DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Mine Safety and Health Administration
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 psilvey 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.