Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Coal Miners

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration

30 CFR Parts 72 and 75

RIN 1219-AA74

Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Coal Miners

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period and close of record.

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SUMMARY: We are extending the period for public comment on the Agency's

proposed rule addressing diesel particulate matter exposure of

underground coal miners. This proposed rule was published in the

Federal Register on April 9, 1998.

DATES: We must receive your comments by July 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: You may use mail, facsimile (fax), or electronic mail to

send your comments to MSHA. Clearly identify comments as such and send

them--

(1) By mail to Carol J. Jones, Acting Director, Office of

Standards,

[[Page 22593]]

Regulations, and Variances, MSHA, 4015 Wilson Boulevard, Room 631,

Arlington, VA 22203;

(2) By fax to MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and

Variances, 703-235-5551; or

(3) By electronic mail to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carol J. Jones, 703-235-1910.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 9, 1998 (63 FR 17492) MSHA

published a proposed rule to reduce the risks to underground coal

miners of serious health hazards that are associated with exposure to

high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (dpm). DPM is a very

small particle in diesel exhaust. Underground miners are exposed to far

higher concentrations of this fine particulate than any other group of

workers.

The post-hearing comment period for the proposed rule addressing

diesel particulate matter exposure of underground coal miners was

scheduled to close April 30, 1999 (64 FR 7144).

However, in response to requests from the public for additional

time to prepare their comments, the record for the proposed rule will

remain open until July 26, 1999. This provides a total of 15 months

from the date of publication for the public to comment on the proposed

rule.

Dated: April 21, 1999.

Marvin W. Nichols, Jr.,

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health.

[FR Doc. 99-10567 Filed 4-26-99; 8:45 am]

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