consider the following factors in deciding whether to permit an operator to place a SCSR more than 25 feet from a miner:
(i) Distance from affected sections to surface,
(ii) Pitch of seam in affected sections,
(iii) Height of coal seam in affected sections,
(iv) Location of escapeways,
(v) Proposed location of SCSRs,
(vi) Type of work performed by affected miners,
(vii) Degree of risk to which affected miners are exposed,
(viii) Potential for breaking into oxygen deficient atmospheres,
(ix) Type of risk to which affected miners are exposed,
(x) Accident history of mine, and
(xi) Other matters bearing upon the safety of miners.
(2) Such application shall not be approved by the District Manager unless it provides that, while underground, all miners whose SCSR is more than 25 feet away shall have a FSR approved by MSHA and NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 sufficient to enable each miner to get to a SCSR.
(3) An operator may not obtain permission under paragraph (e) of this section to place SCSRs more than 25 feet away from miners on trips into and out of the mine.
(f) If an SCSR is not carried out of the mine at the end of a miner's shift, the place of storage shall be approved by the District Manager. A sign made of reflective material with the word “SCSRs” or “SELF-RESCUERS” shall be conspicuously posted at each SCSR storage location. Direction signs made of a reflective material shall be posted leading to each storage location.
(g) Where devices of not less than 10 minutes and 1 hour are made available in accordance with § 75.1714-1(b), such devices shall be used and located as follows:
(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section, the device of not less than 10 minutes shall be worn or carried at all times by each person when underground, and
(2) The one-hour canister shall be available at all times to all persons when underground in accordance with a plan submitted by the mine operator and approved by the District Manager. When the one-hour canister is placed in a storage location, a sign made of a reflective material with the word “SCSRs” or “SELF-RESCUERS” shall be conspicuously posted at each storage location. Direction signs made of a reflective material shall be posted leading to each storage location.
§ 75.1714-3   Self-rescue devices; inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, and recordkeeping.
(a) Each operator shall provide for proper inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of self-rescue devices by a person trained to perform such functions.
(b) After each time a self-rescue device is worn or carried by a person, the device shall be inspected for damage and for the integrity of its seal by a person trained to perform this function. Self-rescue devices with broken seals or which are damaged so that the device will not function properly shall be removed from service.
(c) All FSRs approved by MSHA and NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84, except devices using vacuum containers as the only method of sealing, shall be tested at intervals not exceeding 90 days by weighing each device on a scale or balance accurate to within + 1 gram. A device that weighs more than 10 grams over its original weight shall be removed from service.
(d) All SCSRs approved by MSHA and NIOSH under 42 CFR part 84 shall be tested in accordance with instructions approved by MSHA and NIOSH. Any device which does not meet the specified test requirements shall be removed from service.
(e) At the completion of each test required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section the person making the tests shall certify by signature and date that the tests were done. This person shall make a record of all corrective action taken. Certifications and records shall be kept at the mine and made available on request to an authorized representative of the Secretary.
(f) Self-rescue devices removed from service shall be repaired for return to service only by a person trained to perform such work and only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
§ 75.1714-4   Additional self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs).
(a) Additional SCSRs in work places. In addition to the requirements in §§ 75.1714, 75.1714-1, 75.1714-2, and 75.1714-3 of this part, the mine operator shall provide the following:
(1) At least one additional SCSR, which provides protection for a period of one hour or longer, for each person at a fixed underground work location.
(2) Additional SCSRs along the normal travel routes for pumpers, examiners, and other persons who do not have a fixed work location to be stored at a distance an average miner could walk in 30 minutes. The SCSR storage locations shall be determined by using one of the methods found under paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(b) Additional SCSRs on mantrips. If a mantrip or mobile equipment is used to enter or exit the mine, at least one additional SCSR, which provides protection for a period of one hour or longer, shall be available for each person who uses such transportation from portal to portal.
(c) Additional SCSRs in escapeways. When each person underground cannot safely evacuate the mine within 30 minutes, the mine operator shall provide additional SCSRs stored in each required escapeway.
(1) Each storage location shall contain at least one SCSR, which provides protection for a period of one hour or longer, for every person who will be inby that location.
(2) Storage locations shall be spaced along each escapeway at 30-minute travel distances no greater than the distances determined by—
(i) Calculating the distance an average miner walks in 30 minutes by using the time necessary for each miner in a sample of typical miners to walk a typical length of each escapeway; or
(ii) Using the SCSR storage location spacing specified in the following table, except for escapeways with grades over 5 percent.
(d) Additional SCSRs in hardened rooms. As an alternative to providing SCSR storage locations in each escapeway, the mine operator may store SCSRs in a hardened room located between adjacent escapeways.
(1) The hardened room shall be designed and constructed to the same explosion force criteria as seals.
(2) The hardened room shall include a means to provide independent, positive pressure ventilation from the surface during an emergency.
(3) The District Manager shall approve the design and construction of hardened rooms in the ventilation plan.
(4) These SCSR storage locations shall be spaced in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(e) Storage location accessibility. All SCSRs required under this section shall be stored according to the manufacturers' instructions, in conspicuous locations readily accessible by each person in the mine.
(f) Storage location signs. A sign made of reflective material with the words “SCSRs” or “SELF-RESCUERS” shall be conspicuously posted at each storage location. Direction signs made of a reflective material shall be posted leading to each storage location.
§ 75.1714-5   Map locations of self-contained self-rescuers (SCSR).
The mine operator shall indicate the locations of all stored SCSRs on the mine maps required by §§ 75.1200 and 75.1505 of this part.
§ 75.1714-6   Emergency tethers.
At least one tether, which is a durable rope or equivalent material designed to permit members of a mine crew to link together while evacuating the mine during an emergency, shall be provided and stored with the additional SCSRs on the fixed work location and on the mobile equipment required in §§ 75.1714-4(a)(1) and (b) of this part.
§ 75.1714-7   Multi-gas detectors.
(a) Availability. A mine operator shall provide an MSHA-approved, handheld, multi-gas detector that can measure methane, oxygen, and carbon monoxide to each group of underground miners and to each person who works alone, such as pumpers, examiners, and outby miners.
(b) Qualified person. At least one person in each group of underground miners shall be a qualified person under § 75.150 of this part and each person who works alone shall be trained to use the multi-gas detector.
(c) Maintenance and calibration. Multi-gas detectors shall be maintained and calibrated as specified in § 75.320 of this part.
§ 75.1714-8   Reporting SCSR inventory and malfunctions; retention of SCSRs.
(a) SCSR inventory. A mine operator shall submit to MSHA a complete inventory of all SCSRs at each mine. New mines shall submit the inventory within 3 months of beginning operation.
(1) The inventory shall include—
(i) Mine name, MSHA mine ID number, and mine location; and
(ii) For each SCSR unit, the manufacturer, the model type, the date of manufacture, and the serial number.
(2) In the event that a change in the inventory occurs, a mine operator shall report the change to MSHA within the quarter that the change occurs (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec).
(b) Reporting SCSR problems. A mine operator shall report to MSHA any defect, performance problem, or malfunction with the use of an SCSR. The report shall include a detailed description of the problem and, for each SCSR involved, the information required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(c) Retention of problem SCSRs. The mine operator shall preserve and retain each SCSR reported under paragraph (b) of this section for 60 days after reporting the problem to MSHA.
§ 75.1715   Identification check system.
Each operator of a coal mine shall establish a check-in and check-out system which will provide positive identification of every person underground, and will provide an accurate record of the persons in the mine kept on the surface in a place chosen to minimize the danger of destruction by fire or other hazard. Such record shall bear a number identical to an identification check that is securely fastened to the lamp belt worn by the person underground. The identification check shall be made of a rust resistant metal of not less than 16 gauge.
§ 75.1716   Operations under water.
Whenever an operator mines coal from a coal mine opened after March 30, 1970, or from any new working section of a mine opened prior to such date, in a manner that requires the construction, operation, and maintenance of tunnels under any river, stream, lake, or other body of water, that is, in the judgment of the Secretary, sufficiently large to constitute a hazard to miners, such operator shall obtain a permit from the Secretary which shall include such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate to protect the safety of miners working or passing through such tunnels from caveins and other hazards. Such permits shall require, in accordance with a plan to be approved by the Secretary, that a safety zone be established beneath and adjacent to such body of water. No plan shall be approved unless there is a minimum of cover to be determined by the Secretary, based on test holes drilled by the operator in a manner to be prescribed by the Secretary. No such permit shall be required in the case of any new working section of a mine which is located under any water resource reservoir being constructed by a Federal agency on December 30, 1969, the operator of which is required by such agency to operate in a manner that protects the safety of miners working in such section from cave-ins and other hazards.
§ 75.1716-1   Operations under water; notification by operator.
An operator planning to mine coal from coal mines opened after March 30, 1970, or from working sections in mines opened prior to such date, and in such manner that mining operations will be conducted, or tunnels constructed, under any river, stream, lake, or other body of water, shall give notice to the Coal Mine Safety District Manager in the district in which the mine is located prior to the commencement of such mining operations.
§ 75.1716-2   Permit required.
If in the judgment of the Coal Mine Safety District Manager the proposed mining operations referred to in § 75.1716-1 constitute a hazard to miners, he shall promptly so notify the operator that a permit is required.
§ 75.1716-3   Applications for permits.
An application for a permit required under this section shall be filed with the Coal Mine Safety District Manager and shall contain the following general information:
(a) Name and address of the company.
(b) Name and address of the mine.
(c) Projected mining and ground support plans.
(d) A mine map showing the locations of the river, stream, lake, or other body of water and its relation to the location of all working places.
(e) A profile map showing the type of strata and the distance in elevation between the coal bed and the river, stream, lake or other body of water involved. The type of strata shall be determined by core test drill holes as prescribed by the Coal Mine Safety District Manager.
§ 75.1716-4   Issuance of permits.
If the Coal Mine Safety District Manager determines that the proposed mining operations under water can be safely conducted, he shall issue a permit for the conduct of such operations under such conditions as he deems necessary to protect the safety of miners engaged in those operations.
§ 75.1717   Exemptions.
No notice under § 75.1716-1 and no permit under § 75.1716-2 shall be required in the case of any new working section of a mine which is located under any water resource reservoir being constructed by a Federal agency as of December 30, 1969, and where the operator is required by such agency to operate in a manner that adequately protects the safety of miners.
§ 75.1718   Drinking water.
An adequate supply of potable water shall be provided for drinking purposes in the active workings of the mine, and such water shall be carried, stored, and otherwise protected in sanitary containers.
§ 75.1718-1   Drinking water; quality.
(a) Potable water provided in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1718 shall meet the applicable minimum health requirements for drinking water established by the State or community in which the mine is located.
(b) Where no state or local health requirements apply to drinking water or where no state or local minimum health requirements exist, drinking water provided in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1718 shall contain a minimum of 0.2 milligrams of free chlorine per liter of water.
§ 75.1719   Illumination; purpose and scope of §§ 75.1719 through 75.1719-4; time for compliance.
(a) Section 317(e) of the Act (30 U.S.C. 877(e)) directs and authorizes the Secretary to propose and promulgate standards under which all working places in a mine shall be illuminated by permissible lighting while persons are working in such places §§ 75.1719 through 75.1719-4 prescribe the requirements for illumination of working places in underground coal mines while persons are working in such places and while self-propelled mining equipment is operated in the working place.
(b) Mine operators shall comply with §§ 75.1719 through 75.1719-4 not later than July 1, 1978.
§ 75.1719-1   Illumination in working places.
(a) Each operator of an underground coal mine shall provide each working place in the mine with lighting as prescribed in §§ 75.1719-1 and 75.1719-2 while self-propelled mining equipment is operated in the working place.
(b) Self-propelled mining equipment; definition. For the purposes of §§ 75.1719 through 75.1719-4, “self-propelled mining equipment” means equipment which possesses the capability of moving itself or its associated components from one location to another by electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical power supplied by a source located on the machine or transmitted to the machine by cables, ropes, or chains.
(c) The lighting prescribed in this section shall be in addition to that provided by personal cap lamps.
(d) The luminous intensity (surface brightness) of surfaces that are in a miner's normal field of vision of areas in working places that are required to be lighted shall be not less than 0.06 footlamberts when measured in accordance with § 75.1719-3.
(e) When self-propelled mining equipment specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(6) of this section is operated in a working place, the areas within a miner's normal field of vision which shall be illuminated in the working place shall be as prescribed in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(6) of this section.
(1) Continuous miners and coal-loading equipment. In working places in which continuous miners and coal-loading equipment are operated, the areas which shall be illuminated shall be as follows:
(i) The face, and
(ii) The ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surface of mining equipment, which are between the face and the inby end of the shuttle car or other conveying equipment while in position to receive material.
(2) Self-loading haulage equipment used as a loading machine. In working places in which self-loading haulage equipment is operated to load material, the areas which shall be illuminated shall be as follows:
(i) The face, and
(ii) The ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, which are between the face and a point 5 feet outby the machine.
(3) Cutting and drilling equipment. In working places in which cutting or drilling equipment is operated, the areas which shall be illuminated shall be as follows:
(i) The ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, which are between the face and a point 5 feet outby the machine.
(4) Shortwall and longwall mining equipment. In working places in which shortwall or longwall mining equipment is operated, the areas which shall be illuminated shall be as follows:
(i) The area for the length of the self-advancing roof support system and which is between the gob-side of the travelway and the side of the block of coal from which coal is being extracted, and
(ii) The control station, and the head piece and tail piece of the face conveyor, and
(iii) The roof and floor for a distance of 5 feet horizontally from the control station, head piece and tail piece.
(5) Roof bolting equipment. In working places in which roof bolting equipment is operated, the areas which shall be illuminated shall be as follows:
(i) Where the distance from the floor, to the roof is 5 feet, or less: the face, ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, which are within an area the perimeter of which is a distance of 5 feet from the machine, when measured parallel to the floor.
(ii) Where the distance from the floor to the roof is more than 5 feet: the face, ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, which are within an area the perimeter of which from the front and sides of the machine is a distance equal to the distance from the floor to the roof and from the rear of the machine a distance of 5 feet, when measured parallel to the floor.
(6) Other self-propelled equipment. Unless the entire working place is illuminated by stationary lighting equipment, in working places in which self-propelled equipment is operated, other than equipment specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(5) of this section, illumination shall be provided as follows:
(i) Luminaires shall be installed on each machine operated in the working place which shall illuminate a face or rib coal surface which is within 10 feet of the front and the rear of the machine to a luminous intensity of not less than 0.06 footlamberts, and
(ii) The height and width of the area of the coal surface which shall be illuminated shall equal the height and width, respectively, of the machine on which the luminaires are installed, and
(iii) The luminaires in the direction of travel shall be operated at all times the equipment is being trammed in the working place.
(f) The Administrator, Coal Mine Health and Safety, MSHA, may specify other areas in a working place to be illuminated for the protection of miners while self-propelled mining equipment is being operated in the working place.
(g) Surface brightness of floor, roof, coal and machine surfaces in the normal visual field of a miner shall not vary more than 50 percent between adjacent fields of similar surface reflectance, and the maximum surface brightness of such surface shall not exceed 120 footlamberts when measured in accordance with § 75.1719-3.
§ 75.1719-2   Lighting fixtures; requirements.
(a) Lighting fixtures shall be permissible.
(b) Lighting fixtures may be installed on self-propelled machines or may be stationary lighting fixtures.
(c)(1) Electrically operated lighting fixtures shall be energized by direct current, or by sinusoidal full wave alternating current not less than 50 cycles per second (100 pulses per second), or by an equivalent power source that causes no greater flicker.
(2) Alternating current circuits supplying power to stationary lighting fixtures shall contain conductors energized at voltages not greater than 70 volts to ground. Alternating current circuits, energized at 100 volts or more and used to supply power to stationary lighting fixtures, shall originate at a transformer having a center or neutral tap grounded to earth through a proper resistor, which shall be designed to limit fault current to not more than 5 amperes. A grounding circuit in accordance with § 75.701-4 shall originate at the grounded terminal of the grounding resistor and extend along with the power conductors and serve as a grounding conductor for the frames of all equipment receiving power from the circuit. The ground fault current rating of grounding resistors shall meet the “extended time rating” set forth in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. Standard No. 32 (IEEE Std. 32-1972) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. The incorporated publication is available for examination at each MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health district office, and may be obtained from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., Publications Office, 10662 Los Vaqueros Circle, P.O. Box 3014 Los Alamitos, CA 90720-1264 Telephone: 800-272-6657 (toll free); http://www.ieee.org.
(3) Machine-mounted lighting fixtures shall be electrically grounded to the machine by a separate grounding conductor in compliance with § 75.701-4.
(d) Direct current circuits in excess of a nominal voltage of 300 volts shall not be used to supply power to stationary light fixtures.
(e) Cables conducting power to stationary lighting fixtures from both alternating and direct current power sources, other than intrinsically safe devices, shall be considered trailing cables, and shall meet the requirements of Subpart G of this part. In addition, such cables shall be protected against overloads and short circuits by a suitable circuit breaker or other device approved by the Secretary. Circuit breakers or other device approved by the Secretary protecting trailing cables receiving power from resistance grounded circuits shall be equipped with a ground trip arrangement which shall be designed to deenergize the circuit at not more than 50% of the available fault current.
(f) Before shunts are removed from blasting caps, lighting fixtures and associated cables located in the same working place shall be deenergized. Furthermore, lighting fixtures shall be removed out of the line of blast and not less than 50 feet from the blasting operation unless otherwise protected against flying debris.
(g) Lighting fixtures shall be designed and installed to minimize discomfort glare.
§ 75.1719-3   Methods of measurement; light measuring instruments.
(a) Compliance with § 75.1719-1(d) shall be determined by MSHA by measuring luminous intensity (surface brightness).
(b) In measuring luminous intensity the following procedures shall be used:
(1) In areas of working places specified in §§ 75.1719.1(e)(1) through 75.1719-1(e)(3) luminous intensity measurements of the face, ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, shall be made with the machine idle and located in the approximate center of the working place with the cutting, loading, or drilling head toward the face and not more than 3 feet from the face.
(2) In areas of working places specified in § 75.1719-1(e)(4) luminous intensity measurements may be made at any time longwall or shortwall mining equipment is operated except that when measurements are made in the vicinity of shearers, plows, or continuous miners, the equipment shall be idle while measurements are being made.
(3) In areas of working places specified in § 75.1719-1(e)(5) luminous intensity measurements of the face, ribs, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment, shall be made with the machine idle and located in the approximate center of the working place with the drilling head toward the face and a distance from the face of 5 feet, or the distance from the floor to the roof, whichever is applicable. When the machine is located in the center of the working place and the surfaces of the ribs to be illuminated are not within the perimeter of the area determined in accordance with § 75.1719-1(e)(5), the machine shall be positioned the applicable distance from the face and each rib and luminous intensity measurements made for each rib, provided, however, that luminous intensity measurements may be made of the face, roof, floor, and exposed surfaces of mining equipment with the machine so located without locating the machine in the center of the working place.
(4) In areas of working places specified in § 75.1719-1(e)(6), luminous intensity measurements of a coal surface shall be made with the machine idle and located in the approximate center of the working place with the appropriate end toward the face and not less than 9 feet nor more than 10 feet from the face.
(5) The area of surfaces to be measured shall be divided into round or square fields having an area of not less than 3 nor more than 5 square feet as illustrated by the following figure:
(6) Measurements shall be taken with the photometer held approximately perpendicular to the surface being measured and a sufficient distance from the surface to allow the light sensing element in the instrument to receive reflected light from a field of not less than 3 nor more than 5 square feet. The luminous intensity of each such field shall be not less than 0.06 footlambert.
(7) In areas of working places where clearances are restricted to the extent that the photometer cannot be held a sufficient distance from the surface to allow the light sensing element in the instrument to receive reflected light from a field having an area of at least 3 square feet, luminous intensity shall be considered as the average of four uniformly spaced readings taken at the corners and within a square field having an area of approximately 4 square feet. In such instances, the area of each of the individual readings shall not exceed 100 square inches. The average of the four readings shall be not less than 0.06 footlambert. The method of measurement is illustrated by the following figure:
(8) Measurements shall not be made where shadows are cast by roof control posts, ventilation equipment, or other obstructions necessary to insure safe mining conditions.
(9) Where machine-mounted light fixtures are used on equipment, except self advancing roof support systems, measurements shall not be made of surfaces on or within 1 foot of a self-propelled machine.
(c) For the purpose of making illumination measurements, an authorized representative of the Secretary may require the installation of temporary roof supports or the removal of the equipment to a similar working place in which permanent roof supports have been installed.
(d) Light measuring instruments shall be properly calibrated and maintained. Instruments shall be calibrated against standards traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Formerly the National Bureau of Standards) and color corrected to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Spectral Luminous Curve. The CIE Spectral Luminous Curve is as follows:
§ 75.1719-4   Mining machines, cap lamps; requirements.
(a) Paint used on exterior surfaces of mining machines shall have a minimum reflectance of 30 percent, except cab interiors and other surfaces which might adversely affect visibility.
(b) When stationary light fixtures are used, red reflectors mounted in protective frames or reflecting tape shall be installed on each end of mining machines, except that continuous mining machines, loaders, and cutters need only have such reflectors or tape on the outby end. Reflectors or reflecting tape shall have an area of not less than 10 square inches.
(c) Each person who goes underground shall be required to wear an approved personal cap lamp or an equivalent portable light.
(d) Each person who goes underground shall be required to wear a hard hat or hard cap which shall have a minimum of 6 square inches of reflecting tape or equivalent paint or material on each side and back.
§ 75.1720   Protective clothing; requirements.
On and after the effective date of this § 75.1720 each miner regularly employed in the active workings of an underground coal mine shall be required to wear the following protective clothing and devices:
(a) Protective clothing or equipment and face-shields or goggles when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal or when other hazards to the eyes exist from flying particles.
(b) Suitable protective clothing to cover those parts of the body exposed to injury when handling corrosive or toxic substances or other materials which might cause injury to the skin.
(c) Protective gloves when handling materials or performing work which might cause injury to the hands; however, gloves shall not be worn where they would create a greater hazard by becoming entangled in the moving parts of equipment.
(d) A suitable hard hat or hard cap. If a hard hat or hard cap is painted, nonmetallic based paint shall be used.
(e) Suitable protective footwear.
§ 75.1720-1   Distinctively colored hard hats, or hard caps; identification for newly employed, inexperienced miners.
Hard hats or hard caps distinctively different in color from those worn by experienced miners shall be worn by each newly employed, inexperienced miner for at least one year from the date of his initial employment as a miner or until he has been qualified or certified as a miner by the State in which he is employed.
§ 75.1721   Opening of new underground coal mines, or reopening and reactivating of abandoned or deactivated coal mines, notification by the operator; requirements.
(a) Each operator of a new underground coal mine, and a mine which has been abandoned or deactivated and is to be reopened or reactivated, shall prior to opening, reopening or reactivating the mine notify the Coal Mine Health and Safety District Manager for the district in which the mine is located of the approximate date of the proposed or actual opening of such mine. Thereafter, and as soon as practicable, the operator of such mine shall submit all preliminary plans in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section to the District Manager and the operator shall not develop any part of the coalbed in such mine unless and until all preliminary plans have been approved.
(b) The preliminary plans required to be submitted by the operator to the District Manager shall be in writing and shall contain the following:
(1) The name and location of the proposed mine and the Mine Safety and Health Administration mine identification number, if known;
(2) The name and address of the mine operator(s);
(3) The name and address of the principal official designated by the operator as the person who is in charge of health and safety at the mine;
(4) The identification and approximate height of the coalbed to be developed;
(5) The system of mining to be employed;
(6) A proposed roof control plan containing the information specified in § 75.220.
(7) A proposed mine ventilation plan containing the information specified in §§ 75.371 and 75.372;
(8) A proposed plan for sealing worked-out areas containing the information specified in §§ 75.371 and 75.372.
(9) A proposed program for searching miners for smoking materials in accordance with the provisions of § 75.1702; and,
(10) A proposed plan for emergency medical assistance and emergency communication in accordance with the provisions of §§ 75.1713-1 and 75.1713-2.
(c) The preliminary plans required to be submitted by the operator to the District Manager shall be in writing and shall contain the following:
(1) The proposed training plan containing the information specified in §§ 48.3 and 48.23 of this chapter, and
(2) A proposed plan for training and retraining certified and qualified persons containing the information specified in § 75.160-1.
§ 75.1722   Mechanical equipment guards.
(a) Gears; sprockets; chains; drive, head, tail, and takeup pulleys; flywheels; couplings, shafts; sawblades; fan inlets; and similar exposed moving machine parts which may be contacted by persons, and which may cause injury to persons shall be guarded.
(b) Guards at conveyor-drive, conveyor-head, and conveyor-tail pulleys shall extend a distance sufficient to prevent a person from reaching behind the guard and becoming caught between the belt and the pulley.
(c) Except when testing the machinery, guards shall be securely in place while machinery is being operated.
§ 75.1723   Stationary grinding machines; protective devices.
(a) Stationary grinding machines other than special bit grinders shall be equipped with:
(1) Peripheral hoods (less than 90° throat openings) capable of withstanding the force of a bursting wheel.
(2) Adjustable tool rests set as close as practical to the wheel.
(3) Safety washers.
(b) Grinding wheels shall be operated within the specifications of the manufacturer of the wheel.
(c) Face shields or goggles, in good condition, shall be worn when operating a grinding wheel.
§ 75.1724   Hand-held power tools; safety devices.
Hand-held power tools shall be equipped with controls requiring constant hand or finger pressure to operate the tools or shall be equipped with friction or other equivalent safety devices.
§ 75.1725   Machinery and equipment; operation and maintenance.
(a) Mobile and stationary machinery and equipment shall be maintained in safe operating condition and machinery or equipment in unsafe condition shall be removed from service immediately.
(b) Machinery and equipment shall be operated only by persons authorized to operate such machinery or equipment.
(c) Repairs or maintenance shall not be performed on machinery until the power is off and the machinery is blocked against motion, except where machinery motion is necessary to make adjustments.
(d) Machinery shall not be lubricated manually while in motion, unless equipped with extended fittings or cups.
§ 75.1726   Performing work from a raised position; safeguards.
(a) Men shall not work on or from a piece of mobile equipment in a raised position until it has been blocked in place securely. This does not preclude the use of equipment specifically designed as elevated mobile work platforms.
(b) No work shall be performed under machinery or equipment that has been raised until such machinery or equipment has been securely blocked in position.
§ 75.1727   Drive belts.
(a) Drive belts shall not be shifted while in motion unless the machines are provided with mechanical shifters.
(b) Belt dressing shall not be applied while belts are in motion except where it can be applied without endangering a person.
§ 75.1728   Power-driven pulleys.
(a) Belts, chains, and ropes shall not be guided onto power-driven moving pulleys, sprockets, or drums with the hands except on slow-moving equipment especially designed for hand feeding.
(b) Pulleys of conveyors shall not be cleaned manually while the conveyor is in motion.
(c) Coal spilled beneath belt conveyor drives or tail pieces shall not be removed while the conveyor is in motion, except where such coal can be removed without endangering persons.
§ 75.1729   Welding operations.
Welding operations shall be shielded and the area shall be well ventilated.
§ 75.1730   Compressed air; general; compressed air systems.
(a) All pressure vessels shall be constructed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the standards and specifications of Section VIII “Unfired Pressure Vessels,” of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (1971), which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. This document may be purchased from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 22 Law Drive, P.O. Box 2900, Fairfield, New Jersey 07007, Phone: 800-843-2763 (toll free); http://www.asme.org ; and it is available for examination in every MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health district office.
(b) Compressors and compressed-air receivers shall be equipped with automatic pressure-relief valves, pressure gages, and drain valves.
(c) Repairs involving the pressure system of compressors, receivers, or compressed-air-powered equipment shall not be attempted until the pressure has been relieved from that part of the system to be repaired.
(d) At no time shall compressed air be directed toward a person. When compressed air is used, all necessary precautions shall be taken to protect persons from injury.
(e) Safety chains, suitable locking devices, or automatic cut-off valves shall be used at connections to machines of high-pressure hose lines of three-fourths of an inch inside diameter or larger, and between high-pressure hose lines of three-fourths of an inch inside diameter or larger, where a connection failure would create a hazard. For purposes of this paragraph, high-pressure means pressure of 100 p.s.i. or more.
§ 75.1731   Maintenance of belt conveyors and belt conveyor entries.
(a) Damaged rollers, or other damaged belt conveyor components, which pose a fire hazard must be immediately repaired or replaced. All other damaged rollers, or other damaged belt conveyor components, must be repaired or replaced.
(b) Conveyor belts must be properly aligned to prevent the moving belt from rubbing against the structure or components.
(c) Materials shall not be allowed in the belt conveyor entry where the material may contribute to a frictional heating hazard.
(d) Splicing of any approved conveyor belt must maintain flame-resistant properties of the belt.
§ 75.1732   Proximity detection systems.
Operators must install proximity detection systems on certain mobile machines.
(a) Machines covered. Operators must equip continuous mining machines, except full-face continuous mining machines, with proximity detection systems by the following dates. For proximity detection systems with miner-wearable components, the mine operator must provide a miner-wearable component to be worn by each miner on the working section by the following dates.
(1) Continuous mining machines manufactured after March 16, 2015 must meet the requirements in this section no later than November 16, 2015. These machines must meet the requirements in this section when placed in service with a proximity detection system.
(2) Continuous mining machines manufactured and equipped with a proximity detection system on or before March 16, 2015 must meet the requirements in this section no later than September 16, 2016.
(3) Continuous mining machines manufactured and not equipped with a proximity detection system on or before March 16, 2015 must meet the requirements in this section no later than March 16, 2018. These machines must meet the requirements in this section when placed in service with a proximity detection system.
(b) Requirements for a proximity detection system. A proximity detection system includes machine-mounted components and miner-wearable components. The system must:
(1) Cause a machine, which is tramming from place-to-place or repositioning, to stop before contacting a miner except for a miner who is in the on-board operator's compartment;
(2) Provide an audible and visual warning signal on the miner-wearable component and a visual warning signal on the machine that alert miners before the system causes a machine to stop. These warning signals must be distinguishable from other signals;
(3) Provide a visual signal on the machine that indicates the machine-mounted components are functioning properly;
(4) Prevent movement of the machine if any machine-mounted component of the system is not functioning properly. However, a system with any machine-mounted component that is not functioning properly may allow machine movement if it provides an audible or visual warning signal, distinguishable from other signals, during movement. Such movement is permitted only for purposes of relocating the machine from an unsafe location for repair;
(5) Be installed to prevent interference that adversely affects performance of any electrical system; and
(6) Be installed and maintained in proper operating condition by a person trained in the installation and maintenance of the system.
(c) Proximity detection system checks. Operators must:
(1) Designate a person who must perform a check of machine-mounted components of the proximity detection system to verify that components are intact, that the system is functioning properly, and take action to correct defects—
(i) At the beginning of each shift when the machine is to be used; or
(ii) Immediately prior to the time the machine is to be operated if not in use at the beginning of a shift; or
(iii) Within 1 hour of a shift change if the shift change occurs without an interruption in production.
(2) Check for proper operation of miner-wearable components at the beginning of each shift that the components are to be used and correct defects before the components are used.
(d) Certifications and records. The operator must make and retain certifications and records as follows:
(1) At the completion of the check of machine-mounted components required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, a certified person under § 75.100 must certify by initials, date, and time that the check was conducted. Defects found as a result of the check, including corrective actions and dates of corrective actions, must be recorded before the end of the shift;
(2) Make a record of the defects found as a result of the check of miner-wearable components required under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, including corrective actions and dates of corrective actions;
(3) Make a record of the persons trained in the installation and maintenance of proximity detection systems required under paragraph (b)(6) of this section;
(4) Maintain records in a secure book or electronically in a secure computer system not susceptible to alteration; and
(5) Retain records for at least one year and make them available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of miners.
§ 75.1900   Definitions.
The following definitions apply in this subpart.
Diesel fuel tank. A closed metal vessel specifically designed for the storage or transport of diesel fuel.
Diesel fuel transportation unit. A self-propelled or portable wheeled vehicle used to transport a diesel fuel tank.
Noncombustible material. A material that will continue to serve its intended function for 1 hour when subjected to a fire test incorporating an ASTM E119-88 time/temperature heat input, or equivalent. The publication ASTM E119-88 “Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials” is incorporated by reference and may be inspected at any MSHA Coal Mine Safety and Health District Office; at MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Arlington, VA 22202-5452; 202-693-9440; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. In addition, copies of the document may be purchased from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959; 610-832-9500; http://www.astm.org.
Permanent underground diesel fuel storage facility. A facility designed and constructed to remain at one location for the storage or dispensing of diesel fuel, which does not move as mining progresses.
Safety can. A metal container intended for storage, transport or dispensing of diesel fuel, with a nominal capacity of 5 gallons, listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory.
Temporary underground diesel fuel storage area. An area of the mine provided for the short-term storage of diesel fuel in a fuel transportation unit, which moves as mining progresses.
§ 75.1901   Diesel fuel requirements.
(a) Diesel-powered equipment shall be used underground only with a diesel fuel having a sulfur content no greater than 0.05 percent and a flash point of 100 °F (38 °C) or greater. Upon request, the mine operator shall provide to an authorized representative of the Secretary evidence that the diesel fuel purchased for use in diesel-powered equipment underground meets these requirements.
(b) Flammable liquids shall not be added to diesel fuel used in diesel-powered equipment underground.
(c) Only diesel fuel additives that have been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency may be used in diesel-powered equipment underground.
§ 75.1902   Underground diesel fuel storage—general requirements.
(a) All diesel fuel must be stored in:
(1) Diesel fuel tanks in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities;
(2) Diesel fuel tanks on diesel fuel transportation units in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities or in temporary underground fuel storage areas; or
(3) Safety cans.
(b) The total capacity of stationary diesel fuel tanks in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities must not exceed 1000 gallons.
(c)(1) Only one temporary underground diesel fuel storage area is permitted for each working section or in each area of the mine where equipment is being installed or removed.
(2) The temporary underground diesel fuel storage area must be located—
(i) Within 500 feet of the loading point;
(ii) Within 500 feet of the projected loading point where equipment is being installed; or
(iii) Within 500 feet of the last loading point where equipment is being removed.
(3) No more than one diesel fuel transportation unit at a time shall be parked in the temporary underground diesel fuel storage area.
(d) Permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities and temporary underground diesel fuel storage areas must be—
(1) At least 100 feet from shafts, slopes, shops, or explosives magazines;
(2) At least 25 feet from trolley wires or power cables, or electric equipment not necessary for the operation of the storage facilities or areas; and
(3) In a location that is protected from damage by other mobile equipment.
(e) Permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities must not be located within the primary escapeway.
§ 75.1903   Underground diesel fuel storage facilities and areas; construction and safety precautions.
(a) Permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities must be—
(1) Constructed of noncombustible materials, including floors, roofs, roof supports, doors, and door frames. Exposed coal within fuel storage areas must be covered with noncombustible materials. If bulkheads are used they must be tightly sealed and must be built of or covered with noncombustible materials;
(2) Provided with either self-closing doors or a means for automatic enclosure;
(3) Provided with a means for personnel to enter and exit the facility after closure;
(4) Ventilated with intake air that is coursed into a return air course or to the surface and that is not used to ventilate working places, using ventilation controls meeting the requirements of § 75.333(e);
(5) Equipped with an automatic fire suppression system that meets the requirements of § 75.1912. Actuation of the automatic fire suppression system shall initiate the means for automatic enclosure;
(6) Provided with a means of containment capable of holding 150 percent of the maximum capacity of the fuel storage system; and
(7) Provided with a competent concrete floor or equivalent to prevent fuel spills from saturating the mine floor.
(b) Permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities and temporary underground diesel fuel storage areas must be—
(1) Equipped with at least 240 pounds of rock dust and provided with two portable multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire extinguishers that are listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and have a 10A:60B:C or higher rating. Both fire extinguishers must be easily accessible to personnel, and at least one fire extinguisher must be located outside of the storage facility or area upwind of the facility, in intake air; or
(2) Provided with three portable multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire extinguishers that are listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and have a 10A:60B:C or higher rating. All fire extinguishers must be easily accessible to personnel, and at least one fire extinguisher must be located outside of the storage facility or area upwind of the facility, in intake air.
(3) Identified with conspicuous markings designating diesel fuel storage; and
(4) Maintained to prevent the accumulation of water.
(c) Welding or cutting other than that performed in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section shall not be performed within 50 feet of a permanent underground diesel fuel storage facility or a temporary underground diesel fuel storage area.
(d) When it is necessary to weld, cut, or solder pipelines, tanks, or other containers that may have contained diesel fuel, these practices shall be followed:
(1) Cutting or welding shall not be performed on or within pipelines, tanks, or other containers that have contained diesel fuel until they have been thoroughly purged and cleaned or inerted and a vent or opening is provided to allow for sufficient release of any buildup pressure before heat is applied.
(2) Diesel fuel shall not be allowed to enter pipelines, tanks, or containers that have been welded, soldered, brazed, or cut until the metal has cooled to ambient temperature.
§ 75.1904   Underground diesel fuel tanks and safety cans.
(a) Diesel fuel tanks used underground shall—
(1) Have steel walls of a minimum 3/16 -inch thickness, or walls made of other metal of a thickness that provides equivalent strength;
(2) Be protected from corrosion;
(3) Be of seamless construction or have liquid tight welded seams;
(4) Not leak; and
(5) For stationary tanks in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities, be placed on supports constructed of noncombustible material so that the tanks are at least 12 inches above the floor.
(b) Underground diesel fuel tanks must be provided with—
(1) Devices for emergency venting designed to open at a pressure not to exceed 2.5 psi according to the following—
(i) Tanks with a capacity greater than 500 gallons must have an emergency venting device whose area is equivalent to a pipe with a nominal inside diameter of 5 inches or greater; and
(ii) Tanks with a capacity of 500 gallons or less must have an emergency venting device whose area is equivalent to a pipe with a nominal inside diameter of 4 inches or greater.
(2) Tethered or self-closing caps for stationary tanks in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities and self-closing caps for diesel fuel tanks on diesel fuel transportation units;
(3) Vents to permit the free discharge of liquid, at least as large as the fill or withdrawal connection, whichever is larger, but not less than 1 1/4 inch nominal inside diameter;
(4) Liquid tight connections for all tank openings that are—
(i) Identified by conspicuous markings that specify the function; and
(ii) Closed when not in use.
(5) Vent pipes that drain toward the tank without sagging and are higher than the fill pipe opening;
(6) Shutoff valves located as close as practicable to the tank shell on each connection through which liquid can normally flow; and
(7) An automatic closing, heat-actuated valve on each withdrawal connection below the liquid level.
(c) When tanks are provided with openings for manual gauging, liquid tight, tethered or self-closing caps or covers must be provided and must be kept closed when not open for gauging.
(d) Surfaces of the tank and its associated components must be protected against damage by collision.
(e) Before being placed in service, tanks and their associated components must be tested for leakage at a pressure equal to the working pressure, except tanks and components connected directly to piping systems, which must be properly designed for the application.
(f) Safety cans must be:
(1) Limited to a nominal capacity of 5 gallons or less;
(2) Equipped with a flexible or rigid tubular nozzle attached to a valved spout;
(3) Provided with a vent valve designed to open and close simultaneously and automatically with the opening and closing of the pouring valve; and
(4) Designed so that they will safely relieve internal pressure when exposed to fire.
§ 75.1905   Dispensing of diesel fuel.
(a) Diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines may be refueled only from safety cans, from tanks on diesel fuel transportation units, or from stationary tanks.
(b) Fuel that is dispensed from other than safety cans must be dispensed by means of—
(1) Gravity feed with a hose equipped with a nozzle with a self-closing valve and no latch-open device;
(2) A manual pump with a hose equipped with a nozzle containing a self-closing valve; or
(3) A powered pump with:
(i) An accessible emergency shutoff switch for each nozzle;
(ii) A hose equipped with a self-closing valve and no latch-open device; and
(iii) An anti-siphoning device.
(c) Diesel fuel must not be dispensed using compressed gas.
(d) Diesel fuel must not be dispensed to the fuel tank of diesel-powered equipment while the equipment engine is running.
(e) Powered pumps shall be shut off when fuel is not being dispensed.
§ 75.1905-1   Diesel fuel piping systems.
(a) Diesel fuel piping systems from the surface must be designed and operated as dry systems, unless an automatic shutdown is incorporated that prevents accidental loss or spillage of fuel and that activates an alarm system.
(b) All piping, valves and fittings must be—
(1) Capable of withstanding working pressures and stresses;
(2) Capable of withstanding four times the static pressures;
(3) Compatible with diesel fuel; and
(4) Maintained in a manner that prevents leakage.
(c) Pipelines must have manual shutoff valves installed at the surface filling point, and at the underground discharge point.
(d) If diesel fuel lines are not buried in the ground sufficiently to protect them from damage, shutoff valves must be located every 300 feet.
(e) Shutoff valves must be installed at each branch line where the branch line joins the main line.
(f) An automatic means must be provided to prevent unintentional transfer of diesel fuel from the surface into the permanent underground diesel fuel storage facility.
(g) Diesel fuel piping systems from the surface shall only be used to transport diesel fuel directly to stationary tanks or diesel fuel transportation units in a permanent underground diesel fuel storage facility.
(h) The diesel fuel piping system must not be located in a borehole with electric power cables.
(i) Diesel fuel piping systems located in entries must not be located on the same side of the entry as electric cables or power lines. Where it is necessary for piping systems to cross electric cables or power lines, guarding must be provided to prevent severed electrical cables or power lines near broken fuel lines.
(j) Diesel fuel piping systems must be protected and located to prevent physical damage.
§ 75.1906   Transport of diesel fuel.
(a) Diesel fuel shall be transported only by diesel fuel transportation units or in safety cans.
(b) No more than one safety can shall be transported on a vehicle at any time. The can must be protected from damage during transport. All other safety cans must be stored in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.
(c) Safety cans that leak must be promptly removed from the mine.
(d) Diesel fuel transportation unit tanks and safety cans must be conspicuously marked as containing diesel fuel.
(e) Diesel fuel transportation units must transport no more than 500 gallons of diesel fuel at a time.
(f) Tanks on diesel fuel transportation units must be permanently fixed to the unit and have a total capacity of no greater than 500 gallons of diesel fuel.
(g) Non-self-propelled diesel fuel transportation units with electrical components for dispensing fuel that are connected to a source of electrical power must be protected by a fire suppression device that meets the requirements of §§ 75.1107-3 through 75.1107-6, and §§ 75.1107-8 through 75.1107-16.
(h) Diesel fuel transportation units and vehicles transporting safety cans containing diesel fuel must have at least two multipurpose, dry chemical type (ABC) fire extinguishers, listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and having a 10A:60B:C or higher rating, with one fire extinguisher provided on each side of the vehicle.
(i) Diesel fuel transportation units shall be parked only in permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities or temporary underground diesel fuel storage areas when not in use.
(j) When the distance between a diesel fuel transportation unit and an energized trolley wire at any location is less than 12 inches, the requirements of § 75.1003-2 must be followed.
(k) Diesel fuel shall not be transported on or with mantrips or on conveyor belts.
(l) Diesel fuel shall be stored and handled in accordance with the requirements of §§ 75.1902 through 75.1906 of this part as of November 25, 1997.