FR 2021-03704

The document discusses a petition submitted by Patton Mining LLC to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), seeking a modification to existing safety standards for a piece of mining equipment used at their Deer Run Mine in Illinois. Specifically, the company requests permission to operate a grader without the mandated front brakes, proposing alternative safety measures to ensure worker safety. Public comments on the petition are being solicited until March 26, 2021.

General Summary

This notice outlines Patton Mining LLC's request to modify a mine safety standard that requires front brakes on all wheels of diesel-powered equipment. Instead of adhering to this standard, the company proposes limiting the equipment's speed and implementing specialized training for operators. Patton Mining claims that these alternative measures would maintain an equivalent level of safety to the existing requirements.

Significant Issues or Concerns

The document raises several significant issues:

1. Lack of Specificity: The petition lacks detailed information about the risks and safety implications of not equipping the grader with front brakes. This could hinder a comprehensive evaluation of safety concerns.

2. Technical Language: The language describing the brake system requirements and the petition's proposed modifications may be overly technical. This might impede understanding for individuals not well-versed in mining regulations and equipment.

3. Insufficient Justification: The document does not provide empirical data or detailed justification to support the claim that the proposed alternative will provide equivalent safety. This absence makes it challenging to assess the validity of the petition.

4. Lack of Precedent or Incidents: No information is given about previous incidents or similar cases that might justify the petitioner's concerns about adding front brakes.

5. Training Details: The document lacks specificity regarding the training methods for grader operators, which could lead to inconsistencies in how these safety measures are implemented.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document offers the public a chance to weigh in on potential changes to safety standards within the mining industry. Public input could influence the decision-making process and ensure that the final decision balances safety with practical mining operations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For miners and mining communities, this petition could have immediate safety implications. The proposal might be seen as reducing mandatory safety measures, thus potentially raising concerns about operational safety in mines.

For the mining industry, a successful petition could set a precedent for modifying other equipment standards similarly, potentially facilitating operational efficiency without compromising safety, as claimed.

By inviting public comment, the document ensures that a wide range of perspectives are considered before any decisions are made. However, for meaningful engagement, it would benefit from more detailed information and accessible language to ensure that non-experts can also contribute effectively to the discussion.