[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20026-20030]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-10690]



[[Page 20025]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part IV





Department of Labor





_______________________________________________________________________



Mine Safety and Health Administration



_______________________________________________________________________



30 CFR Parts 56, 57, and 75



Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and 
Underground Coal Mines; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 77 / Wednesday, April 22, 1998 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 20026]]



DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Parts 56, 57, and 75

RIN 1219-AB00


Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and 
Underground Coal Mines

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: MSHA is revising its safety standards for roof and rock bolts 
at metal and nonmetal mines and underground coal mines by updating the 
reference to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) 
standard for roof and rock bolts and accessories. The new reference 
reflects technological advances in the design of roof and rock bolts 
and support materials. It will improve the level of protection provided 
by the standards currently in use.

DATES: The final rule is effective June 22, 1998.
    Compliance: Compliance is mandatory, April 22, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia W. Silvey, Director; Office 
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA; phone: 703-235-1910, 
fax: 703-235-5551.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    On April 28, 1997 (62 FR 22998), MSHA published a proposed rule to 
revise its safety standards for roof and rock bolts at metal and 
nonmetal mines and underground coal mines by updating existing 
Secs. 56.3203, 57.3203, and 75.204 by replacing the references to the 
ASTM standard for roof and rock bolts and accessories. The comment 
period was scheduled to close on June 27, 1997. Due to requests from 
the mining community, the comment period was extended to and closed on 
July 14, 1997.
    MSHA participated in the development of ASTM F432-95 through active 
representation at meetings of the American Mining Congress (predecessor 
organization to the National Mining Association) Roof Support Group. 
That committee prepared the revised document for consideration by ASTM. 
The committee was open to all manufacturers of roof and rock bolts and 
accessories, and considered comments from all participants in 
developing the new specifications. MSHA Technical Support personnel 
conducted both laboratory and field studies which provided supporting 
data for the various changes. This rulemaking has been followed closely 
by the National Mining Association, the United Mine Workers of America, 
and the United Steelworkers of America.
    MSHA is updating the standards because the Agency believes that 
ASTM F432-95 is more comprehensive than the references contained in 
existing standards, that it reflects advances in rock and roof bolt 
technology, and that it will provide better protection for miners than 
the standards currently in place. As discussed below, these revisions 
will not reduce the protection afforded miners by the MSHA standards 
currently in place.

A. Metal and Nonmetal Mines

    On October 8, 1986, MSHA published a final rule (51 FR 36194) 
revising its safety standards for ground control at metal and nonmetal 
mines. This rulemaking included comprehensive rock bolt standards in 
Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Secs. 56/57.3203 which 
addressed the quality of rock fixtures and their installation. Roof and 
rock bolts and accessories are an integral part of ground control 
systems and are used to prevent the fall of roof, face, and ribs. 
Accidents involving falls of roof in underground mines or falls of 
highwall in surface mines have resulted in injuries and fatalities.
    These standards currently require that metal and nonmetal mine 
operators obtain a certification from the manufacturer that roof and 
rock bolts and accessories are manufactured and tested in accordance 
with the 1983 ASTM publication ``Standard Specification for Roof and 
Rock Bolts and Accessories'' (ASTM F432-83). The ASTM standard for roof 
and rock bolts and accessories is a consensus standard used throughout 
the United States. It contains specifications for the chemical, 
mechanical, and dimensional requirements for roof and rock bolts and 
accessories used for ground support systems.
    The manufacturer's certification is made available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary to attest to the appropriate testing 
and manufacture of the rock bolts and accessories. Requiring that the 
mine operator obtain a certification from the manufacturer assures mine 
operators that the material they use meets technical requirements 
established to promote safety.

B. Underground Coal Mines

    MSHA published a final rule for roof support in underground coal 
mines on February 8, 1990 (55 FR 4592) revising paragraphs (a) and (b) 
of Sec. 75.204. This standard references ASTM publication ``Standard 
Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories'' (ASTM F432-88), 
which was the most recent revision available at that time. This 
standard also required mine operators to obtain a certification from 
the manufacturer that roof and rock bolts and accessories are 
manufactured and tested in accordance with ASTM F432-88. To comply with 
this rule, mine operators are required to provide the certification 
document, upon request, to an authorized representative of the 
Secretary to confirm that their roof and rock bolts are designed and 
tested in accordance with the ASTM standard.
    This reference to the ASTM standard performs the same function as 
the reference to the 1983 ASTM standard for metal and nonmetal mining 
application. That is, the certificate assures mine operators that the 
material they use meets technical requirements established to promote 
safety.

II. Discussion

    In promulgating this final rule, MSHA has addressed the comments 
received during the rulemaking process, and has developed practical 
requirements. Both costs and benefits were also considered.
    MSHA has found that the existing certification requirement has been 
successful in maintaining compliance with requirements for roof and 
rock bolts and accessories. MSHA, therefore, is retaining the 
certification requirement and updating existing Sec. 56.3203, 57.3203, 
and 75.204 by replacing the references to outdated ASTM F432-83 and 
ASTM F432-88 with a new reference to ASTM F432-95.
    One commenter suggested that MSHA revise the paragraphs to state 
Make the certification available to an authorized representative of the 
Secretary and a miners' representative. The commenter further stated 
that although it may be assumed that ``miners' representatives'' have a 
right to the certification information, no such specified right is 
accorded under the rule. Short of such specified right, miners' 
representatives have had to demand certification information with 
threats of section 105(c) complaints against mine operators.
    The Agency intends that the miners' representatives have access to 
the certification statements as stated in the preamble to the proposed 
rule (62 FR 22998).

    * * * Mine operators currently are required to obtain a 
certification statement that the testing and manufacture of roof and 
rock bolts comply with the specified standard, and to keep a copy of 
this

[[Page 20027]]

certification statement so that it can be made available to miners' 
representatives and representatives of the Secretary of Labor (the 
Secretary) * * *

    In response to the comment, Secs. 56.3203(a)(2), 57.3203(a)(2), and 
75.204(a)(2) have been revised to require the operator to ``make this 
certification available to an authorized representative of the 
Secretary and the representative of miners.''

A. New Products Addressed

    ASTM F432-95 covers products not addressed by the current standards 
including grouting materials, large diameter bolts, thread deformed 
bars, and formable anchorage devices.
1. Grouting Materials
    Grouting materials, which were not addressed by either ASTM F432-88 
or ASTM F432-83, are extensively covered by ASTM F432-95. The term 
``grouting materials'' is used in ASTM F432-95 to include any chemical 
materials (such as polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resins) that are 
used to anchor mine roof bolts. While grouted bolts have been used 
successfully to support mine roofs since the 1970's, each manufacturer 
has a different method to describe proper application of grouting 
materials and their performance characteristics. This lack of 
standardization has caused confusion and occasional misapplication of a 
particular grout formulation and, therefore, has resulted in improperly 
grouted boreholes. Improperly grouted boreholes can result in poor bolt 
performance and, potentially, an inadequately supported roof. A survey 
of MSHA field personnel revealed that improper borehole grouting has 
been a contributing factor in roof fall accidents. Under ASTM F432-95, 
there are specific requirements regarding strength, cure rate, 
cartridge volume, and labeling that will standardize the production and 
application of grouting materials and reduce the likelihood that 
grouted bolts will be improperly installed.
    The majority of commenters were in support of this provision. 
However, one commenter was concerned that standardization of grout cure 
rates could be hazardous. The commenter also stated that some mines 
need bolt lengths ranging from 5 feet to 20 feet and that flexibility 
in grout cure rates is vital. The commenter further suggested that it 
is far more important that the operator be trained to use the materials 
properly than to attempt to standardize the products.
    The Agency does not believe that the standardization of grout cure 
rates by ASTM F432-95 will cause a safety hazard or alter the variety 
of grouting materials available to the mining industry. Rather, it 
provides a classification system by which performance characteristics 
of current and future grout formulations can be grouped and identified, 
and enables the user to select the proper formulation for a particular 
application. Therefore, the provision remains as proposed.
2. Large Diameter Bolts
    Similarly, large diameter bolts, ranging in size from 1\1/8\ inch 
to 1\1/2\ inch, are now addressed by ASTM F432-95. MSHA field personnel 
report that these large diameter bolts are growing in popularity and 
are being used in areas of adverse roof conditions where smaller 
diameter bolts would fail. ASTM F432-95 provides standard strength and 
thread tolerance limits that ensure minimum performance levels and the 
interchangeability of components produced by different manufacturers. 
Compatibility is essential in ensuring that components acquired from 
different sources function properly when used together, such as 
mechanical anchors from one manufacturer and bolts from another, and 
provide an adequate margin of safety.
    The majority of commenters supported this requirement. One 
commenter supported the use of large diameter bolts, but was concerned 
that in-mine tests will still be necessary because conditions vary from 
mine to mine.
    The inclusion of large diameter bolts in ASTM F432-95 does not 
exempt those bolts from the plan approval process; any bolting system 
must be approved as suitable for the ground conditions of a particular 
mine. It does, however, ensure that large diameter bolts meeting those 
specifications are compatible with other components (expansion anchors, 
nuts, etc.) and will function properly, essentially removing that 
aspect of the evaluation (which is often time consuming) from the 
approval process.
3. Thread Deformed Bars and Formable Anchorage Devices
    Two new technologies, thread deformed bars and formable anchorage 
devices, are also addressed by ASTM F432-95. These bolting systems were 
not in use at the time ASTM F432-83 and ASTM F432-88 were adopted. 
Their effectiveness has been demonstrated at a number of mines, 
however, and this has led MSHA to approve their use in roof control 
plans. ASTM F432-95 provides specific manufacturing, strength, and 
identification requirements for these products to ensure that minimum 
performance levels are met and that reliable products are available to 
the mine operator. Updating the roof control standards which reference 
the ASTM specifications covering these systems will reduce the time 
required by mine operators to receive approval to use these devices in 
the roof control plan, and will eliminate the need for repetitive and 
time consuming underground tests.
    One commenter was confused as to whether fixtures and accessories 
addressed under ASTM F432-95 will have to be approved individually 
under the roof control plan, or will unilaterally be approved for 
inclusion in roof control plans without submitting each plan 
separately. The commenter referred to the statement in the preamble to 
the proposal (62 FR 23000) which noted that:

    Updating the roof control standards which reference the ASTM 
specifications covering these systems would reduce the time required 
by mine operators to receive approval to use these devices in the 
roof control plan, and eliminate the need for repetitive and time 
consuming underground tests.

    Section 75.220 requires each mine operator to develop and follow a 
roof control plan approved by the District Manager. If the roof bolts 
and accessories are not addressed under ASTM F432-95, the operator will 
have to perform tests to show that they meet the requirements of 
75.204(b). The inclusion in the roof control plan of a particular 
product that meets the specifications in ASTM F432-95 relieves the mine 
operator of having to perform tests to show that these items meet the 
requirements of the standard and, thus, reduce the time involved in the 
roof control plan approval process. Meeting the specifications of ASTM 
F432-95 also assures the mine operator and MSHA that the manufactured 
product will function as designed.

B. Additional Safety Benefits

    ASTM F432-95 provides a number of additional safety benefits, 
including strength standards for couplers, tolerances for external and 
internal threads, dimensions for hardened washers, and bolt grading and 
identification systems. The Agency did not receive any comments 
regarding these additional safety features.

C. Existing Inventory

    This final rule will allow mine operators to use inventories of 
roof support components meeting the design criteria of ASTM F432-83 and 
ASTM

[[Page 20028]]

F432-88 for up to 1 year from the effective date of this rule. After 
that year, only roof support components meeting ASTM F432-95 will be 
permitted to be installed. This 1-year period will not result in a 
diminution of safety to miners and will allow mine operators, including 
small mines and seasonal operations, to exhaust existing supplies of 
roof support materials on site. It also will allow miners who use roof 
support materials to become sufficiently trained in the use of roof 
bolts and accessories that meet the requirements of ASTM F432-95. The 
Agency is allowing mine operators to start using components meeting the 
ASTM F432-95 standard upon the effective date of this final rule.
    In response to this provision, the majority of the commenters 
believed that 1 year was a sufficient amount of time to allow operators 
to exhaust their inventories. However, one commenter is concerned that 
the 1-year time period is not long enough. The commenter stated that a 
better approach would be to require new production of bolts to meet 
ASTM F432-95 by a certain date, then each mine would achieve compliance 
when they replace inventory no matter what the time frame.
    An inventory of roof bolt manufacturers conducted in April and May 
of 1995 indicated that all manufacturers could consume present tooling, 
exhaust products meeting current specifications, and produce and make 
available to mine operators quantities of roof support materials 
meeting ASTM F432-95 within a 6-month time period. Contact with several 
coal mine operators at that time indicated that an additional 6-12 
months would enable them to exhaust inventories of existing ASTM F432-
88 products. While ASTM F432-88 products are quality products, there 
are conflicts with ASTM F432-95 that could cause confusion if not used 
within a specified time frame. For instance, the bolt head 
identification markings of F432-95 are substantially different from 
those of F432-88 and F432-83. Long term usage of bolts covered by both 
specifications could lead to the mis-identification of bolt properties 
(grade and diameter) and the inadvertant mis-application of the bolting 
system. Similarly, the equivalent length requirements of F432-95 may 
produce resin cartridges with different volumes than those currently 
marketed. In situations where the shelf life would be extended beyond 1 
year, the potential existence of two cartridge sizes could result in 
confusion and improper borehole grouting. The 1-year time frame will 
minimize the period of time that mine operators must closely monitor 
the use of products covered by two specifications and yet will provide 
a reasonable amount of time to exhaust inventories of F432-83 and F432-
88 products.
    Another commenter stated that the 1-year time period puts 
technology too far off in the future. The commenter further stated that 
MSHA should stipulate provisions for operators opting to use the new 
ASTM standard voluntarily, i.e., must notify the appropriate District 
Manager and can no longer use roof bolts manufactured under ASTM F432-
83 or ASTM F432-88.
    The primary thrust of ASTM F432-95 is the introduction and coverage 
of technology not addressed by ASTM F432-83 and/or ASTM F432-88. The 
minimum performance requirements of previously addressed components 
generally remain unchanged. Roof support components meeting ASTM F432-
83 and ASTM F432-88 are quality items that have been safely and 
effectively used. While MSHA is not aware of any manufacturer currently 
producing roof support components to the ASTM F432-83 standard 
(manufacturers voluntarily adopted the upgraded ASTM F432-88 standard), 
extending the use of products meeting both ASTM F432-83 and ASTM F432-
88 for up to a year will pose no safety concern.
    For underground coal mines, any bolting system must be approved by 
the District Manager as suitable for the ground conditions of a 
particular mine. Therefore, operators will stipulate in the roof 
control plan if the roof and rock bolts and accessories meet the 
specifications of ASTM F432-88 or ASTM F432-95, or were tested by the 
operator and shown to be effective. Additionally, the final rule states 
that an operator may continue to use roof and rock bolt accessories 
that meet the specifications of ASTM F432-88 until 1 year after the 
effective date of this final rule.
    Underground metal and nonmetal mine operators are not required to 
submit a roof control plan to the MSHA District Manager. However, the 
incorporation of ASTM F432-95 into Sec. 56.3203 and 57.3203 will ensure 
that roof and rock bolts and accessories will be of high quality and 
manufactured to the same specifications as those used in underground 
coal mines.
    MSHA also believes that the 1-year time period gives sufficient 
time for roof bolt manufacturers to consume present tooling, exhaust 
inventories of products meeting current specifications, and produce and 
make available to mine operators quantities of roof bolts meeting the 
design criteria of ASTM F432-95. MSHA did not receive any comments in 
response to the amount of time needed to produce roof bolts meeting the 
design criteria of ASTM F432-95.

III. Paperwork Reduction Act

    On August 29, 1995, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
published a final rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 44978) 
implementing the new Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). 
Consistent with PRA 95, these OMB rules expanded the definition of 
``information'' to clarify that a ``certification'' would involve the 
collection of ``information'' if the Agency used it to monitor 
compliance. Mine operators currently are required to obtain a 
certification statement that the testing and manufacture of roof and 
rock bolts comply with the specified standard, and to keep a copy of 
this certification statement so that it can be made available to 
miners' representatives and representatives of the Secretary of Labor 
(the Secretary). Although the final rule does not change this 
requirement, it is now considered an information collection burden 
because of the expanded definition of ``information'' under PRA 95. The 
burden hours and costs associated with roof bolt certifications, 
therefore, do not reflect any increase for the mining industry.
    One commenter stated that MSHA's cost estimates were greatly 
underestimated. This commenter pointed out that the cost estimates were 
based on each mine using one roof support type and one roof support 
supplier. Some companies use multiple types of roof bolts which are 
distributed by different suppliers. The burden of providing a 
certification could be 3 to 6 times more than MSHA estimates depending 
on the geographic location and geology of the mine. The commenter 
further stated that the cost estimates did not include the cost of 
initial filing of documents and quarterly locating and copying for 
inspectors. New testing, identification, and other manufacturing costs 
created by the new ASTM standard will not be absorbed by the 
manufacturers; they will be passed along to mine operators.
    A second commenter supported MSHA's estimates stating that MSHA has 
reasonably and logically established the burden of hours and costs 
associated with roof bolt certifications by close comparison to that 
which has been collected as required under the current standards.
    In response to these comments MSHA has increased the estimated 
number of

[[Page 20029]]

times that mine operators would have to file or retrieve 
certifications. These revised estimates reflect the obtaining and 
filing of certifications from more than one manufacturer or supplier 
and the retrieval of certifications to show to an authorized 
representative during an inspection.
    Description: Sections 56.3203(a)(1), 57.3203(a)(1), and 
75.204(a)(1) require the mine operator to obtain a manufacturer's 
certification that the material was manufactured and tested in 
accordance with the specifications of ASTM F432-95. Agency experience 
has shown that major roof and rock bolt manufacturers routinely provide 
a certification to mine operators at the time of the initial contract 
and update the certification annually. Smaller manufacturers provide a 
certification at the time of initial contract and upon request from the 
mine operator. MSHA estimates that it takes the mine operator about 3 
minutes to obtain a signature and file the certification form, and that 
underground mines use an average of four different manufacturers or 
suppliers and surface mines use two.
    Sections 56.3203(a)(2), 57.3203(a)(2), and 75.204(a)(2) require 
that the certification be made available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary and to a miner's representative. MSHA 
estimates that it takes about 3 minutes per inspection to show the 
certifications to the authorized representative and the miner's 
representative. Underground mines are inspected four times per year and 
surface mines are inspected twice per year.
    Description of Respondents: The respondents are mine operators. 
MSHA estimates that this provision annually affects about 233 surface 
metal and nonmetal mines; 243 underground metal and nonmetal mines; and 
888 underground coal mines.
    Information Collection Burden: The total estimated annual 
information collection burden for surface metal and nonmetal mines is 
about 47 hours at an estimated annual cost of about $1,680. The total 
estimated annual information collection burden for underground metal 
and nonmetal mines is about 97 hours at an estimated annual cost of 
about $3,500. The total estimated annual information collection burden 
for underground coal mines is about 355 hours at an estimated annual 
cost of about $14,920. The burden hours and costs associated with roof 
bolt certifications do not reflect any increase for the mining industry 
because mine operators currently are required to perform these 
activities.
    The following chart summarizes MSHA's estimates by section.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                             Number of                                  
                  Regulation in 30 CFR                       Number of       Hours per       Number of     responses per   Annual costs     Total hours 
                                                            respondents      response        responses      respondent                    per regulation
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.3203(a)(1)...........................................             233            0.05             932               4         $ 1,680              47
57.3203(a)(1)...........................................             243            0.05           1,944               8           3,500              97
75.204(a)(1)............................................             888            0.05           7,104               8          14,920             355
                                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................................           1,364            0.05           9,980  ..............          20,100             499
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The information collection requirements contained in this rule were 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and have been approved under OMB 
Control Number 1219-0121.

IV. Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Executive Order 12866 requires that regulatory agencies assess both 
the costs and benefits of regulations. MSHA estimates that the cost 
impact of the final rule is essentially the same as under the existing 
rule. The primary benefit of the final rule is that it provides for 
advancements in roof bolt technology and, therefore, will increase 
safety protection for miners. MSHA has determined that this final rule 
does not meet the criteria of a significant regulatory action and, 
therefore, has not prepared a separate analysis of costs and benefits. 
The analysis contained in this preamble meets MSHA's responsibilities 
under Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires regulatory agencies 
to consider a rule's impact on small entities. Under the RFA, MSHA must 
use the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition for a small mine 
of 500 or fewer employees or, after consultation with the SBA Office of 
Advocacy, establish an alternative definition for the mining industry 
by publishing that definition in the Federal Register for notice and 
comment. MSHA traditionally has considered small mines to be those with 
fewer than 20 employees. For the purposes of the RFA and this 
certification, MSHA has analyzed the impact of the final rule on all 
mines, on those with fewer than 20 employees, and on those with fewer 
than 500 employees, and has concluded that the cost impact on the 
mining industry is negligible.

Regulatory Flexibility Certification

    In accordance with Sec. 605 of the RFA, MSHA certifies that this 
final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities. No small governmental jurisdictions or 
nonprofit organizations are affected.
    Under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) amendments to the RFA, MSHA must include in the final rule a 
factual basis for this certification. The Agency also must publish the 
regulatory flexibility certification in the Federal Register, along 
with its factual basis.

Factual Basis for Certification

    MSHA used a qualitative approach in concluding that the final rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities. In the preamble to the proposed rule, MSHA stated that 
the cost of purchasing roof and rock bolts and accessories would not 
increase significantly as a result of the requirement that they meet 
the new ASTM specification (ASTM F432-95). Additionally, MSHA stated 
that the new ASTM standard incorporates technological advances that are 
currently available and being used by the mining industry. One 
commenter stated that the costs of the new testing, identification, and 
other manufacturing costs created by the new ASTM standard will not be 
absorbed by the manufacturers; it will be passed along to mines.
    In preparing the proposed rule, MSHA had determined that roof bolt 
manufacturers routinely change dies and other machining parts because 
of wear. The Agency concluded that, because of the 1-year phase in 
period, changing dies and other machine parts to accommodate the new 
ASTM specification would not pose an additional cost on manufacturers.

[[Page 20030]]

    The largest cost under the final rule is due to the increase of 
resin volume in cartridges. The result would be that the resin 
manufacturer may increase the cost of resin cartridges to mine 
operators comparable to the increased volume of resin. MSHA believes 
that any increased cost to mine operators for resin cartridges would be 
offset by this increased resin volume. MSHA estimates that the total 
cost increase, if passed on to mine operators, would represent less 
that one percent of their cost for roof and rock bolts and accessories.

V. Unfunded Mandates Act

    For purposes of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, as well 
as E.O. 12875, this rule does not include any Federal mandate that may 
result in increased expenditures by State, local, and tribal 
governments, or increased expenditures by the private sector of more 
than $100 million.

VI. Executive Order 13045

    In accordance with Executive Order 13045, protection of children 
from environmental health risks and safety risks, MSHA has evaluated 
the environmental health or safety effects of the final rule on 
children. The Agency has determined that the final rule will have no 
effects on children.

List of Subjects

30 CFR Parts 56 and 57

    Mine safety and health, Surface mining, Underground mining.

30 CFR Part 75

    Coal, Mine safety and health, Underground mining.

    Dated: April 16, 1998.
J. Davitt McAteer,
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, chapter I of title 30 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

PART 56--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--SURFACE METAL AND NONMETAL 
MINES

    1. The authority citation for part 56 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.

    2. Section 56.3203 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory 
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 56.3203  Rock fixtures.

    (a) For rock bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95, 
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the 
mine operator shall--
    (1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was 
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM 
F432-95; and
    (2) Make this certification available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
    (b) Fixtures and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be 
used for ground support provided they--
* * * * *

PART 57--SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND METAL AND 
NONMETAL MINES

    3. The authority citation for part 57 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.

    4. Section 57.3203 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory 
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 57.3203  Rock fixtures.

    (a) For rock bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95, 
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the 
mine operator shall--
    (1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was 
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM 
F432-95; and
    (2) Make this certification available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
    (b) Fixtures and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be 
used for ground support provided they'
* * * * *

PART 75--MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS--UNDERGROUND COAL MINES

    5. The authority citation for part 75 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811.

    6. Section 75.204 is amended by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph (a), paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (a)(2), and the introductory 
text of paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec. 75.204  Roof bolting.

    (a) For roof bolts and accessories addressed in ASTM F432-95, 
``Standard Specification for Roof and Rock Bolts and Accessories,'' the 
mine operator shall--
    (1) Obtain a manufacturer's certification that the material was 
manufactured and tested in accordance with the specifications of ASTM 
F432-95; and
    (2) Make this certification available to an authorized 
representative of the Secretary and to the representative of miners.
    (b) Roof bolts and accessories not addressed in ASTM F432-95 may be 
used, provided that the use of such materials is approved by the 
District Manager based on--
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 98-10690 Filed 4-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4510-43-P