| Offices : Beckley • Charleston • Fairmont • Martinsburg • Washington, DC | E-mail Senator Rockefeller |
June 15, 2006
SUMMARY OF THE MINER (MINE IMPROVEMENT AND NEW EMERGENCY RESPONSE) ACT
BREATHABLE AIR: Miners will have more emergency breathing devices to help them survive a disaster. The bill:
· Requires each miner to have at least 2 hours of breathable air and stores of breathing devices every 30 minutes along escape routes for miners trying to evacuate.
· Emergency supplies will be carefully monitored for reliability.
BETTER COMMUNICATIONS AND TRACKING: State-of-the-art technology. The bill:
· States that all mines will have state-of-the-art two-way wireless communications and electronic tracking systems in place, as soon as technologically feasible, but not later than three years from enactment.
BETTER RESCUE EFFORTS: Mine rescue team response will be faster and better. The bill:
· Requires rescue teams to be located close to the mines they cover and be familiar with those mines.
· Includes special provisions for small mines that are realistic, but also provide a higher level of protection for their miners than under current law.
· Clarifies that neither rescue team members nor their employers are liable for any injuries or deaths that occur as a result of rescue activities.
STEEPER FINES: The Secretary will have new enforcement powers. The bill:
· Sets substantial new minimum penalties for serious violations.
· Gives the Secretary clear authority to shut down a mine for noncompliance with Department orders.
ENCOURAGES NEW INSPECTORS: The bill encourages technological advances and a new generation of skilled miners and safety inspectors. The bill:
· Focuses the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s mine safety activities and creates an interagency working group to facilitate development of new technologies.
· Directs expert study on belt-air and flammability of belts and field tests of refuge chambers.
· Creates a grant program to improve safety training.
· Creates a scholarship program to increase the skilled workforce for mining operations, the inspector corps, and more safety research for institutions of higher learning.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BILL:
· All mines will have flame resistant lifelines to guide miners out in an emergency.
· Seals for abandoned sections of mines will be stronger. Within 18 months, the Secretary must issue a higher standard for sealing off abandoned areas of mines to prevent dangerous explosions.
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