MSHA Final Rule on Voluntary Standards for Electric Mine Equipment
On Dec. 9, The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule that updates testing, evaluation and approval requirements for electric motor-driven mine equipment and accessories used in gassy mines with high risks of fire and explosion.
The final rule incorporates by reference eight voluntary consensus standards suitable for gassy mining environments and approved by the American National Standards Institute.
The rule also allows product designers and manufacturers seeking MSHA approval to follow ANSI voluntary consensus standards or existing MSHA-specific technical requirements.
By offering manufacturers and designers more flexibility, the rule will increase the use of innovative and advanced technologies to enhance mine safety and health, the agency says.
“This final rule was based on input from the mining community and will promote the use of innovative mine safety and health technologies while maintaining existing safeguards that protect miners from explosions and other potential hazards in gassy mines,” said Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson, in a statement. “Putting this rule into effect shows how MSHA uses all of its tools to advance miner safety and health.”
The rule goes into effect on Jan. 9, 2025.