NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Testimony to DOL (Department of Labor) on the Mine Safety and Health Administration's Proposed Rule on Safety Standards for Underground Coal Mine Ventilation

摘要

The testimony summarized information contained in written comments on the proposed rule on mine ventilation submitted on April 28, 1988. The proposed regulation included a number of significant improvements over existing standards. The requirements eliminated aluminum overcasts, required fireproof mortar in permanent stoppings and fire resistant coatings on timbers used as stoppings, and improved the requirements for underground electrical installations. New rules for escapeways provided additional protection in the event of an emergency under ground. A carbon monoxide fire detection system provided a major margin in risk reduction. The testimony indicated that NIOSH did not support the use of belt haulageways as intake air courses at any time. Anthracite miners appear to be at twice the risk of coalworkers' pneumoconiosis compared to bituminous coal miners. Special attention must be given to controlling dust levels in anthracite mines.