Title 30 CFR 57.22004(c) requires
operators of underground M/NM mines to notify the Mine Safety and
Health Administration (MSHA) as soon as possible if any of the
following events occur: (a) there is an outburst that results in
0.25 percent or more methane in the mine atmosphere, (b) there is a
blowout that results in 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine
atmosphere, (c) there is an ignition of methane, or (d) air sample
results indicate 0.25 percent or more methane in the mine
atmosphere of a I-B, I-C, II-B, V-B, or Category VI mine. Under §§
57.22239 and 57.22231, if methane reaches 2.0 percent in a Category
IV mine or if methane reaches 0.25 percent in the mine atmosphere
of a Subcategory I-B, II-B, V-B, or VI mine, MSHA shall be notified
immediately. Although the standards do not specify how MSHA is to
be notified, MSHA anticipates that the notifications would be made
by telephone. Title 30 CFR 57.22229 and 57.22230 require that the
mine atmosphere be tested for methane and/or carbon dioxide at
least once every seven days by a competent person or atmospheric
monitoring system or a combination of both. Section 57.2229 applies
to underground M/NM mines categorized as I-A, III, and V-A mines
where the atmosphere is tested for both methane and carbon dioxide.
Section 57.22230 applies to underground M/NM mines categorized as
II-A mines where the atmosphere is tested for methane. Where
examinations disclose hazardous conditions, affected miners must be
informed. Title 30 CFR 57.22229(d) and 57.22230(c) require that the
person performing the tests certify by signature and date that the
tests have been conducted. Certifications of examinations shall be
kept for at least one year and made available to authorized
representatives of the Secretary of Labor.
US Code:
30
USC 813(h) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 (Mine Act)
US Code: 30
USC 811(a) Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of
1977 (Mine Act)
Respondents, Responses and
Burden Costs remained the same. There was a slight increase in
Burden Hours due to rounding. Respondents No change (from 4 to 4)
Responses No change (from 213 to 213) Burden Hours Increased from
18 to 19 Burden Costs No change (from $0 to $0)
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.