Source: https://arlweb.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/PREAMBLE/98-26598.htm
Timestamp: 2017-07-22 14:49:04
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MSHA - Experienced Miner and Supervisor Training (Final Rule) Preamble.
Preamble for:
30 CFR Parts 48, 75, and 77 RIN: 1219-AB13 Experienced Miner and Supervisor Training
SUMMARY: This final rule revises MSHA's training regulations to
update and upgrade certain provisions. Specifically, these
revisions require essential health and safety training for certain
supervisors; eliminate new miner training for experienced miners;
and promote flexibility in experienced miner training to meet the
specific needs of the miner and the operator. This final rule
will enhance safety and health by providing effective training of
miners and, thus, reducing accidents, injuries, and illnesses. EFFECTIVE DATES: This final rule is effective February 3, 1999, except that Secs. 48.2(b)(2), 48.22(b)(2), 48.8(c), and 48.28(c) are effective October 6, 1998 and Secs. 75.161 and 77.107-1 are effective October 6, 1999.
Submit all comments on the information collection burden by December 7, 1998. DATES: Submit all comments on the information collection burden
by [Insert date 60 days after date of publication in the FEDERAL
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the information collection
requirements directly to the Office of Information and Regulatory
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk
Officer for MSHA, 725 17th Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC
20503; and to MSHA by mail to Carol J. Jones, Acting Director,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, 4015 Wilson
Boulevard, Room 631, Arlington, VA 22203; by facsimile to MSHA,
Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances at 703-235-5551;
or by E-mail to zzMSHA-Comments@dol.gov. MSHA encourages commenters
sending written comments by mail or facsimile to also send a
computer disk of the comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol J. Jones, Acting Director;
MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances;
703-235-1910.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Rulemaking History Section 115 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977
(Mine Act), 30 U.S.C. 825, directs the Secretary of Labor to
promulgate regulations concerning safety and health training
programs for miners. Section 115 states that each mine operator
must have a training program approved by the Secretary. The
legislative history of the Mine Act indicates that Congress
intended that miners be trained commensurate with their exposure
to mine hazards so that they can effectively deal with those
hazards. On October 13, 1978, MSHA published regulations for the
training of miners in 30 CFR part 48 (43 FR 47453) implementing
§ 115 of the Mine Act. Among other things, the regulations define
"miner" and "experienced miner," and they specifically require new
miner and newly-employed experienced miner training, task
training, and annual refresher training. On September 24, 1991, MSHA published a proposed rule
(56 FR 48376) to revise portions of the existing regulations. The
comment period for the proposed rule closed January 24, 1992, and
MSHA held two public hearings: July 21, 1992, in Arlington,
Virginia; and July 23, 1992, in Denver, Colorado. The record
remained open until September 25, 1992, to allow for post-hearing
comments. MSHA received comments from many segments of the mining
community. These comments have been reviewed and considered in
the development of the final rule. Some commenters, however,
raised issues outside the scope of the proposal. The issues
addressed in the final rule are limited to those specifically
raised in the proposed rule. II. General Discussion Overview The Congress recognized, and MSHA's experience confirms, that
effective training of miners is important to preventing deaths,
injuries, and illnesses in mining. All miners must be trained to
recognize and avoid mine hazards and to work safely. Effective
training must be complete, preparing miners for the hazards they
will face so that they assist in the prevention of accidents,
injuries, and illnesses. Circumstances affecting individual
miners differ, however. They have varying levels of mining
experience and work in various mining environments. Effective
training must take these differences into account. Training that is suitable for miners without mining
experience may not be appropriate for miners with experience. MSHA
continues to allow compliance flexibility under the final rule so
that mine operators may develop training materials that best meet
their particular needs. For example, training should take into
account miners whose extent and type of experience varies,
including those transferred from one mine to another mine owned by
the same operator, as well as those miners who have not worked in
their occupation for a period of time. For this reason, the final
rule primarily retains a performance-oriented approach to
experienced miner training. As required in § 101(a)(9) of the Mine Act, the final rule
promotes effective training without reducing the protection
afforded miners in the following ways. First, it provides that
experienced miners, including supervisors, must take training
tailored to meet their specific needs. Once a miner is
experienced, that miner will not have to take training designed
for inexperienced miners. Second, miners who are away from mining
for 5 years or more must receive at least 8 hours of experienced
miner training. Third, experienced miner training includes four
new subjects: prevention of accidents, emergency medical
procedures, health, and health and safety aspects of the tasks to
be performed in their jobs. Finally, miners returning to work,
following an absence of 12 months or less, must be made aware of
any major changes in the mine that may adversely affect their
safety or health. Training Plan Modifications To minimize the paperwork burden, assist mine operators with
compliance, and focus on the importance of quality training, MSHA
will provide assistance and guidance for complying with this
regulation. The Agency will issue compliance guidelines to all
mine operators further explaining the required modifications to
their training plans. MSHA also will include a model training
plan addendum with the compliance guidelines. The operator can
attach this model addendum to an existing MSHA-approved training
plan and, thus, eliminate the need to submit a plan modification
to MSHA for approval. Existing standards require mine operators to post a copy of
revisions to the training plan on the mine bulletin board. III. Section-By-Section Discussion §8.2 and 48.22 Definitions Supervisors as Miners Like the proposal, the final rule eliminates the training
exemption for supervisors who are subject to State certification
programs; all supervisors are "miners" for training purposes. The
final rule removes the specific reference to supervisors from the
definition of "miner" under existing §§ 48.2(a)(1)(ii) and
48.22(a)(1)(ii). When the training regulations were promulgated in 1978, MSHA
expected that State certification programs would be sufficient for
safety training purposes, and that Federal requirements would
duplicate the requirement of the states. MSHA experience has
shown that State certification programs generally do not focus on
the safety and health aspects of mining, particularly those tasks
performed by miners, and that accidents involving supervisors
usually occur while supervisors are performing mining related
tasks. For these reasons, the final rule will supplement the
State certification program by emphasizing health and safety
issues specific to a particular mine or mining method. Supervisors direct the work force and, in that role, are
responsible for assuring that work is done in a safe and healthful
manner. In many instances, supervisors, who may have to visit
many work areas at a mine, may encounter more hazards than miners
who may be assigned to one area or one piece of equipment. Also,
supervisors often personally intervene and perform non-supervisory
tasks when interruptions of normal work operations occur or when
hazardous situations arise. Fatalities among underground coal mine supervisors, including
State certified supervisors, confirm their exposure to hazards. From 1990 to 1997, there were 35 underground coal supervisor
fatalities. This figure represents about 15% of all underground
coal fatalities during that period. Though the fatality rate for
supervisors has improved in recent years, their accident
experience continues to warrant attention. Underground coal
supervisors are of particular concern because MSHA estimates that
only about 34% of underground coal supervisors receive or are
required to receive part 48 training. About 75% of surface coal
supervisors and all metal and nonmetal (M/NM) supervisors receive
or are required to receive part 48 training. Supervisors are subjected to many, if not more, of the
hazards that non-supervisory miners face and, therefore, need to
receive at least the same training. The final rule addresses this
issue by requiring that previously exempt State certified
supervisors complete part 48 annual refresher training not more
than 12 months after the publication date of this final rule in
the Federal Register. This will provide supervisors the full
complement of training that all miners receive, including courses
in Electrical Hazards, Health, Explosives, and Prevention of
Accidents. In this way, the final rule assures that supervisors
will be effectively trained in all health and safety aspects of
their work environment. Several commenters suggested that the training regulations
refer to both "miners" and "supervisors" throughout the provisions
to ensure that supervisors are covered by the training
requirements. The Agency contends that separate references to
both miners and supervisors throughout the rule are not necessary. All miners, including supervisors, need to be effectively trained
commensurate with their exposure to mine hazards. Accordingly,
the final rule removes the supervisor exemption and, by doing so,
the definition of "miner" will include supervisors. Commenters pointed out that some supervisors are primarily
office workers who work at the mine, but are not exposed to mine
hazards. These commenters suggested that these supervisors not be
considered "miners" and required to complete comprehensive
training. One commenter suggested that MSHA add clarifying
language to the regulation to exclude supervisors who do not
perform miners' tasks and are not regularly exposed to mining
hazards. MSHA agrees that these supervisors, like other miners
who are not regularly exposed to mining hazards, do not need
comprehensive training. Under the final rule, supervisors will be
treated like other miners. MSHA does not accept that additional
explanatory language is needed, however, because the definitions
for "miner" [§8.2(a) and 48.22(a)] distinguish between miners
who are required to take comprehensive training from those,
including some supervisors, who only need hazard training
(§§ 48.11 or 48.31). On the other hand, MSHA received comments from both industry
and labor representatives suggesting that supervisors who are
exposed to mine hazards should receive training under part 48
beyond that required for other miners. The comments detailed
courses that should be incorporated into a comprehensive training
program specifically for supervisors. While these comments extend
beyond the scope of the proposal, they raise important issues for
future consideration by the Agency. One commenter pointed out that many operators use their
supervisory personnel as trainers to fulfill the requirements of
part 48. The commenter was concerned that supervisors who conduct
training would be required to take the same training themselves. Supervisors and miners who are MSHA approved to conduct training
have demonstrated knowledge of the subject matter through previous
instruction or experience. MSHA, therefore, will credit persons
who conduct a training course with having taken that particular
course. For example, an MSHA approved instructor who teaches a
course on health will be credited with having taken that course. Requirements for Experienced Miner Status In the existing standards, an "experienced miner" is a person
who has received training acceptable to MSHA from an appropriate
State agency within the preceding 12 months; or a person who has
had at least 12 months experience working in a surface or
underground mine during the preceding 36 months; or a person who
has received new miner training within the preceding 12 months. If, for example, a miner is laid off for more than 2 years, that
miner is no longer considered "experienced" and reverts to new
miner status for training purposes. In order to be considered
"experienced," the miner must complete new miner training. Consequently, miners who may have significant mining experience
must take training designed for persons new to mining. The
proposal had addressed this lapse in "experienced" miner status
for training purposes by allowing a miner to retain this status
for life if the miner completed new miner training and 12 months
of mining experience. Like the proposal, the final rule defines "experienced miner"
in §§ 48.2(b) and 48.22(b) to mean a miner who has completed new
miner training and has 12 months of mining experience. Once the
miner has attained that training and experience, the miner retains
"experienced miner" status for life for training purposes. Upon
changing employment, the miner is then required to receive
training specifically intended for experienced miners. The final rule allows laid-off miners to retain experienced
miner status, thus making them more competitive. Even when miners
have not been passed over, the lapse of experienced miner status
has stirred some resentment among miners who, by virtue of their
mining experience, do not want to be called or treated as "new
miners." The final rule eliminates the lapse of the experienced
miner status, and strengthens experienced miner training
requirements. MSHA received several comments on the definition of
"experienced miner." Some commenters agreed that the combination
of training and experience should qualify a person as an
experienced miner. Other commenters stated that obtaining experienced miner
status might be difficult for some independent contractors working
on mine property. They pointed out that independent contractors
are often hired for their task expertise and that new miner
training is not necessary to assure that these contractors are
knowledgeable in the health and safety aspects of their tasks. MSHA's position is that, in addition to task expertise, these
independent contractors must have a solid foundation in the health
and safety aspects of their mine work environment. MSHA's
experience indicates that task expertise alone does not substitute
for a familiarity with surrounding safety and health hazards. For
example, an electrician who is contracted to work on mine property
will be familiar with hazards associated with working around
electricity, such as water, grounding, and live wires. The
electrician may not be familiar with mine hazards or health and
safety procedures, such as the use of personal protective
equipment, lockout and tagging procedures, and working in and
around operating equipment. Under the proposal, experienced miner training would have
been "given by an operator or state." Commenters said that this
provision would be unduly restrictive as to the types of entities
that could provide the training. It was never MSHA's intention to
restrict who could conduct the training. MSHA considered training
provided by the operator through a third party as training "given
by" the operator. For clarification, the final rule requires only
that the training be MSHA-approved. Thus, a variety of entities
can conduct the MSHA-approved training, including private
trainers, universities, trade associations, and labor
organizations. Commenters noted that contractors are mobile, performing work
for short periods of time at many different job sites in mining
and general industry. According to these commenters, such work
patterns make it difficult to accumulate a year's mining
experience within 12 months of receiving new miner training. They
suggested that the definition of an "experienced miner" include
only a training requirement. Work experience, however, is
critical to the hands-on application of the safe work procedures
and practices of each task. Actually doing a task in a safe
manner effectively imprints those practices and procedures and
reinforces learning. One commenter suggested that experienced underground miners
should be considered experienced surface miners, and vice versa. MSHA rejected this comment because underground and surface mining
present different environments, hazards, and mining equipment. If
"experienced" status is to be meaningful, an experienced
underground miner must have underground experience and an
experienced surface miner must have surface experience. Similarly, another commenter suggested that either surface or
underground training and experience should suffice for independent
contractors to gain "experienced" miner status for both locations. Again, MSHA concludes that training specifically geared to those
respective environments is both justified and necessary because
independent contractors, like other miners, are exposed to hazards
that are unique to either surface or underground mining
environments. MSHA acknowledges, however, that maintenance and service
contractors often have significant trade experience in work
environments similar to surface mines or the surface areas of
underground mines. These contractors are not exposed to
appreciably different hazards when they are working in similar
work environments. Accordingly, MSHA will allow independent
contractors to count their trade experience in work environments
with hazards similar to mining toward satisfying the 12-month
surface mining experience requirement. For example, a person who
has repaired or changed tires for 7 months in an employment
setting with exposure to hazards like those found at mine
properties, may be credited for the 7 months experience. One commenter stated that it also may be difficult for some
new miners, especially at mines that work intermittently, to gain
the 12 months of mining experience within 12 months of receiving
new miner training. Another commenter suggested that the rule
should allow persons 36 months to attain the 12 months of mining
experience. Although the Agency acknowledges the importance of
mining experience, it also agrees that gaining experience
consecutively or within a restricted time frame may be difficult
in some cases. In response to commenters, and to provide
flexibility to both miners and operators, the final rule imposes
no limit on the amount of time within which the miner has to
accumulate the 12 months of experience. The proposal would have recast the existing grandfather
provision for miners employed on October 13, 1978, by adding a
1-year experience requirement. MSHA received no comment
specifically on this part of the proposal. Commenters were
concerned, however, that some other miners, who are considered to
be experienced miners under the existing rule, would lose that
status under this proposed provision because they do not yet have
12 months of mining experience. MSHA wants a smooth transition under the final rule without a
disruption to the mining industry. Accordingly, MSHA will
consider all miners who are experienced miners under the existing
rule on the effective date of this final rule to be experienced
miners for life. This addresses the commenters' concern and
incorporates the current grandfather provision without adding
requirements. Under the proposal, MSHA would also have considered
supervisors to be experienced miners if they were certified under
an MSHA-approved State certification program and were employed as
supervisors on the date of publication of this final rule. MSHA
received no comment on this issue and the final rule retains this
provision. Because supervisors are drawn from the pool of
experienced miners, this provision does not reduce protection
afforded miners under the existing standards. §8.5 and 48.25 Training of New Miners Under the proposal, an "experienced miner" was a miner who
had completed new miner training and had 12 months of mining
experience. The proposal did not address what training a miner
would need if the miner went to work at another mine before
gaining the required 12 months of experience. Upon reviewing the
proposal, MSHA was concerned that miners working in different
mines before accumulating the required 12 months of mining
experience would have to take new miner training each time they
began work at a new mine, resulting in unduly repetitive and
costly training. One commenter pointed out that a training and experience
requirement that may result in miners, including independent
contractors, repeatedly taking new miner training is undesirable
and not conducive to effective training. Another commenter
suggested that new miner training be good for 36 months. The final rule addresses this issue in §§ 48.5(d) and
48.25(d). This provision allows miners who have received new
miner training in the last 36 months, to take experienced miner
training rather than requiring them to retake new miner training. These miners will then continue in the operator's regular program
of training for miners, including task and annual refresher
training. This approach minimizes the likelihood of repeating new
miner training unnecessarily. MSHA has determined that the final
provision reduces the compliance burden on mine operators and
provides more effective training to miners, while not reducing the
protection under the existing standards. For example, a person new to mining receives surface new
miner training, works 6 months, and leaves the mining industry. Two years after receiving new miner training, the person is hired
at a surface mine. Because the person had received new miner
training within 36 months, the person will be required to receive
experienced miner training rather than new miner training. After
an additional 6 months of working as a miner, the miner will have
accumulated 12 months of total surface mining experience and, for
training purposes, will be considered an experienced surface miner
for life. Alternatively, as another example, if the miner were to
receive surface new miner training, work 6 months, and leave the
mining industry for 4 years, that miner, upon returning to surface
mining, will be required to repeat new miner training. After the
miner completes the new miner training and accumulates another
6 months of mining experience, that miner will be considered an
experienced surface miner for life. If the miner had accumulated
12 months of mining experience within 36 months of receiving new
miner training, as in the previous example, that miner would have
been required to receive experienced miner training rather than
new miner training. §8.6 and 48.26 Experienced Miner Training Consistent with the proposal, the final rule changes the
title of §8.6 and 48.26 from "Training of newly employed
experienced miners; minimum courses of instruction" to
"Experienced miner training." Similarly, all references to "newly
employed experienced miners" are revised to read "experienced
miners." The final rule states that experienced miner training
pertains to miners rehired or transferred from one mine owned by
the same operator to another, as well as to experienced miners who
are newly employed at the mine for the first time. The final rule
also requires experienced miner training for experienced
underground miners who are working on the surface and are
transferred underground, or experienced surface miners who are
working underground and are transferred to the surface. Miners returning to the mine after an absence of more than 12
months are also required to receive experienced miner training. The duration, not the cause, of the absence necessitates the
training. The final rule, therefore, removes the itemization of
causes of absences contained in the proposal. This avoids the
possibility of miners "falling through the cracks" when they have
been absent from the mine for reasons other than those listed. Thus, the absence may be for any reason including, but not limited
to, lay off, work stoppage, termination, illness, injury, family
care, extended leave, or other work. Flexible Training Experienced miners who are new or returning to a mine need to
be apprised of the particular conditions and practices that
present new safety and health hazards at that mine. Effective
training prepares these miners to work safely by familiarizing
them with the mine's environment, providing them with information
on the mine's plans and procedures, and assuring that they have
skills that are adequate to perform their jobs safely. This is
practical, mine-specific training. To provide flexibility for a variety of training needs, the
final rule recognizes the diversity of experience among miners. For example, training geared for a miner who is experienced, but
new to the operation, may not be appropriate for a miner who is
transferred, from surface to underground or from one mine owned by
the operator to another, and may already be knowledgeable about
the operator's plans and procedures. The final rule requires the
operator to vary the time spent on each subject so as to address
the particular needs of the individual miner. It is up to the
operator to determine appropriate training. MSHA encourages
operators to add additional safety and health subjects based on
the specific circumstances and conditions at the mine. Commenters suggested that MSHA clarify whether the final
regulatory language refers to surface or underground miners
throughout §§ 48.6 and 48.26. MSHA does not include this
suggestion in the final rule. The term "experienced miner"
appears in subparts A and B, which apply to underground and
surface miners, respectively. Commenters also suggested that MSHA clarify proposed
§§ 48.6(a)(3) and 48.26(a)(3) concerning transferred miners from
underground to surface or surface to underground, to specifically
state which type of transferred experienced miner, surface or
underground, each section covers. For the same reason, the Agency
does not include this suggestion in the final rule. The term
"experienced miner" appears in the context of subparts A and B,
which clearly apply to underground miners and surface miners,
respectively. Commenters suggested that miners who are transferred from one
mine to another owned by the same operator, should not be required
to receive all of the experienced miner training. They suggested
that only certain subjects be required. The final rule includes a performance approach to experienced
miners training. MSHA intends that this training requirement be
flexible so as to meet the needs of different miners, with their
varying knowledge and understanding of the mine environment. While a miner transferring from one mine to another owned by the
same operator may need less training than another experienced
miner newly employed by the operator, all experienced miners must
receive at least some training in all of the required subject
areas. This is because this type of training acquaints miners
with specific conditions, plans, and procedures of a different
mine or mine environment. One commenter stated that experienced miners transferred from
the surface area of an underground mine to underground, or vice
versa, should not be required to complete all of the requirements
of new miner training to be able to transfer. Further, the
commenter recommended that these transferring miners should
receive, in all cases, a predetermined reduction in the number of
hours required in new miner training. Experienced miner training must not be approached from the
standpoint of "one size fits all." MSHA experience indicates that
a predetermined reduction of required training based on some
miners having prior experience does not account for differences in
the miners' experience. Under the final rule, as under existing
policy, MSHA will allow miners to receive credit for applicable
training previously taken under subpart A to fulfill requirements
of subpart B or vice versa. For example, if an experienced
underground miner transfers to a surface job, that miner's first
aid training can be credited toward the first-aid training
required for an inexperienced surface miner. MSHA expects mine
operators to assess the training needs of the transferring miner
and to determine any applicable training to credit. Several commenters objected to the phrase in the proposal
that training be "thorough and effective." They maintained that
such a requirement was vague, subjective, and could cause
enforcement problems. MSHA agrees. The final rule does not
include this language. However, MSHA expects mine operators to
provide necessary training to ensure that miners have the
information they need to work in a safe and healthy environment. Additional Experienced Miner Courses The existing standards require training in some subjects to
acquaint newly employed experienced miners with the environment,
operations, and hazards at the mine. Miners with more than 1 year
of total mining experience, and who have less than 1 year of mine
experience at the mine where the accident occurred, accounted for
about 22% of all miner fatalities from 1990 to 1997. During that
period of time, these miners accounted for only 5% of the total
mining population. This high percentage of accidents indicates
that experienced miners new to a mine are not receiving the
training they need to work safely. The final rule strengthens training for experienced miners,
requiring training in four additional subjects to increase their
ability to work safely, avoid injuries and illness, and respond to
emergencies. The added courses are: (1) prevention of accidents,
with a review of accidents that have occurred at the mine; (2) the
mine's emergency medical arrangements and the location of first-aid equipment and supplies; (3) health, including instruction on
the purpose of taking dust and noise measurements, and explaining
warning labels and any health control plan in effect at the mine;
and (4) the health and safety aspects of the task to which the
miner will be assigned. Regarding the course on prevention of accidents, one
commenter stated that a review of all accidents should not be
required because training on specific accidents might not be
feasible under certain circumstances due to employee
confidentiality or pending litigation. The commenter was also
concerned that, interpreted broadly, the provision would require
mine operators to provide training on every accident that occurs
at a mine, regardless of degree of the injury. While some duplicate wording has been removed, the final rule
retains the proposed requirement that a review of general causes
of accidents applicable to the mining environment and causes of
specific accidents at the mine be provided. MSHA intends that
mine operators' instruct miners on accidents of particular concern
at the mine. It is the mine operator's responsibility to
determine which accidents should be reviewed as part of the
training. This flexibility is important for providing mine
operators the latitude to design their own training, tailored to
address the specific needs of their unique mining conditions. Commenters objected to the proposed first-aid instruction
requirement and suggested that it be eliminated or changed. Some
commenters recommended that first-aid methods be taught according
to a national program. Alternatively, some commenters suggested
that instruction should focus on making miners aware of the
locations of first-aid supplies, rather than requiring training in
first-aid methods. Some commenters noted that a review of first
aid would be redundant, as it is done in annual refresher
training, and that instruction on this subject would impose a
burden on many operators to hire an approved first-aid instructor
and obtain first-aid teaching equipment. In response to commenters, the final rule requires that
experienced miners be made aware of emergency medical arrangements
and locations of first-aid equipment and supplies. Consistent
with this change, the Agency has changed the title "First aid" to
"Emergency medical procedures." Miners who take this course also
must take annual refresher training that includes instruction in
first-aid methods. Additionally, some miners and designated
supervisors will receive first-aid training under the requirements
in 30 CFR parts 56, 57, 75, and 77. One commenter questioned the need for taking any training
related to health measurements, noting that an experienced miner
already knows the purpose for taking health measurements. MSHA
disagrees. It is important that miners know the health
measurements in place at the mine. Miners who move from one mine
to another may encounter new and different health issues. Health
measurement training also serves to reinforce the importance of
appropriate health protection. Several commenters suggested that instruction on warning
labels be included in hazard recognition training rather than
training related to health. While understanding warning labels
promotes safe handling of materials, frequently the associated
hazards have harmful, long-term effects on miners' health. Under
the final rule, therefore, miners must receive training on warning
labels as a part of health training. One commenter suggested that MSHA provide flexibility for the
health course requirement. The commenter suggested that MSHA
provide language in this section exempting training that does not
apply to a particular operation. For example, training on the use
of respirators should not be required if the miner would not be
required to use respirators. MSHA agrees that training for miners
must be relevant for the needs of each miner and, therefore, the
final rule adds the language "where applicable" to this
requirement. One commenter noted that, for clarity, the health training
requirement should match that of annual refresher training. MSHA
agrees, and has reworded the language to be consistent with that
in the surface annual refresher training requirements
[30 CFR 48.28(b)(8)]. One commenter suggested that the proposed requirement for
instruction in the mandatory health and safety aspects of miners'
tasks in §§ 48.6(b)(11) and 48.26(b)(11) would duplicate the
existing course, "Mandatory health and safety standards" in
§§ 48.6(b)(2) and 48.26(b)(2). MSHA concurs to the extent that,
in the proposal, both courses included instruction in mandatory
health and safety standards. Under the final rule, there is no
duplication. The final rule also clarifies that the training
required in §§ 48.6(b)(11) and 48.26(b)(11) is not for miners who,
because of task experience within the prior 12 months, are
required to take task training under §§ 48.7 and 48.27. Proposed §8.6(e) and 48.26(e) addressed task training. MSHA agrees with commenters that this provision duplicates
existing part 48 regulations, and it is not included in the final
rule. The final rule clarifies language in §6.6(b)(11) and
48.26(b)(11), "Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the
experienced miner is assigned," that if a miner receives task
training under §§ 48.7 or 48.27, then training in the health and
safety aspects of the task is not required under experienced miner
training. Like the proposal, the final rule modifies the language in 8.26(b)(5), pertaining to instruction in escape and emergency
evacuation plans, by adding the words, "in effect at the mine." This change is made to keep the subject matter focused on the
plans and procedures at the specific mine. MSHA received no
comments on this change. In response to comments, the final rule also modifies, the
language in §§ 48.6(b)(7) and 48.26(b)(7), concerning instruction
in hazard recognition, focusing on the recognition and avoidance
of hazards present at a specific mine. Like the proposal, the
final rule is performance oriented and does not specify particular
topics to cover in this course, so that the mine operator will
have the flexibility to address hazardous conditions unique to the
mine. MSHA expects mine operators to take a close look at hazards
related to mine gases, electricity, explosives, and haulage, where
applicable. In identifying these areas the Agency does not intend
that they are all inclusive, but rather indicative of hazards at
the mine that could potentially cause an accident. Several commenters responded to proposed §§ 48.6(f) and
48.26(f), which provided that experienced miners returning to work
after an absence of up to 12 months must receive training on
changes in the mine environment. The final rule revises and
redesignates the provisions as §8.6(e) and 48.26(e). The
Agency intends that this training be practical awareness training
so that returning miners, experienced and inexperienced, may know
the changes which could adversely affect their safety and health. Commenters questioned what changes would trigger this
training for miners returning to work. Commenters suggested that
only significant or fundamental changes be covered. In response
to comments, the final rule clarifies that the changes must be
"major." A major change is a change which the operator knows or
should know is likely to endanger the safety or health of the
miner. To facilitate the effectiveness of training, commenters
also suggested that it be given by knowledgeable persons
designated by the operator. The Agency has included this
suggestion in the final rule. These knowledgeable persons do not
have to be approved instructors. In addition, commenters were concerned about recordkeeping,
including documentation and tracking burdens. Consistent with the
Paperwork Reduction Act, intended to minimize recordkeeping
requirements, the final rule requires no recordkeeping under §8.6(e) and 48.26(e). This will assist operators in providing the
practical awareness training in a timely manner. Commenters were also concerned that MSHA specify what is
intended by an "absence" and suggested that a minimum absence time
be included, such as 60 days, before this training requirement
would be triggered. MSHA intends that this provision address
miners who are away from the mine site for any length of time up
to 12 months for whatever reason (illness, injury, lay-off, work
stoppage, vacation, weekend, off-shift time, etc.). The Agency
has not included a minimum length of absence because changes at
the mine site which endanger miners' safety or health can occur
quickly; these changes may have nothing to do with the length of
the absence. Therefore, the final rule is not conditioned on any
minimum time related to an absence. Another commenter suggested that, instead of an absence of up
to 12 months, 6 months should be the maximum absence allowed under
this paragraph. The final rule contemplates that returning
experienced miners will receive either this training under
§§ 48.6(e) or 48.26(e) or receive the full complement of
experienced miner training under this section. Because
experienced miner training [§§ 48.6 or 48.26] is required for a
miner who is absent for more than 12 months, the 12-month maximum
is retained in §8.6(e) and 48.26(e) in the final rule. Specific Time Requirements In the preamble to the proposed rule, MSHA invited comment on
whether these regulations should specify time requirements,
particularly a minimum number of hours for experienced miner
training. Some commenters stated that a time requirement would
inhibit the flexibility for training experienced miners. Because
the experienced miner training covers varying backgrounds, and
individual training needs differ, the final rule does not contain
a "one-size-fits-all" time minimum for all experienced miners. As
noted above, under the final rule, operators must design the
instruction to meet the specific needs of the miners. For
training to be meaningful, it must instill knowledge or
proficiency in the subject matter. Under the final rule,
operators must provide training in necessary subjects in
sufficient depth so as to adequately meet the miners' needs. Other commenters said that there should be a required minimum
of 8 hours of training to assure that adequate time is devoted to
training. The Agency agrees that a minimum time is warranted in
the limited instance of miners returning to mining after an
extended absence of many years. Over time, safety skills and
knowledge erode, this is further exacerbated by long absences. Mining is becoming increasingly complex and subject to
technological innovation. Miners re-entering the field after
being away for many years, need to be properly trained. Training
must be of sufficient duration to apprise these miners of new
developments, as well as re-acquaint them with safe mining
practices and procedures. In response to comments, and to assure
that miners who have been away from mining for an extended period
receive adequate training, the final rule requires that
experienced miners returning after an absence from mining of
5 years or more must receive at least 8 hours of experienced miner
training before starting work. MSHA is aware that many operators
already provide 8 hours of training for all newly employed
experienced miners and commends the industry for this commitment
to better, more comprehensive training. §8.8(c) and 48.28(c) Annual Refresher Training of Supervisors In the proposed rule, if training was required by
§§ 75.161(a) or 77.107-1 within 30 days of the effective date of
the revision, annual refresher training would not begin more than
31 days after the effective date. The Agency was concerned that,
as worded, this provision was confusing and unnecessary. Accordingly, §8.8(c) and 48.28(c) is modified in the final
rule. Supervisors subject to MSHA approved State certification
must receive annual refresher training not more than 12 months
after this rule is published. To accommodate flexibility, reduce burden, and respond to
commenters' concerns, the Agency is providing an effective date of
12 months for mine operators to provide annual refresher training
for supervisors. Consistent with existing MSHA training policy
for miners, the final rule establishes the initial anniversary
date for annual refresher training of supervisors, for the month
the final rule is published. Therefore, [Insert month and year of
publication in FEDERAL REGISTER] is the initial anniversary month
for those supervisors who were not required to receive annual
refresher training. These supervisors have 12 months from this
date to complete annual refresher training. By allowing 12 months
for this training, the Agency allows time for outreach activities
for operators and supervisors, and facilitates the inclusion of
State certified supervisors into the operator's existing annual
refresher training program cycle. If the mine operator wants to provide annual refresher
training to all miners only once a year, then the supervisor would
have to receive the training with other miners before 12 months
have elapsed. This will establish a new anniversary date for that
supervisor. According to one commenter, the scheduling of annual
refresher training for supervisors, who have been trained under
the requirements of 30 CFR 75 and 77, should not be limited to the
coal sector of the mining industry. This aspect of the final rule
primarily affects coal supervisors, however, because some of these
supervisors were previously exempt from part 48 training. §§ 75.161 and 77.107-1 Plans for Training Programs Like the proposed rule, the final rule revises certain
training provisions in 30 CFR parts 75 and 77, for certified
persons in underground and surface coal mines, respectively. It
removes course requirements for methane measurement and oxygen
deficiency testing, roof and rib control, ventilation, and use of
self-contained self-rescue devices from § 75.161 and the course
requirement for principles of mine rescue from § 77.107-1. These
deletions do not reduce protection afforded miners under the
existing rule, but only eliminate duplicate provisions and
consolidate training requirements in part 48. Specifically, the final rule removes the training requirement
in § 75.161(a) for methane measurement and oxygen deficiency
testing, which is covered in § 48.8(b)(10) (Mine gases); in
§ 75.161(a) for roof and rib control and ventilation plans, which
is covered in § 48.8(b)(4) (Roof or ground control and ventilation
plans); and in § 75.161(c) for self-contained self-rescue devices,
which is covered in § 48.8(b)(8) (Self-rescue devices and
respiratory devices). The final rule also revises § 77.107-1 by
deleting the reference to principles of mine rescue, as this
training is covered under existing § 48.28(b)(3) (Escape and
emergency evacuation plans; fire warning and firefighting). One commenter suggested that MSHA add language to clarify
that training received under part 48 would not diminish State and
Federal requirements for certified persons. The final rule
removes only duplicate training requirements from 30 CFR 75 and
77. Additional training requirements for certified persons, under
existing standards in parts 75 and 77, are not covered by part 48
and are unchanged; therefore, additional language to address this
point is unnecessary. One commenter believed that MSHA did not go far enough in
removing overlapping topics. This commenter recommended also
removing the first-aid training requirements from 30 CFR parts 75
and 77 and leaving the first-aid requirements in 30 CFR part 48 to
satisfy all first-aid training needs. In 30 CFR part 48, however,
supervisors may never receive a comprehensive first-aid course,
because they can receive only a review of basic first-aid and
satisfy requirements for part 48 annual refresher training. The
first-aid training requirements in §§ 75.1713 and 77.1705 will
assure that there are supervisors on mine property who will
receive, at a minimum, 5 hours of refresher first-aid training
annually. As discussed previously, MSHA allows operators 12 months to
provide annual refresher training to supervisors under §§ 48.8 and
48.28. This requirement, however, does not eliminate the
requirement for annual training of certified and qualified persons
under the existing §§ 75.161 and 77.107-1. In removing courses
that duplicate those required under part 48 from the training
required for certified and qualified persons by parts 75 and 77,
the final rule creates the potential for a lapse in vital
training. To eliminate this possible lapse in training, the
effective date for removal of duplicate training courses from
30 CFR parts 75 and 77 is also 12 months from the date of
publication of this final rule. In effect, this will require an underground supervisor to
receive annual refresher training under 8.8, as well as annual
training under existing § 75.161 during the 12 months after the
final rule is published. MSHA will, however, allow for crediting
during this transition period. As an example, if a supervisor
receives annual refresher training under § 48.8 before 12 months
has lapsed since the supervisor last received training under
§ 75.161, and the refresher training duplicates the existing
requirements of § 75.161, that supervisor will not have to repeat
those duplicate courses when next receiving training under
§ 75.161. After the effective date of final §§ 75.161 and 77.107-1, which is 12 months from date of publication in the Federal
Register, (1) all supervisors will have received initial annual
refresher training under part 48; (2) the duplicate courses will
have been removed from the training required by §§ 75.161 and
77.107-1; and (3) these duplicate courses will be covered in the
supervisor's subsequent annual refresher training under part 48. MSHA also proposed removing § 77.1709, which requires new
employees to be trained in safety rules and safe work procedures
before they begin work at the mine. These requirements are
covered under § 48.25 (Training of new miners), 8.26
(Experienced miner training), and 8.27 (New task training). MSHA received no comments on this proposal. The final rule
removes existing § 77.1709. IV. Paperwork Reduction Act The final rule contains collection of information
requirements in §§ 48.2/22 and 48.6/26. The information
collection requirements associated with part 48 training are
approved under OMB Control Number 1219-0070. This final rule will
require modification of the information collection budget for
part 48. These requirements have been submitted to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for review under section 3504(h) of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA 95). The respondents and
requirements are discussed below with an estimate of the annual
information collection burden. Description of Respondents The respondents are mine operators and individuals who are
paid to perform tasks for the mine operator (e.g., instructors). Respondents are not required to respond to any collection of
number. MSHA estimates that this information collection
requirement affects all (about 20,650) mines and independent
contractors. MSHA data for 1997 indicate that there are about
2,560 coal mines, 10,960 metal/nonmetal mines, 3,890 independent
contractors at coal mines, and 3,240 independent contractors at
metal/nonmetal mines. Description of Information Collection Burden The estimated incremental information collection burden hours
associated with this final rule can be divided into the following
three categories: (1) revising the definition of "miner;"
(2) improving experienced miner training; and (3) requiring
experienced miners, before they return to work following an
changes in the mine environment that are not immediately obvious
and that could affect the miners' safety or health. State-Certified Supervisors as "Miners" The burden hours and associated costs for supervisors to take
previously had been exempt from part 48. The final rule increases
the hours associated with this recordkeeping burden. The current MSHA-approved training form (5000-23) is
constructed for ease in keeping a record of the miners' and
supervisors' various training courses. MSHA anticipates that the
keeping of this record for supervisors requires only the
supervisor's name, the date of the training, and checks in the
appropriate boxes to indicate the types of training taken. The
burden hours for this change in the final rule are those
associated with the actual time spent in filling out the training
form. MSHA estimates that this recordkeeping will take about
3 minutes (0.05 hours) each for about 5900 coal supervisors
annually. This burden will be about 300 hours at an associated
cost of about $12,700. This final rule will not impose additional
burden hours for the instructor because the supervisor can attend
training with other miners. Requirements for "Experienced Miner" Status This final rule changes the requirements for obtaining
additional paperwork associated with this change. Training Plan Revisions This final rule will require mine operators to modify their
training plans. Training Plan revisions are approved under OMB
Control Number 1219-0009. MSHA estimates that the burden hours
for this recordkeeping will not change because the Agency intends
to distribute a training plan addendum which operators can use to
modify their training plans without having to submit the change to
MSHA for approval. Development of Training Course The development of training courses is considered an
information collection burden under PRA 95. The final rule adds
four courses to experienced miner training. Three of these four
courses are currently included in "new miner" training and need
only slight modification to tailor them to the needs of
experienced miners. Based on past experience, MSHA expects that
these courses will be developed or modified by management or
supervisory personnel. The total estimated one-time, initial
information collection burden, for the development of a new course
and modifying the existing courses, is about 24,000 hours with an
associated cost of about $918,200. Further, the Agency estimates
that any subsequent revisions to the courses would impose only a
negligible burden. Additional Instructor Time MSHA estimates that the four additional required courses will
average of 2 additional hours. MSHA estimates that the additional
burden hours for training conducted by 8,850 instructors will be
about 17,700 hours at an associated cost of $688,100. MSHA
estimates that the incremental expense for supplies and course
materials are negligible. Significant Changes in the Mine Affecting Safety and Health The final rule requires operators to provide instruction
estimates that about 32,660 miners who return to work following an
estimates further that this instruction will take about 5-6
minutes (0.1 hour) and it will be provided orally by the miner's
supervisor. MSHA estimates that this new provision will impose an
additional burden on mine operators of about 6500 hours at an
associated cost of about $251,800. MSHA did not include burden estimates for supervisors
instructing groups of miners returning after a change of shift, a
holiday, or a weekend. MSHA considers that the supervisor's
instruction of miners at the beginning of a new workshift is a
normal business practice. Summary of Information Collection Burden The following chart summarizes MSHA's estimates for
compliance with PRA 95. Provision
# Respondents Average Hours
per Response Average #
Responses Average # Responses
per Respondent Total Hours Annually Recurring Burden §8.2/22(a) 2,699 0.05 5,901 2.19 295 §8.5/25(d),
48.6/26(b) 20,646 1.09 16,205 0.78 17,693 §8.6/26(e) 20,646 0.10 65,329 3.16 6,533 Total 20,646 0.28 87,435 4.23 24,521 One-Time Initial Burden §8.6/26(b) 20,646 1.16 20,646 1 23,981 * Discrepancies due to rounding. Submit written comments on the information collection burden
REGISTER] to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Attention: Desk Officer for
MSHA, 725 17th Street NW., Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503. V. Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 requires that regulatory
on MSHA's Homepage at www.msha.gov. Regulatory Flexibility Certification Statement Based on its analysis of costs and benefits, MSHA certifies
that this final rule will not impose a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities. Factual Basis for Certification MSHA used a quantitative approach in concluding that the
substantial number of small entities. This final rule will change
the definition of a miner to include State-certified supervisors,
change the definition of experienced miner to reflect a miner's
past experience, and strengthen training requirements for
experienced miners. Compliance costs The incremental compliance costs of this rule include (1) the
and developing a new course for experienced miner training. MSHA
estimates that the total initial cost will be $3.5 million. This
includes an annually recurring cost of about $2.6 million and a
one-time cost of about $0.9 million. MSHA has determined that
this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on
prices, production, or employment. In its estimates, MSHA used a wage rate, including non-wage
benefits, of $43 per hour for coal supervisors and $36 per hour
for metal/nonmetal supervisors. MSHA used preliminary 1997 Agency
data to determine the number of mines and miners. These estimates
include contractors and contractor employees subject to the
training requirements. MSHA developed the distribution of
supervisors as a percentage of employment based on this Agency
data. Cost Impact on Small Entities Using the Agency's traditional definition of a small mine,
i.e., one employing fewer than 20 miners, MSHA estimates that the
initial cost of this final rule will be about $1.88 million, which
includes an annually recurring cost of $1.22 million and a one-time cost of $0.66 million. Using MSHA's traditional definition
of a small entity, small operators have an estimated revenue of
about $16.4 billion based on 1997 data. The cost impact on this
industry segment is about 0.01% of revenue. MSHA estimates that the initial cost of the final rule for
small mines, using SBA's definition of 500 or fewer employees,
will be about $3.44 million, which includes an annually recurring
cost of $2.52 million and a one-time cost of $0.92 million. Using
estimated revenue of about $54.7 billion based on 1997 data. The
cost impact on this industry segment is less than 0.01% of
revenue. The estimated contribution of the mining industry to the
gross domestic product is about $58 billion of which the estimated
cost of the final rule is less than 0.01%. When estimated
compliance costs are so small in relation to estimated revenues,
the Agency believes that it is generally appropriate to conclude
that there is no significant impact on a substantial number of
small entities. MSHA believes that this analysis provides a
reasonable basis for the certification in this case. The Agency will provide a copy of this final rule and
regulatory flexibility certification statement to the SBA Office
of Advocacy. In addition, MSHA will mail a copy of the final
rule, including the preamble and regulatory flexibility
certification statement, to all affected mines and miners'
representatives. Benefits The RFA requires that, when developing regulations with major
economic impacts, agencies evaluate and include, wherever
possible, compliance alternatives that minimize any adverse impact
on small entities. This final rule benefits both small and large
mining operators and contractors by providing compliance
flexibility, where appropriate, which allows the operator or
contractor to be more responsive to the needs of miners. Thus, it
enhances safety and health. This final rule removes the exemption of State-certified
1990 through 1997, 50 coal supervisors (12.9% of all coal
fatalities) were killed. Of these, 35 occurred underground. Had
the percentage of fatalities been the same for coal supervisors as
for non-supervisory coal miners, MSHA projects that 43 coal
year. The higher than expected number of fatalities is 1.5 per
year for underground coal mine supervisors. Based on the greater
impact on underground coal supervisors, MSHA estimates that the
training required by this rule will help reduce excess supervisory
fatalities by about 0.5 fatalities per year, which is slightly
more than 50%. Similarly, the percentage of fatalities between 1990 and 1997
greater than the percentage of fatalities for all other miners. During that time period, these newly-employed experienced miners
(NEEMs) incurred 174, or 22%, of the 793 fatalities, even though
NEEMs constitute only about 5.3% of the miner population. Had the
than expected fatalities is about 17.5 per year. In its Preliminary Regulatory Impact Analysis and Regulatory
Flexibility Analysis: Proposed Rule on Part 48 Training (PRIA),
August 1991, MSHA had estimated that implementation of the
proposed rule would have reduced NEEM fatalities by 20%. The PRIA
states: In evaluating the potential effectiveness of these
proposed additional training requirements ***, MSHA
relied upon its experience in observing the
effectiveness of training programs and upon a
qualitative review of the possible effects on injury
rates of the experience and seniority factors. On that
basis, therefore, MSHA estimates that about 20 percent
of the excess fatalities occurring to newly-employed
experienced miners, or about four fatalities per year,
could be prevented by compliance with the proposed
requirements ***. (Pages III-20 and III-21) A commenter stated that attributing a lack of part 48
with some or all of the required part 48 training. Commenters
submitted alternative explanations as to why supervisors and NEEMs
have a fatality rate higher than other categories of miners. One
commenter stated that many supervisors often do not use the best
judgment in every situation; neither do they use necessary safety
equipment in all cases. Further this commenter stated that the
higher fatality rate for NEEMs was due, in part, to the fact that
some miners were using techniques learned from previous mining
experience which might not be appropriate to handle a different
mining condition or situation. In both the PRIA and this REA, MSHA estimates that about 20%
fatalities by fostering safe work practices, increasing job
skills, and enhancing hazard awareness and prevention. The PRIA
the excess NEEM fatalities. In the absence of any comments or data to refute this
estimate, MSHA estimates that compliance with this final rule will
help reduce the greater than expected number of supervisory and
NEEM fatalities by four fatalities per year (0.5 supervisor and
3.5 NEEM fatalities). MSHA contends that effective training,
tailored to the needs of individual miners and supervisors,
together with reinforcement of management's policies, procedures,
and work practices affecting miners' safety and health, can have a
substantial impact on eliminating the unsafe behaviors and work
practices described by commenters. VI. Executive Order 12875 and the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Executive Order (E.O.) 12875, Enhancing the Intergovernmental
governments to obtain a waiver from Federal statutory or
governments for the construction and repair of highways and roads. MSHA offered these governments an opportunity to provide
entities. VII. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children from
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks In accordance with E.O. 13045, MSHA has evaluated the
environmental health and safety effects of the rule on children. The Agency has determined that the final rule will have no effect
on children. VIII. Executive Order 13084 (Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments). MSHA certifies that the final rule does not impose
government applied for a waiver or commented on the proposal. List of Subjects 30 CFR Part 48 Mine safety and health, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Training programs. 30 CFR Part 75 Coal mines, Mine safety and health, Training programs,
Underground mining. 30 CFR Part 77 Coal mines, Mine safety and health, Surface mining, Training
programs. J. Davitt McAteer
Mine Safety and Health Accordingly, for the reasons set out in the preamble, 30 CFR,
chapter 1, is amended as set forth below. PART 48--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 48 is revised to read as
follows: Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 825. 2. Remove the words "training of newly employed experienced
miners" and add, in their place, the words "experienced miner
training" in the following places: a. 8.2(a)(1) b. 8.22(a)(1) 3. Remove the words "training newly employed experienced
miners" and add, in their place, the words "training experienced
miners" in the following places: a. 8.3(a) b. 8.23(a) 4. Section 48.2 is amended by removing paragraph (a)(1)(ii),
redesignating paragraph (a)(1)(iii) as paragraph (a)(1)(ii), and
revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (b) to read as follows: 8.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this subpart A-- (a)(1) * * * (2) Miner means, for purposes of 8.11 (Hazard training)
of this subpart A, any person working in an underground mine,
including any delivery, office, or scientific worker or
occasional, short-term maintenance or service worker contracted by
the operator, and any student engaged in academic projects
involving his or her extended presence at the mine. This
definition excludes persons covered under paragraph (a)(1) of this
section and subpart C of this part. (b) Experienced miner means:	(1) A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner
training for underground miners or training acceptable to MSHA
from a State agency and who has had at least 12 months of
underground mining experience; or (2) A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved
State certification program and who is employed as an underground
supervisor on [Insert date of publication in the FEDERAL
REGISTER]; or (3) An experienced underground miner on [Insert date 120
days after date of publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. * * * * * 5. Section 48.5 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to read
as follows. 8.5 Training of new miners; minimum courses of instruction;
hours of instruction. * * * * * (d) A newly employed miner who has less than 12 months of
mining experience and has received the courses and hours of
instruction in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, within 36
months preceding employment at a mine, does not have to repeat
this training. Before the miner starts work, the operator must
provide the miner with the experienced miner training in § 48.6(b)
of this part and, if applicable, the new task training in § 48.7
of this part. The operator must also provide the miner with
annual refresher training and additional new task training, as
applicable. 6. Section 48.6 is amended by revising the title, paragraph
(a), the introductory text of paragraph (b), and paragraph (b)(7);
by redesignating paragraph (b)(8) as paragraph (b)(12), and
paragraph (b)(9) as paragraph (b)(13); and by adding new
paragraphs (b)(8), (b)(9), (b)(10), (b)(11), (c), (d), and (e) to
read as follows: 8.6 Experienced miner training. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (e), this section
applies to experienced miners who are-- (1) Newly employed by the operator; (2) Transferred to the mine; (3) Experienced underground miners transferred from surface
to underground; or (4) Returning to the mine after an absence of more than 12
months. (b) Experienced miners must complete the training prescribed
in this section before beginning work duties. Each experienced
miner returning to mining following an absence of 5 years or more,
must receive at least 8 hours of training. The training must
include the following instruction: * * * * * (7) Hazard recognition. The course must include the
recognition and avoidance of hazards present in the mine. (8) Prevention of accidents. The course must include a
review of the general causes of accidents applicable to the mine
environment, causes of specific accidents at the mine, and
instruction in accident prevention in the work environment. (9) Emergency medical procedures. The course must include
instruction on the mine's emergency medical arrangements and the
location of the mine's first aid equipment and supplies. (10) Health. The course must include instruction on the
purpose of taking dust, noise, and other health measurements,
where applicable; must review the health provisions of the Act;
and must explain warning labels and any health control plan in
effect at the mine. (11) Health and safety aspects of the tasks to which the
experienced miner is assigned. The course must include
instruction in the health and safety aspects of the tasks assigned
and the safe work procedures of such tasks. Experienced miners
who must complete new task training under § 48.7 of this part do
not need to take training under this paragraph. *	*	*	*	* (c) The operator may include instruction on additional
safety and health subjects based on circumstances and conditions
at the mine. (d) The training time spent on individual subjects will vary
depending upon the training needs of the miners. (e) Any miner returning to the same mine, following an
absence of 12 months or less, must receive training on any major
changes to the mine environment that have occurred during the
miner's absence and which could adversely affect the miner's
health or safety. (1) A person designated by the operator who is knowledgeable
of these changes must conduct the training in this paragraph. An
MSHA approved instructor is not required to conduct the training
outlined in this paragraph. (2) No record of this training is required. (3) The miner must also complete annual refresher training
as required in § 48.8, if the miner missed taking that training
during the absence. 7. Section 48.8 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read
as follows: 8.8 Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of
instruction; hours of instruction. *	*	*	*	* (c) All coal supervisors who are subject to § 75.161(a) of
this chapter must receive annual refresher training required by
this section within 12 months of [Insert month and year of
publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. *	*	*	*	* 8. Section 48.22 is amended by removing paragraph
(a)(1)(ii), redesignating paragraph (a)(1)(iii) as paragraph
(a)(1)(ii), and revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (b) to read as
follows: 8.22 Definitions. For the purposes of this subpart B-- (a)(1)	*	*	* (2) Miner means, for purposes of 8.31 (Hazard training)
of this subpart B, any person working in a surface mine, including
any delivery, office, or scientific worker or occasional, short-term maintenance or service worker contracted by the operator, and
any student engaged in academic projects involving his or her
extended presence at the mine. This definition excludes persons
covered under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and subpart C of
this part. (b) Experienced miner means: (1) A miner who has completed MSHA-approved new miner
training for surface miners or training acceptable to MSHA from a
State agency and who has had at least 12 months of surface mining
experience; or (2) A supervisor who is certified under an MSHA-approved
State certification program and who is employed as a surface
REGISTER]; or (3) An experienced surface miner on [Insert date 120 days
after publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. *	*	*	*	* 9. Section 48.25 is amended by revising paragraph (d) to
read as follows. 8.25 Training of new miners; minimum courses of instruction;
hours of instruction. *	*	*	*	* (d) A newly employed miner who has less than 12 months of
provide the miner with the experienced miner training in
§ 48.26(b) of this part and, if applicable, the new task training
in § 48.27 of this part. The operator must also provide the miner
with annual refresher training and additional new task training,
as applicable. 10. Section 48.26 is amended by revising the title,
paragraph (a), the introductory text of paragraph (b), paragraph
(b)(5), and paragraph (b)(7); by redesignating paragraph (b)(8) as
paragraph (b)(12); and by adding new paragraphs (b)(8), (b)(9),
(b)(10), (b)(11), (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows: 8.26 Experienced miner training. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (e), this section
applies to experienced miners who are-- (1) Newly employed by the operator; (2) Transferred to the mine; (3) Experienced surface miners transferred from underground
to surface; or (4) Returning to the mine after an absence of more than 12
include the following instruction: *	*	*	*	* (5) Escape and emergency evacuation plans; firewarning and
firefighting. The course must include a review of the mine escape
system and the escape and emergency evacuation plans in effect at
the mine, and instruction in the firewarning signals and
firefighting procedures in effect at the mine. *	*	*	*	* (7) Hazard recognition. The course must include the
who must complete new task training under 8.27 of this part do
not need to take training under this paragraph. *	*	*	*	* (c) The operator may include instruction in additional
at the mine. (d) The time spent on instruction of individual subjects
will vary depending upon the training needs of the miners. (e) Any miner returning to the same mine, following an
outlined in this paragraph. (2) No record of this training is required. (3) The miner must complete annual refresher training as
required in § 48.28, if the miner missed taking that training
during the absence. 11. Section 48.28 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to
read as follows: 8.28 Annual refresher training of miners; minimum courses of
instruction; hours of instruction. *	*	*	*	* (c) All coal supervisors who are subject to § 77.107-1 of
publication in the FEDERAL REGISTER]. *	*	*	*	* PART 75--[AMENDED]
12. The authority citation for part 75 continues to read as
follows: Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811. 13. Section 75.161 is revised to read as follows: § 75.161 Plans for training programs. Each operator must submit to the district manager, of the
Coal Mine Safety and Health District in which the mine is located,
a program or plan setting forth what, when, how, and where the
operator will train and retrain persons whose work assignments
require that they be certified or qualified. The program must
provide-- (a) For certified persons, annual training courses in first
aid, principles of mine rescue, and the provisions of this
part 75; and (b) For qualified persons, annual courses in performance of
the task which they perform as qualified persons. PART 77--[AMENDED] 14. The authority citation for part 77 continues to read as
follows: Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811, 957, 961. 15. Section 77.107-1 is revised to read as follows: § 77.107-1 Plans for training programs. Each operator must submit to the district manager, of the
provide-- (a) For certified persons, annual training courses in the
tasks and duties which they perform as certified persons, first
aid, and the provisions of this part 77; and (b) For qualified persons, annual courses in performance of
the tasks which they perform as qualified persons. 16. Section 77.1709 is removed. FAQs | Freedom of Information Act | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers | Customer Survey | Online Filing Help Desk | Contact Us