Mine Shift Atmospheric Conditions; Respirable Dust Sample

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

Mine Shift Atmospheric Conditions; Respirable Dust Sample

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice; extension of comment period; notice of public hearing;

close of record.

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SUMMARY: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is extending

the public comment period on the joint notice with the National

Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) proposing a

finding that the average concentration of respirable dust to which each

miner in the active workings of a coal mine is exposed can be measured

accurately over a single shift. MSHA and NIOSH will conduct a public

hearing.

DATES: Submit written comments on or before June 10, 1996.

During this time period MSHA and NIOSH will conduct a public

hearing. The date, time, and location of the public hearing will be

announced in a separate Federal Register notice.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Mine Safety and Health

Administration, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances; 4015

Wilson Boulevard, Room 631; Arlington, Virginia 22203. Commenters are

encouraged to submit comments on a computer disk or via e-mail to

[email protected] along with an original hard copy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ronald J. Schell, Chief, Division of

Health, Coal Mine Safety and Health, 703-235-1358.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 12, 1996 (61 FR 10012), MSHA and

NIOSH published a notice in the Federal Register reopening the record

for their joint notice proposing a finding that the average

concentration of respirable dust to which each miner in the active

workings of a coal mine is exposed can be measured accurately over a

single shift. This finding is being made in accordance with section

202(f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. The Agencies

reopened the record to submit a definition of accuracy, to supply new

data and statistical analyses on the precision of coal mine respirable

dust measurements obtained using approved sampling equipment, and to

allow the public time to review and submit comments on this

supplemental information. This additional information does not change

the proposed findings. The comment period was scheduled to close on

April 11, 1996. Commenters have requested additional time to review

this information and prepare their comments.

The Agency, therefore, is extending the comment period until June

10, 1996. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments on

or before that date.

Dated: April 9, 1996.

J. Davitt McAteer,

Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.

[FR Doc. 96-9167 Filed 4-10-96; 8:45 am]

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