Title 30—Mineral Resources--Volume 1
PART 75—MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS—UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
§ 75.1907   Diesel-powered equipment intended for use in underground coal mines.
(a) As of November 25, 1996 all diesel-powered equipment used where permissible electrical equipment is required must be approved under part 36 of this chapter.
(b) Diesel-powered equipment approved under part 36 of this chapter must be provided with additional safety features in accordance with the following time schedule:
(1) As of April 25, 1997 the equipment must have a safety component system that limits surface temperatures to those specified in subpart F of part 7 of this title;
(2) As of November 25, 1999 the equipment must have an automatic or manual fire suppression system that meets the requirements of § 75.1911 of this part, and at least one portable multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire extinguisher, listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and having a 10A:60B:C or higher rating. The fire extinguisher must be located within easy reach of the equipment operator and be protected from damage by collision.
(3) As of November 25, 1999 the equipment must have a brake system that meets the requirements of § 75.1909 (b)(6), (b)(7), (b)(8), (c), (d), and (e);
(4) As of November 25, 1997 a particulate index and dilution air quantity shall be determined for the equipment in accordance with subpart E of part 7 of this chapter; and
(5) Permissible diesel-powered equipment manufactured on or after November 25, 1999 and that is used in an underground coal mine shall incorporate a power package approved in accordance with part 7, subpart F of this chapter.
(c) As of November 25, 1999 nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment, except the special category of equipment under § 75.1908(d), shall meet the requirements of §§ 75.1909 and 75.1910 of this part.
§ 75.1908   Nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment; categories.
(a) Heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment includes—
(1) Equipment that cuts or moves rock or coal;
(2) Equipment that performs drilling or bolting functions;
(3) Equipment that moves longwall components;
(4) Self-propelled diesel fuel transportation units and self-propelled lube units; or
(5) Machines used to transport portable diesel fuel transportation units or portable lube units.
(b) Light-duty diesel-powered equipment is any diesel-powered equipment that does not meet the criteria of paragraph (a).
(c) For the purposes of this subpart, the following equipment is considered attended:
(1) Any machine or device operated by a miner; or
(2) Any machine or device that is mounted in the direct line of sight of a job site located within 500 feet of such machine or device, which job site is occupied by a miner.
(d) Diesel-powered ambulances and fire fighting equipment are a special category of equipment that may be used underground only in accordance with the mine fire fighting and evacuation plan under § 75.1502.
§ 75.1909   Nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment; design and performance requirements.
(a) Nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment, except for the special category of equipment under § 75.1908(d), must be equipped with the following features:
(1) An engine approved under subpart E of part 7 of this title equipped with an air filter sized in accordance with the engine manufacturer's recommendations, and an air filter service indicator set in accordance with the engine manufacturer's recommendations;
(2) At least one portable multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire extinguisher listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory with a 10A:60B:C or higher rating. The fire extinguisher must be located within easy reach of the equipment operator and protected from damage;
(3) A fuel system specifically designed for diesel fuel meeting the following requirements:
(i) A fuel tank and fuel lines that do not leak;
(ii) A fuel tank that is substantially constructed and protected against damage by collision;
(iii) A vent opening that maintains atmospheric pressure in the fuel tank, and that is designed to prevent fuel from splashing out of the vent opening;
(iv) A self-closing filler cap on the fuel tank;
(v) The fuel tank, filler and vent must be located so that leaks or spillage during refueling will not contact hot surfaces;
(vi) Fuel line piping must be either steel-wire reinforced; synthetic elastomer-covered hose suitable for use with diesel fuel that has been tested and has been determined to be fire-resistant by the manufacturer; or metal;
(vii) Fuel line piping must be clamped;
(viii) Primary fuel lines must be located so that fuel line leaks do not contact hot surfaces;
(ix) The fuel lines must be separated from electrical wiring and protected from damage in ordinary use;
(x) A manual shutoff valve must be installed in the fuel system as close as practicable to the tank; and
(xi) A water separator and fuel filter(s) must be provided.
(4) A sensor to monitor the temperature and provide a visual warning of an overheated cylinder head on air-cooled engines;
(5) Guarding to protect fuel, hydraulic, and electric lines when such lines pass near rotating parts or in the event of shaft failure;
(6) Hydraulic tanks, fillers, vents, and lines located to prevent spillage or leaks from contacting hot surfaces;
(7) Reflectors or warning lights mounted on the equipment which can be readily seen in all directions;
(8) A means to direct exhaust gas away from the equipment operator, persons on board the machine, and combustible machine components;
(9) A means to prevent unintentional free and uncontrolled descent of personnel-elevating work platforms; and
(10) A means to prevent the spray from ruptured hydraulic or lubricating oil lines from being ignited by contact with engine exhaust system component surfaces.
(b) Self-propelled nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment must have the following features in addition to those in paragraph (a):
(1) A means to ensure that no stored hydraulic energy that will cause machine articulation is available after the engine is shut down;
(2) A neutral start feature which ensures that engine cranking torque will not be transmitted through the powertrain and cause machine movement on vehicles utilizing fluid power transmissions;
(3) For machines with steering wheels, brake pedals, and accelerator pedals, controls which are of automobile orientation;
(4) An audible warning device conveniently located near the equipment operator;
(5) Lights provided and maintained on both ends of the equipment. Equipment normally operated in both directions must be equipped with headlights for both directions;
(6) Service brakes that act on each wheel of the vehicle and that are designed such that failure of any single component, except the brake actuation pedal or other similar actuation device, must not result in a complete loss of service braking capability;
(7) Service brakes that safely bring the fully loaded vehicle to a complete stop on the maximum grade on which it is operated; and
(8) No device that traps a column of fluid to hold the brake in the applied position shall be installed in any brake system, unless the trapped column of fluid is released when the equipment operator is no longer in contact with the brake activation device.
(c) Self-propelled nonpermissible heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment under § 75.1908(a), except rail-mounted equipment, shall be provided with a supplemental braking system that:
(1) Engages automatically within 5 seconds of the shutdown of the engine;
(2) Safely brings the equipment when fully loaded to a complete stop on the maximum grade on which it is operated;
(3) Holds the equipment stationary, despite any contraction of brake parts, exhaustion of any nonmechanical source of energy, or leakage;
(4) Releases only by a manual control that does not operate any other equipment function;
(5) Has a means in the equipment operator's compartment to apply the brakes manually without shutting down the engine, and a means to release and reengage the brakes without the engine operating; and
(6) Has a means to ensure that the supplemental braking system is released before the equipment can be trammed, and is designed to ensure the brake is fully released at all times while the equipment is trammed.
(d) Self-propelled nonpermissible light-duty diesel-powered equipment under § 75.1908(b), except rail-mounted equipment, must be provided with a parking brake that holds the fully loaded equipment stationary on the maximum grade on which it is operated despite any contraction of the brake parts, exhaustion of any nonmechanical source of energy, or leakage.
(e) The supplemental and park brake systems required by paragraphs (c) and (d) must be applied when the equipment operator is not at the controls of the equipment, except during movement of disabled equipment.
(f) Self-propelled personnel-elevating work platforms must be provided with a means to ensure that the parking braking system is released before the equipment can be trammed, and must be designed to ensure the brake is fully released at all times while the equipment is trammed.
(g) Any nonpermissible equipment that discharges its exhaust directly into a return air course must be provided with a power package approved under subpart F of part 7 of this title.
(h) Self-propelled nonpermissible heavy-duty diesel-powered equipment meeting the requirements of § 75.1908(a) must be provided with an automatic fire suppression system meeting the requirements of § 75.1911.
(i) Self-propelled nonpermissible light-duty diesel-powered equipment meeting the requirements of § 75.1908(b) must be provided with an automatic or manual fire suppression system meeting the requirements of § 75.1911.
(j) Nonpermissible equipment that is not self-propelled must have the following features in addition to those listed in paragraph (a):
(1) A means to prevent inadvertent movement of the equipment when parked;
(2) Safety chains or other suitable secondary connections on equipment that is being towed; and
(3) An automatic fire suppression system meeting the requirements of § 75.1911.
§ 75.1910   Nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment; electrical system design and performance requirements.
Electrical circuits and components associated with or connected to electrical systems on nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment utilizing storage batteries and integral charging systems, except for the special category of equipment under § 75.1908(d), must conform to the following requirements:
(a) Overload and short circuit protection must be provided for electric circuits and components in accordance with §§ 75.518 and 75.518-1 of this part;
(b) Each electric conductor from the battery to the starting motor must be protected against short circuit by fuses or other circuit-interrupting devices placed as near as practicable to the battery terminals;
(c) Each branch circuit conductor connected to the main circuit between the battery and charging generator must be protected against short circuit by fuses or other automatic circuit-interrupting devices;
(d) The electrical system shall be equipped with a circuit-interrupting device by means of which all power conductors can be deenergized. The device must be located as close as practicable to the battery terminals and be designed to operate within its electrical rating without damage. The device shall not automatically reset after being actuated. All magnetic circuit-interrupting devices must be mounted in a manner to preclude their closing by force of gravity;
(e) Each motor and charging generator must be protected by an automatic overcurrent device. One protective device will be acceptable when two motors of the same rating operate simultaneously and perform virtually the same duty;
(f) Each ungrounded conductor must have insulation compatible with the impressed voltage. Insulation materials must be resistant to deterioration from engine heat and oil. Electric conductors must meet the applicable requirements of §§ 75.513 and 75.513-1, except electric conductors for starting motors, which must only meet the requirements of § 75.513;
(g) All wiring must have adequate mechanical protection to prevent damage to the cable that might result in short circuits;
(h) Sharp edges and corners must be removed at all points where there is a possibility of damaging wires, cables, or conduits by cutting or abrasion. The insulation of the cables within a battery box must be protected against abrasion;
(i) When insulated wires other than cables pass through metal frames, the holes must be substantially bushed with insulated bushings. Cables must enter metal frames of motors, splice boxes, and electric components only through proper fittings. All electrical connections and splices must be mechanically and electrically efficient, and suitable connectors shall be used. All electrical connectors or splices in insulated wire must be reinsulated at least to the same degree of protection as the remainder of the wire;
(j) The battery must be secured to prevent movement, and must be protected from external damage by position. Batteries that are not protected from external damage by position must be enclosed in a battery box. Flame-resistant insulation treated to resist chemical reaction to electrolyte must be provided on battery connections to prevent battery terminals from contacting conducting surfaces;
(k) A battery box, including the cover, must be constructed of steel with a minimum thickness of 1/8 inch, or of a material other than steel that provides equivalent strength;
(l) Battery-box covers must be lined with a flame-resistant insulating material permanently attached to the underside of the cover, unless equivalent protection is provided. Battery-box covers must be provided with a means for securing them in closed position. At least 1/2 inch of air space must be provided between the underside of the cover and the top of the battery, including terminals;
(m) Battery boxes must be provided with ventilation openings to prevent the accumulation of flammable or toxic gases or vapors within the battery box. The size and locations of openings for ventilation must prevent direct access to battery terminals;
(n) The battery must be insulated from the battery-box walls and supported on insulating materials. Insulating materials that may be subject to chemical reaction with electrolyte must be treated to resist such action; and
(o) Drainage holes must be provided in the bottom of each battery box.
§ 75.1911   Fire suppression systems for diesel-powered equipment and fuel transportation units.
(a) The fire suppression system required by §§ 75.1907 and 75.1909 shall be a multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire suppression system listed or approved by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and appropriate for installation on diesel-powered equipment and fuel transportation units.
(1) The system shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the limitations of the listing or approval.
(2) The system shall be installed in a protected location or guarded to minimize physical damage from routine vehicle operations.
(3) Suppressant agent distribution tubing or piping shall be secured and protected against damage, including pinching, crimping, stretching, abrasion, and corrosion.
(4) Discharge nozzles shall be positioned and aimed for maximum fire suppression effectiveness. Nozzles shall also be protected against the entrance of foreign materials such as mud, coal dust, or rock dust.
(b) The fire suppression system shall provide fire suppression and, if automatic, fire detection for the engine including the starter, transmission, hydraulic pumps and tanks, fuel tanks, exposed brake units, air compressors and battery areas on diesel-powered equipment and electric panels or controls used on fuel transportation units and other areas as necessary.
(c) If automatic, the fire suppression system shall include audible and visual alarms to warn of fires or system faults.
(d) The fire suppression system shall provide for automatic engine shutdown. If the fire suppression system is automatic, engine shutdown and discharge of suppressant agent may be delayed for a maximum of 15 seconds after the fire is detected by the system.
(e) The fire suppression system shall be operable by at least two manual actuators. One actuator shall be located on each side of the equipment. If the equipment is provided with an operator's compartment, one of the manual actuators shall be located in the compartment within reach of the operator.
(f) The fire suppression system shall remain operative in the event of engine shutdown, equipment electrical system failure, or failure of any other equipment system.
(g) The electrical components of each fire suppression system installed on equipment used where permissible electric equipment is required shall be permissible or intrinsically safe and such components shall be maintained in permissible or intrinsically safe condition.
(h) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and provided with status indicators showing power and circuit continuity. If the system is not electrically operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system.
(i) Each fire suppression system shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended inspection and maintenance program and as required by the nationally recognized independent testing laboratory listing or approval, and be visually inspected at least once each week by a person trained to make such inspections.
(j) Recordkeeping. Persons performing inspections and tests of fire suppression systems under paragraph (i) shall record when a fire suppression system does not meet the installation or maintenance requirements of this section.
(1) The record shall include the equipment on which the fire suppression system did not meet the installation or maintenance requirements of this section, the defect found, and the corrective action taken.
(2) Records are to be kept manually in a secure manner not susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to alteration.
(3) Records shall be maintained at a surface location at the mine for one year and made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary and miners' representatives.
(k) All miners normally assigned to the active workings of the mine shall be instructed about the hazards inherent to the operation of the fire suppression systems and, where appropriate, the safeguards available for each system.
(l) For purposes of § 75.380(f), a fire suppression system installed on diesel-powered equipment and meeting the requirements of this section is equivalent to a fire suppression system meeting the requirements of §§ 75.1107-3 through 75.1107-16.
§ 75.1912   Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.
(a) The fire suppression system required by § 75.1903 shall be an automatic multipurpose dry chemical type (ABC) fire suppression system listed or approved as an engineered dry chemical extinguishing system by a nationally recognized independent testing laboratory and appropriate for installation at a permanent underground diesel fuel storage facility.
(1) Alternate types of fire suppression systems shall be approved in accordance with § 75.1107-13 of this part.
(2) The system shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and the limitations of the listing or approval.
(3) The system shall be installed in a protected location or guarded to prevent physical damage from routine operations.
(4) Suppressant agent distribution tubing or piping shall be secured and protected against damage, including pinching, crimping, stretching, abrasion, and corrosion.
(5) Discharge nozzles shall be positioned and aimed for maximum fire suppression effectiveness in the protected areas. Nozzles must also be protected against the entrance of foreign materials such as mud, coal dust, and rock dust.
(b) The fire suppression system shall provide automatic fire detection and automatic fire suppression for all areas within the facility.
(c) Audible and visual alarms to warn of fire or system faults shall be provided at the protected area and at a surface location which is continually monitored by a person when personnel are underground. In the event of a fire, personnel shall be warned in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 75.1502.
(d) The fire suppression system shall deenergize all power to the diesel fuel storage facility when actuated except that required for automatic enclosure and alarms.
(e) Fire suppression systems shall include two manual actuators located as follows:
(1) At least one within the fuel storage facility; and
(2) At least one a safe distance away from the storage facility and located in intake air, upwind of the storage facility.
(f) The fire suppression system shall remain operational in the event of electrical system failure.
(g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and provided with status indicators showing power and circuit continuity. If the system is not electrically operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system.
(h) Each fire suppression system shall be tested and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended inspection and maintenance program and as required by the nationally recognized independent testing laboratory listing or approval, and be visually inspected at least once each week by a person trained to make such inspections.
(i) Recordkeeping. Persons performing inspections and tests of fire suppression systems under paragraph (h) shall record when a fire suppression system does not meet the installation or maintenance requirements of this section.
(1) The record shall include the facility whose fire suppression system did not meet the installation or maintenance requirements of this section, the defect found, and the corrective action taken.
(2) Records are to be kept manually in a secure manner not susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to alteration.
(3) Records shall be maintained at a surface location at the mine for one year and made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary and miners' representatives.
(j) All miners normally assigned to the active workings of the mine shall be instructed about the hazards inherent to the operation of the fire suppression systems and, where appropriate, the safeguards available for each system.
§ 75.1913   Starting aids.
(a) Volatile fuel starting aids shall be used in accordance with recommendations provided by the starting aid manufacturer, the engine manufacturer, and the machine manufacturer.
(b) Containers of volatile fuel starting aids shall be conspicuously marked to indicate the contents. When not in use, containers of volatile fuel starting aids shall be stored in metal enclosures that are used only for storage of starting aids. Such metal enclosures must be conspicuously marked, secured, and protected from damage.
(c) Volatile fuel starting aids shall not be:
(1) Taken into or used in areas where permissible equipment is required;
(2) Used in the presence of open flames or burning flame safety lamps, or when welding or cutting is taking place; or
(3) Used in any area where 1.0 percent or greater concentration of methane is present.
(d) Compressed oxygen or compressed flammable gases shall not be connected to diesel air-start systems.
§ 75.1914   Maintenance of diesel-powered equipment.
(a) Diesel-powered equipment shall be maintained in approved and safe condition or removed from service.
(b) Maintenance and repairs of approved features and those features required by §§ 75.1909 and 75.1910 on diesel-powered equipment shall be made only by a person qualified under § 75.1915.
(c) The water scrubber system on diesel-powered equipment shall be drained and flushed, by a person who is trained to perform this task, at least once on each shift in which the equipment is operated.
(d) The intake air filter on diesel-powered equipment shall be replaced or serviced, by a person who is trained to perform this task, when the intake air pressure drop device so indicates or when the engine manufacturer's maximum allowable air pressure drop level is exceeded.
(e) Mobile diesel-powered equipment that is to be used during a shift shall be visually examined by the equipment operator before being placed in operation. Equipment defects affecting safety shall be reported promptly to the mine operator.
(f) All diesel-powered equipment shall be examined and tested weekly by a person qualified under § 75.1915.
(1) Examinations and tests shall be conducted in accordance with approved checklists and manufacturers' maintenance manuals.
(2) Persons performing weekly examinations and tests of diesel-powered equipment under this paragraph shall make a record when the equipment is not in approved or safe condition. The record shall include the equipment that is not in approved or safe condition, the defect found, and the corrective action taken.
(g) Undiluted exhaust emissions of diesel engines in diesel-powered equipment approved under part 36 and heavy-duty nonpermissible diesel-powered equipment as defined in § 75.1908(a) in use in underground coal mines shall be tested and evaluated weekly by a person who is trained to perform this task. The mine operator shall develop and implement written standard operating procedures for such testing and evaluation that specify the following:
(1) The method of achieving a repeatable loaded engine operating condition for each type of equipment;
(2) Sampling and analytical methods (including calibration of instrumentation) that are capable of accurately detecting carbon monoxide in the expected concentrations;
(3) The method of evaluation and interpretation of the results;
(4) The concentration or changes in concentration of carbon monoxide that will indicate a change in engine performance. Carbon monoxide concentration shall not exceed 2500 parts per million; and
(5) The maintenance of records necessary to track engine performance.
(h) Recordkeeping. Records required by paragraphs (f)(2) and (g)(5) shall be—
(1) Recorded in a secure book that is not susceptible to alteration, or recorded electronically in a computer system that is secure and not susceptible to alteration; and
(2) Retained at a surface location at the mine for at least 1 year and made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary and by miners' representatives.
(i) Diesel-powered equipment must be maintained in accordance with this part as of November 25, 1997.
§ 75.1915   Training and qualification of persons working on diesel-powered equipment.
(a) To be qualified to perform maintenance, repairs, examinations and tests on diesel-powered equipment, as required by § 75.1914, a person must successfully complete a training and qualification program that meets the requirements of this section. A person qualified to perform these tasks shall be retrained as necessary to maintain the ability to perform all assigned diesel-powered equipment maintenance, repairs, examinations and tests.
(b) A training and qualification program under this section must:
(1) Be presented by a competent instructor;
(2) Be sufficient to prepare or update a person's ability to perform all assigned tasks with respect to diesel-powered equipment maintenance, repairs, examinations and tests;
(3) Address, at a minimum, the following:
(i) The requirements of subpart T of this part;
(ii) Use of appropriate power package or machine checklists to conduct tests to ensure that diesel-powered equipment is in approved and safe condition, with acceptable emission levels;
(iii) Proper maintenance of approved features and the correct use of the appropriate maintenance manuals, including machine adjustments, service, and assembly;
(iv) Diesel-powered equipment fire suppression system tests and maintenance;
(v) Fire and ignition sources and their control or elimination, including cleaning of the equipment;
(vi) Safe fueling procedures and maintenance of the fuel system of the equipment; and
(vii) Intake air system maintenance and tests.
(4) Include an examination that requires demonstration of the ability to perform all assigned tasks with respect to diesel-powered equipment maintenance, repairs, examinations and tests; and
(5) Be in writing. The written program shall include a description of the course content, materials, and teaching methods for initial training and retraining.
(c) Recordkeeping. The operator shall maintain a copy of the training and qualification program required by this section and a record of the names of all persons qualified under the program.
(1) The record of the names of qualified persons shall be made in a manner that is not susceptible to alteration, or recorded electronically in a computer system that is secure and not susceptible to alteration.
(2) The training and qualification program and record of qualified persons are to be kept at surface location of the mine and made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary and by miners' representatives.
§ 75.1916   Operation of diesel-powered equipment.
(a) Diesel-powered equipment shall be operated at a speed that is consistent with the type of equipment being operated, roadway conditions, grades, clearances, visibility, and other traffic.
(b) Operators of mobile diesel-powered equipment shall maintain full control of the equipment while it is in motion.
(c) Standardized traffic rules, including speed limits, signals and warning signs, shall be established at each mine and followed.
(d) Except as required in normal mining operations, mobile diesel-powered equipment shall not be idled.
(e) Diesel-powered equipment shall not be operated unattended.