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)
US Code:
30 USC 813(i)
Name of Law: Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977
There was a decrease in respondents because two of the affected mines have closed. The decrease in responses and burden hours is due to the reduction in number of respondents.
Respondents: Decrease of 2 (from 6 to 4)
Responses: Decrease of 106 (from 319 to 213)
Burden Hours: Decrease of 9 (from 27 to 18)
Cost Burden: 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.
1219-0103 PUBLISHED FRN May 28-2015 v80 p 30495.pdf
1219-0103 2012 Supporting Statement 8-2015.doc
Notification of Methane Detected in Underground Metal and Nonmetal Mine Atmospheres