On October 25, 1996, MSHA issued a
final rule which establishes new requirements for the approval of diesel engines and other components used in underground coal mines; requirements for monitoring of gaseous diesel exhaust emissions by coal
mine operators; and safety standards for the use of diesel-powered
equipment in underground coal mines. The final rule is derived in part
from existing MSHA regulations, and provides protection against
explosion, fire, and other safety and health hazards related to the use
of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. The final rule
also amends certain equipment safety standards in part 75 previously
applicable only to electric-powered equipment to apply to diesel-
powered equipment. The new standards are consistent with advances in
mining technology, address hazards not covered by existing standards,
and impose minimal additional paperwork requirements.
This regulation is effective April 25, 1997, except for subparts E and F of part 7, the removal of part 31, the
amendments to part 36, and Sec. 75.1907 which are effective November 25, 1996. Incorporations by reference were approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of April 25, 1997.
Air Quality. (
(f) The minimum ventilating air quantity for an individual unit of diesel-powered equipment))
and (
(g) The minimum ventilating air quantity where multiple units of diesel-powered equipment are operated on working sections and in areas where mechanized mining equipment is being installed or removed)
(g) Undiluted exhaust emissions of diesel engines in diesel-powered equipment . . .shall be tested and evaluated weekly . . . (Availability of an explosion-proof sampling port)