Instead, the proposed rule would require retention of records for at least the projected service life of the belt, as determined by you, the applicant. This approach would recognize that the life of a belt can vary depending on factors such as its physical characteristics, use as a main line or section belt, the type of material being transported, and belt maintenance. We assume that most manufacturers would use existing record systems to fulfill this proposed requirement. The respondents in the paperwork provisions are mine equipment manufacturers who produce conveyor belts for underground mines. Although there are 74 firms or subsidiaries of firms that hold MSHA acceptances for conveyor belts under the existing rule in part 18, the number of active belt manufacturers has decreased since the time the proposed rule was published in 1992.
Some companies are no longer in business and some have been consolidated with other companies.
Therefore, MSHA estimates that only ten manufacturers of conveyor belts would submit applications for approval of flame-resistant conveyor belt under the proposed rule. These manufacturers produce a number of different conveyor belts which are normally approved through separate applications for approval. An application for approval would be required whenever a new approval is sought under the proposed part 14 requirements, or when changes to a previously approved belt are planned. With respect to this collection of information, we request your comments specifically on the resubmitted paperwork submission. This is a limited reopening of the record to provide you an opportunity to comment on the updated PRIA and the updated paperwork submission we are resubmitting to OMB on the proposed requirements for the approval of flame-resistant conveyor belts.