EFFECTIVE DATE: 05/07/2012 EXPIRATION DATE: 03/31/2014

 (Reissue of I10-V-06)

PROCEDURE INSTRUCTION LETTER NO. I12-V-14

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

Administrator for

Coal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT: Procedure for Permitting the Use of Belt Air to Ventilate

Working Sections of Underground Coal Mines

Scope

This Procedure Instruction Letter (PIL) applies to Coal Mine Safety and Health 

(CMS&H) District Managers, Supervisors, Specialists, and Inspectors.

Purpose

This PIL provides instruction for district personnel regarding the procedures for 

permitting the use of belt air to ventilate the working sections of underground coal 

mines.

Procedure Instructions

When evaluated and approved by the District Manager in a mine ventilation plan, air 

from a belt air course may be used to ventilate a working section. MSHA will conduct 

at least one on-site investigation (a) at any mine proposing to use belt air to ventilate the 

working face, prior to authorizing such use, and (b) at any mine that has already 

received authorization to use belt air to ventilate the working face, if that mine has not 

previously been subject to an on-site investigation in relation to the use of belt air. At 

least one MSHA Authorized Representative (AR) will be present during the on-site 

investigation. Any mine requesting approval to use belt air to ventilate the working 

face must provide a compelling reason to do so before MSHA will approve such 

request. "Compelling reasons" may include dilution of methane, ground control 

hazards, or other hazards due to unique mine conditions.
2

Background

Section 75.350(b) permits the use of air from a belt air course to ventilate a working 

section when evaluated and approved by the District Manager in the mine ventilation 

plan. This PIL is intended to ensure that, prior to permitting the use of belt air to 

ventilate working sections or continuing the practice after a prior approval, MSHA will 

have conducted at least one on-site investigation into the safety and health implications 

of the mine's proposed ventilation system, and that the investigation be conducted by 

an individual qualified to make the necessary findings to support an appropriate 

conclusion by the District Manager. In addition, there must be a compelling reason 

justifying the mine's use of belt air to ventilate a working section, such as dilution of 

methane, ground control hazards, or other hazards due to unique mine conditions.

Authority

Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, 30 U.S.C. § 801, et seq.;

30 C.F.R. §§ 75.323(b) and 75.350(b).

Filing Instructions

This instruction letter should be filed behind the tab marked "Procedure Instruction 

Letters" in the binder for Program Policy Handbooks and Procedure Instruction Letters. 

Issuing Office and Contact Person

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Safety Division

Michael G. Kalich, (202) 693-9714

E-mail: kalich.michael@dol.gov

Internet Availability

This instruction letter may be viewed on the Internet by accessing the MSHA Home 

Page (www.msha.gov) and then choosing "Compliance Info" and Procedure Instruction 

Letters.

Distribution

MSHA Program Policy Manual Holders