Coal mine safety and health: Underground mines— Diesel particulate matter exposure of miners,

[Federal Register: April 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 80)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 22592-22593]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr27ap99-26]

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.

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 comments@msha.gov.

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. 99-10567Filed4-26-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4510-43-P