Federal Safety

MSHA has issued a Program Policy Letter that provides:

mine operators guidance in implementing: (1) alternatives to fully wireless post-accident two-way communication between underground and surface personnel and (2) electronic tracking systems, both of which are required by the MINER Act. The two-way communication alternatives (or “partially wireless” systems) include infrastructure underground to provide untethered communications with miners.

The complete PPL may be found here, http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/ppls/2011/PPL11-V-13.asp

MSHA issued a Program Policy Letter (PPL) establishing “approval guidelines for communication and tracking devices under Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 C.F.R.) Part 23, Telephones and Signaling Devices, to address the provisions of the MINER Act.”

The PPL explains the guidelines that “are being administered by the Approval & Certification Center when processing applications for approval of communication and tracking products for those underground mines or operations required to have permissible equipment.”

The PPL may be found here.

MSHA is extending until April 18, from April 4th, on its proposed rule on Pattern of Violations (POV). 

The proposed rule is available here, http://www.msha.gov/REGS/FEDREG/PROPOSED/2011PROP/2011-2255.pdf

Comments may be sent by email to zzMSHA-comments@dol.gov