Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/01/15/2015-00319/proximity-detection-systems-for-continuous-mining-machines-in-underground-coal-mines
Timestamp: 2020-08-12 13:27:38
Document Index: 320771847

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A Rule by the Mine Safety and Health Administration on 01/15/2015
2187-2203 (17 pages)
A. § 75.1732(a) Machines Covered
B. § 75.1732(b) Requirements for a Proximity Detection System
C. § 75.1732(c) Proximity Detection System Checks
D. § 75.1732(d) Certifications and Records
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2015-00319
This PDF is the current document as it appeared on Public Inspection on 01/13/2015 at 4:15 pm.
Start Preamble Start Printed Page 2188
Federal Register Publications: Access rulemaking documents electronically at http://www.msha.gov/​regsinfo.htm or http://www.regulations.gov [Docket No. MSHA-2010-0001]. Obtain a copy of a rulemaking document from the Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, by request to 202-693-9440 (voice) or 202-693-9441 (facsimile). (These are not toll-free numbers.)
Information Collection Supporting Statement: The Information Collection Supporting Statement is available at http://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. A copy of the Statement is also available from MSHA by request to Sheila McConnell at mcconnell.sheila.a@dol.gov, by phone request to 202-693-9440, or by facsimile to 202-693-9441.
Regulatory Economic Analysis (REA): MSHA will post the REA on http://www.regulations.gov and on MSHA's Web site at http://www.msha.gov/​rea.htm. A copy of the REA also can be obtained from MSHA by request to Sheila McConnell at mcconnell.sheila.a@dol.gov, by phone request to 202-693-9440, or by facsimile to 202-693-9441.
Email notification: To subscribe to receive email notification when the Agency publishes rulemaking documents in the Federal Register, go to http://www.msha.gov/​subscriptions/​subscribe.aspx.
Proximity detection is a technology that uses electronic sensors to detect motion or the location of one object relative to another. Proximity detection systems can provide a warning and stop mining machines before a pinning, crushing, or striking accident occurs that could result in injury or death to a miner. Miners are exposed to hazards from working near continuous mining machines in the confined space of an underground coal mine. Conditions in underground coal mines that contribute to these hazards include limited visibility, limited space around continuous mining machines, and uneven and slippery ground conditions that may contain loose rock or other debris.Start Printed Page 2189
To assess the costs and benefits of the final rule, MSHA conducted a review of fatal and nonfatal pinning, crushing, and striking accidents, which occurred in underground coal mines from 1984 through 2013, to identify those that could have been prevented by using a proximity detection system. Of the 75 preventable fatalities resulting from pinning, crushing, and striking accidents, 34 were associated with continuous mining machines. During this same time period, MSHA estimates that the use of a proximity detection system could have prevented approximately 238 nonfatal injuries associated with continuous mining machines, excluding full-face continuous mining machines. From 2010 through 2013, six underground coal miners working in close proximity to continuous mining machines died from pinning, crushing, or striking accidents.
Final § 75.1732(a) requires operators to equip continuous mining machines, except full-face continuous mining machines, with proximity detection systems according to a phase-in schedule. 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. Together, the machine-mounted components and any miner-wearable components make up the overall proximity detection system.
Final § 75.1732(a), like the proposal, requires proximity detection systems to be installed on continuous mining machines, which include both on-board operated and remote-controlled continuous mining machines, except for full-face continuous mining machines.
Final § 75.1732(a), unlike the proposal, requires that, 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.
In the proposal, MSHA solicited comments on which miners working around continuous mining machines should be required to have a miner-wearable component. In the preamble to the proposal, MSHA noted that the cost estimates for the miner-wearable components included in the Preliminary Start Printed Page 2190Regulatory Economic Analysis (PREA) were based on miners on the working section being equipped with these components. MSHA estimated that, on average, there are seven miners on the working section and they would be provided with miner-wearable components.
Final § 75.1732(a)(1) requires continuous mining machines manufactured after March 16, 2015 to 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.
Final § 75.1732(a)(2) requires continuous mining machines manufactured and equipped with a proximity detection system on or before March 16, 2015 to meet the requirements in this section no later than September 16, 2016.
Final § 75.1732(a)(3) requires continuous mining machines manufactured and not equipped with a proximity detection system on or before March 16, 2015 to 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. A continuous mining machine is placed in service when it is equipped with a proximity detection system and placed in the underground coal mine.
MSHA considers the date of manufacture as the date identified on the machine or otherwise provided by the manufacturer. MSHA considers a Start Printed Page 2191continuous mining machine to be equipped with a proximity detection system when the machine-mounted components are installed on the machine and miners are provided with the miner-wearable components.
Commenters stated that training should include a combination of classroom and hands-on training and that MSHA should consider a cold-start period (i.e., using a proximity detection system without an active stop function) to allow miners to become familiar with how proximity detection systems function. A commenter stated that, during a cold-start period, the stopping function is not yet active, which facilitates employee interpretation and exploration of the system and identification of possible variations to normal safe operating procedures. Commenters stated that training should be provided to all miners who may come in contact with a continuous mining machine.Start Printed Page 2192
Miners working near continuous mining machines equipped with proximity detection systems will engage in different and unfamiliar machine operating procedures resulting from new work positions, machine movements, and new visual and audible signals. Training on proximity detection systems, other than for installing and maintaining systems, is required under existing 30 CFR part 48. Existing § 48.7(a) requires that miners assigned to new work tasks as mobile equipment operators not perform new work tasks until training has been completed. In addition, § 48.7(c) requires that miners assigned a new task not covered in § 48.7(a) be instructed in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures of the task prior to performing the task. Miners working near continuous mining machines equipped with proximity detection systems will receive new task training on the operation of the newly equipped machine and the miner-wearable components. New task training could include: General proximity detection system operation during tramming, cutting, and loading; warning and stop zone size and shape; response to warning signals; response to system malfunction; and re-charging miner-wearable components.
New task training is separate from new miner training under existing § 48.5 and annual refresher training under existing § 48.8. New task training helps assure that miners have the necessary skills to perform new tasks prior to assuming responsibility for these tasks. Mine operators should assure that training on proximity detection systems includes hands-on training during supervised non-production activities. The hands-on training allows miners to experience how the systems work and to determine the appropriate work locations. Based on Agency experience, hands-on training is most effective when provided in miners' work locations. As required by existing § 48.7(a)(3), machine operators must be instructed in safe operating procedures applicable to new or modified machines to be installed or put into operation in the mine, which require new or different operating procedures.
Final § 75.1732(b) establishes requirements for proximity detection systems. A proximity detection system includes machine-mounted components and miner-wearable components.
Final § 75.1732(b)(1) requires that a proximity detection system 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. This provision is changed from proposed § 75.1732(b)(1) that would have required that a proximity detection system cause a machine to stop no closer than 3 feet from a miner.
Final § 75.1732(b)(1) requires that the proximity detection system 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. The final rule, like proposed § 75.1732(b)(1)(i), allows machines equipped with a proximity Start Printed Page 2193detection system to move if the only miner in proximity occupies the operator's compartment. MSHA did not receive comments on proposed § 75.1732(b)(1)(i).
Final § 75.1732(b)(1) does not include proposed § 75.1732(b)(1)(ii), which would have provided an exception for a miner who is remotely operating a continuous mining machine while cutting coal or rock. The proposal would have required the machine to stop before contacting the machine operator. Commenters stated that the proposed requirement would force miners to stand in a location with a significantly higher risk of being struck by a shuttle car while cutting or loading or turning a crosscut. Other commenters stated that the proximity detection system should allow a continuous mining machine operator to be located behind the rear bumper and adjacent to the conveyor boom when cutting or loading. One commenter has experience deactivating the proximity detection system when cutting or loading. Another commenter stated that there is no history of accidents during cutting or loading. Another commenter stated that a zone must be provided to prevent forcing the continuous mining machine operator out of a safe area and into the hazardous area around another piece of equipment particularly, shuttle cars, ram cars, loading machines, and scoops.
NIOSH recommended eliminating § 75.1732(b)(1)(ii) as proposed. NIOSH and other commenters stated there is no means currently available in the MSHA-approved proximity detection systems for determining whether the continuous mining machine is cutting coal/rock or only running the cutter drum. NIOSH and other commenters also stated that other activities may require an operator or miner to be closer than 3 feet to the continuous mining machine, such as positioning the conveyor boom over the shuttle car or activating certain machine functions during maintenance.
Final § 75.1732(b)(2) is changed from the proposal and requires that a proximity detection system provide an audible and a 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. The proposal would have required either an audible or visual warning signal, distinguishable from other signals, when the machine is 5 feet and closer to a miner.
MSHA agrees with commenters who stated that a warning signal requirement should be performance-based rather than the 5-foot distance in the proposal. A performance-based approach allows mine operators and manufacturers to Start Printed Page 2194address mine- and machine-specific conditions, tramming speed of machinery, location of the miner-wearable component, and accuracy of the proximity detection system when determining the appropriate settings for triggering warnings. MSHA anticipates that mine operators and manufacturers will program a proximity detection system to provide warnings at a distance that will allow the miner to move away before the proximity detection system causes the machine to stop.
Final § 75.1732(b)(2) does not include proposed paragraphs (i), the exception to provide a warning signal for a miner who is in an on-board operator's compartment, and (ii), the exception to provide a warning signal for a miner who is remotely operating a continuous mining machine while cutting coal or rock. The proposed paragraphs are not needed because final § 75.1732(b)(1) requires a proximity detection system to cause a machine, which is tramming from place-to-place or repositioning, to stop before contacting a miner. For the reasons noted above, this final rule does not require the proximity detection system to cause a machine to stop before contacting a miner when cutting coal or rock as proposed. The exceptions are not needed. Final § 75.1732(b)(2) is performance-based and requires audible and visual warning signals before causing a machine to stop.
Final § 75.1732(b)(3), like the proposal, requires that a proximity detection system provide a visual signal on the machine that indicates the machine-mounted components are functioning properly.
Final § 75.1732(b)(4), similar to the proposal, requires that a proximity detection system prevent movement of the continuous mining 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.
Final § 75.1732(b)(4) provides for an exception to allow a machine to be moved for repair if the system is not functioning properly; the machine is in an unsafe location; and the system provides an audible or visual warning signal, distinguishable from other signals, during movement. Overriding the proximity detection system should only occur for the time necessary to move the machine to a safe location—for example, the time needed to move a continuous mining machine from under unsupported roof to an appropriate repair location. MSHA intends that machine movement be restricted to tramming and the hydraulic functions necessary to move the continuous mining machine to a safe location. Under the final rule, this movement is allowed only to relocate the machine so repairs can be made safely.
Final § 75.1732(b)(5), changed from the proposal, requires that proximity detection systems be installed to prevent interference that adversely affects performance of any electrical Start Printed Page 2195system. The proposed rule would have required mine operators to prevent interference with or from other electrical systems. The final rule clarifies that mine operators must prevent interference that adversely affects performance of any electrical system.
Final § 75.1732(b)(6), changed from the proposal, requires that a proximity detection system be installed and maintained in proper operating condition by a person trained in the installation and maintenance of the system.
Final § 75.1732(c), like the proposal, establishes requirements for checking proximity detection systems.
Final § 75.1732(c)(1) requires that operators designate a person to 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 one hour of a shift change if the shift change occurs without an interruption in production. Final § 75.1732(c)(1), unlike the proposal, does not include the word “visual” because the check requires verification of both the audible and visual warning signals under final § 75.1732(b)(2).
A commenter stated that MSHA should require a mine operator to use MSHA-approved written examination procedures for this check. This commenter also recommended requiring a visual check by the machine operator and a certified electrician or qualified mechanic. Another commenter, however, stated that a requirement for a check was unnecessary. A commenter also stated that MSHA should allow the operator to determine how often and when the proximity detection system is checked for proper operation. Other commenters stated that the machine Start Printed Page 2196hardware should be checked before each shift.
MSHA believes that it is unnecessary to require written procedures for the check because existing training regulations require that the person designated to perform the check be trained to check the system. The check supplements the design requirement in final § 75.1732(b)(4) that prevents movement of the machine if any machine-mounted component is not functioning properly. The system may not be able to detect all types of damage, such as detached field generators, which could affect proper function. The check helps assure that machine-mounted components are positioned correctly and mounted properly on the machine and the system will warn miners and stop movement appropriately. Under existing § 48.7, miners who perform the required check must receive training in the safety and health aspects and safe work procedures of the task.
In most cases, MSHA anticipates that the trained person designated to make the on-shift dust control parameter check, required under existing § 75.362(a)(2), will also make the check of the proximity detection system. MSHA also anticipates that both checks would be performed at the same time. Unlike the examinations and tests required under existing § 75.512 for permissible equipment, it is not essential to require a person qualified to perform electrical work to conduct this check.
Final § 75.1732(c)(2), like the proposal, requires that operators 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.
The final rule does not include proposed § 75.1732(c)(3). This proposed provision would have required the operator to designate a person under MSHA's existing standard for qualified electricians to examine proximity detection systems for conformance with the performance requirements of this section at least every seven days and that defects in the proximity detection system be corrected before the machine is returned to service.
A commenter stated that a trained, qualified maintenance person should examine the basic functions of proximity detection systems every seven days by checking zone sizes, system communication, and warning signals; examine at regular maintenance intervals and for each modification to the machine or environment; and perform the examination while the machine is not in service. This commenter stated that the maintenance person should fully understand how the system works. Other commenters stated that the electrical examination should take place on a weekly basis at the same time as the other electrical examinations required under § 75.512. A commenter also stated that requiring an examination each week is not needed.
After considering comments, MSHA concluded that the examinations of proximity detection systems will take place with other electrical examinations required under existing § 75.512. MSHA determined that the proposed requirement to designate a qualified person under existing § 75.153 to examine proximity detection systems at least every seven days and correct defects is not necessary because the machine-mounted components are electric equipment and must be examined, tested, and properly maintained under existing § 75.512. The miner-wearable components are MSHA-approved intrinsically safe equipment and do not need to be examined in accordance with existing § 75.512.
Existing § 75.512 requires electric equipment to be frequently examined, tested, and properly maintained by a qualified person to assure safe operating conditions. The examinations and tests required under existing § 75.512 must be made at least weekly under existing § 75.512-2, and the qualified person performing the examinations and tests must meet the requirements to perform electrical work under existing § 75.153. Under existing § 75.512, when a potentially dangerous condition is found on electric equipment, such equipment must be removed from service until such condition is corrected. The on-shift check required in final § 75.1732(c)(1) helps assure that proximity detection systems function properly between the weekly examinations required under existing § 75.512.Start Printed Page 2197
Final § 75.1732(d), like the proposal, establishes requirements for certifications and records for proximity detection systems.
Final § 75.1732(d)(1), like the proposal, requires that at the completion of the check required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, a certified person under existing § 75.100 certify by initials, date, and time that the check was conducted. Defects found as a result of the check under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, including corrective actions and dates of corrective actions, must be recorded.
The certification in final paragraph (d)(1) helps assure compliance and provides miners on the section a means to confirm that the required check was made. MSHA anticipates that, in most cases, the person making the certification of the on-shift examination under existing § 75.362(g)(2) will also make the certification of this check at the same time.
The record of defects and corrective actions as a result of the check required under final paragraph (c)(1) of this section must be made by the completion of the shift, which is consistent with the requirements for records of hazardous conditions in existing § 75.363(b). If no defect is found, no record is needed. The requirement in final paragraph (d)(1) of this section requires a record of defects and corrective actions. This record can be used to show a history of machine-mounted component defects that can alert miners, representatives of miners, mine management, manufacturers, and MSHA of recurring problems.
Final § 75.1732(d)(2), like the proposal, requires the operator to record defects found as a result of the check of miner-wearable components under final paragraph (c)(2) of this section, including corrective actions and dates of corrective actions.
The requirement in final § 75.1732(d)(2) provides for a record of defects and corrective actions. This record can be used to show a history of miner-wearable component defects that can alert miners, representatives of miners, mine management, manufacturers, and MSHA of recurring problems. For miner-wearable components, no record is needed unless a defect is found. A certification of the check for proper operation of miner-wearable components that is required under final § 75.1732(c)(2) is not necessary because miners can readily check to confirm that the component is working.
The final rule does not include the provisions in proposed § 75.1732(d)(3). The proposal would have required that: (1) The operator make and retain records at the completion of the weekly examination under proposed § 75.1732(c)(3); (2) the qualified person conducting the examination record and certify by signature and date that the examination was conducted; and (3) defects, including corrective actions and dates of corrective actions, be recorded.
A commenter supported the proposed requirement but also stated that a maintenance supervisor should be required to countersign the record. Another commenter indicated that the electrical examination of proximity detection systems should be recorded consistent with the recordkeeping requirement under existing § 75.512 and that it would be unnecessary and burdensome for this record to include a record of defects found and corrective actions. Another commenter stated that maintaining separate records for weekly inspections of proximity detection systems is redundant to records already being maintained. Another commenter stated this requirement would increase the paperwork burden on a mine operator.
After considering the comments, MSHA determined that a separate examination under proposed paragraph (c)(3) and existing requirements under § 75.512 are redundant. Accordingly, the corresponding record requirement under proposed paragraph (d)(3) is not required by the final rule. As required under existing § 75.512, electric equipment must be frequently examined, tested, and properly maintained by a qualified person to assure safe operating conditions; and a record of this examination must be kept and made available to an authorized representative of the Secretary and to the miners. Consistent with MSHA policy, if dangerous conditions and corrective actions are not recorded, the records of weekly examinations of electric equipment are incomplete.
Final § 75.1732(d)(3), like proposed § 75.1732(d)(4), requires that the operator make and retain records of the persons trained in the installation and maintenance of proximity detection systems.
One commenter stated that a record is necessary to assure that the person assigned to install and perform maintenance on proximity detection systems has been trained. Other commenters stated that this requirement would be redundant. One of these commenters stated that it would be redundant with existing § 75.159, which requires a list of all qualified persons designated to perform duties under part 75. This commenter stated that MSHA Form 5000-23 (Certificate of Training) includes this information and that, due to this redundancy, the requirement in proposed paragraph (d)(4) of this section should not be included in the final rule. Other commenters indicated that this requirement would be impractical when the installation or maintenance is performed by a third party. Another commenter indicated this requirement would increase the paperwork burden for a mine operator.
Final § 75.1732(d)(3) requires the mine operator to make a record of persons trained to install and perform maintenance on proximity detection systems. MSHA anticipates that many mine operators will train qualified persons, as defined by existing § 75.153, to install and perform maintenance on proximity detections systems; but, the mine operator may train another miner who is not included on the list required under existing § 75.159. A mine operator may make the record of the persons trained under final paragraph (d)(3) of this section using existing MSHA Form 5000-23. Consistent with existing practice, mine operators do not need to make and retain records of training for proximity detection system manufacturers' employees who install or perform maintenance on their systems.Start Printed Page 2198
Final § 75.1732(d)(4), like proposed § 75.1732(d)(5), requires the operator to maintain records in a secure book or electronically in a secure computer system not susceptible to alteration.
The records required under final §§ 75.1732(d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3), if recorded in a book, must be in a book designed to prevent the insertion of additional pages or the alteration of previously entered information in the record. Based on MSHA's experience with other safety and health records, the Agency believes that records should be maintained so that they cannot be altered. In addition, electronic storage of information and access through computers is increasingly a common business practice in the mining industry. This provision permits the use of electronically stored records provided they are secure, not susceptible to alteration, and able to capture the information and signatures required. Care must be taken in the use of electronic records to assure that the secure computer system will not allow information to be overwritten after being entered. MSHA believes that electronic records meeting these criteria are practical and as reliable as paper records. MSHA also believes that once records are properly completed and reviewed, mine management can use them to evaluate whether the same conditions or problems, if any, are recurring, and whether corrective measures are effective.
Final § 75.1732(d)(5), like proposed § 75.1732(d)(6), requires that the operator retain records for at least one year and make them available for inspection by authorized representatives of the Secretary and representatives of miners.
This provision applies to the records required under final §§ 75.1732(d)(1), (d)(2), and (d)(3). These records must be made available for inspection to representatives of miners and MSHA. The operator may provide access electronically or by providing paper copies of records. MSHA believes that keeping records for one year provides a history of the conditions at the mine to alert miners, representatives of miners, mine management, manufacturers, and MSHA of recurring problems.
The final rule does not include proposed § 75.1732(e) that would have addressed technologically advanced proximity detection systems because the final rule allows for flexibility in system design. The final rule is performance-based and does not require specific distances for stopping the machine or for warning miners. Proposed § 75.1732(e) would have provided that mine operators or manufacturers could apply to MSHA for acceptance of a proximity detection system that incorporates new technology.
A commenter stated that it was unclear whether proposed § 75.1732(e) refers to approval of a petition for modification or a way for MSHA's Approval and Certification Center (A&CC) to approve a proximity detection system. A commenter was uncertain as to how this provision would apply to manufacturers. Another commenter stated that MSHA should clarify the scope of this provision and provide testing requirements to assure proximity detection systems are safe and effective for their intended use. Commenters stated that MSHA must accept new technology if (1) it meets current permissibility requirements, (2) performs the same function as already accepted systems, or (3) is as safe as the proposed requirements.
Proposed § 75.1732(e) would have addressed technologically advanced proximity detection systems that did not meet the prescriptive requirements for causing a machine to stop no closer than 3 feet from a miner and for providing an audible or visual warning signal when the machine is 5 feet and closer to a miner. Many comments to proposed §§ 75.1732(b)(1) and (b)(2) stated the Agency should change requirements to a performance-based approach. The performance-based requirements in this final rule allow for flexibility in system design, eliminating the need for the proposed new technology provision.
MSHA anticipates that mine operators in the Commonwealth of Virginia would opt to use a designated spotter instead of incurring the expense of installing proximity detection systems on continuous mining machines. The Agency estimates that the cost of diverting resources to assure that there is a designated spotter for those continuous mining machines during equipment moves would be de minimis. MSHA does not address Virginia's memorandum in the regulatory Start Printed Page 2199economic analysis (REA) because it does not affect the impact of the final rule.
MSHA received comments on the preliminary regulatory economic analysis and those comments are addressed in the REA. The REA can be accessed electronically at http://www.msha.gov/​REGSINF5.HTM or http://www.regulations.gov. A copy of the REA can be obtained from MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances at the address in the Availability of Information section of this preamble.
MSHA estimates that, after adjusting for the West Virginia Rule, the total undiscounted cost of the final rule over a 10-year period is $46.7 million, $41.3 Start Printed Page 2200million at a 3 percent rate, and $35.7 million at a 7 percent rate. The corresponding values annualized over 10 years are $4.7 million (undiscounted), $4.7 million (3 percent), and $4.7 million (7 percent).
Table 1 shows MSHA's estimate of the annualized cost of the final rule compared to mine revenue, by mine size. MSHA has provided, in the REA accompanying this final rule, a complete analysis of the cost impact.Start Printed Page 2201
Cost of final rule as percent of revenues
1-19 45 $0.5 $112 $11,111 0.5
1-500 209 4.1 11,848 19,617 <0.1
All Mines 220 4.7 17,518 21,364 <0.1
§ 75.1732(a) 1219-0066 189 $18,824 $22,359
§ 75.1732(d)(1) 1219-0148 958 95,417 0
§ 75.1732(d)(2) 1219-0148 33 1,654 0
§ 75.1732(d)(3) 1219-0148 2 57 0
Total 1,182 115,952 22,359
MSHA received comments on the information collection requirements contained in the proposed rule. The comments are addressed in the applicable sections of Section II, the Section-by-Section Analysis of this preamble, and in the Supporting Statement for the information collection requirements accompanying this final rule. The Information Collection Supporting Statement is available at http://www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain, on MSHA's Web site at http://www.msha.gov/​regspwork.htm, and at http://www.regulations.gov. A copy of the Supporting Statement is also available from MSHA by request to Sheila McConnell at mcconnell.sheila.a@dol.gov, by phone request to 202-693-9440, or by facsimile to 202-693-9441.
MSHA has reviewed the final rule under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.). MSHA has determined that the final Start Printed Page 2202rule does not include any federal mandate that may result in increased expenditures by State, local, or tribal governments; nor does it increase private sector expenditures by more than $100 million (adjusted for inflation) in any one year or significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Accordingly, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires no further Agency action or analysis.
2. Add § 75.1732 to subpart R to read as follows:
§ 75.1732
Proximity detection systems.
(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;Start Printed Page 2203
(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;
(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;