MSHA announces proposed rule for electric mine equipment

November 24, 2020
By Ben Spencer
USDoL's MSHA says the proposed rule would improve the efficiency of the product approval process (© Mark Gomez | Dreamstime.com)
USDoL's MSHA says the proposed rule would improve the efficiency of the product approval process (© Mark Gomez | Dreamstime.com)

The US Department of Labor's (USDoL) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has announced a proposed rule adopting standards for electric motor-driven mine equipment and accessories.

The MSHA says the proposed rule would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the product approval process and promote the use of technologies for improved mine safety and health.

Under the proposed rule, mine operators could use equipment and accessories that meet either 14 voluntary consensus standards or the existing MSHA approval requirements during a one-year transition period. 

After that period, operators would be required to use the consensus standards for equipment and accessories covered by consensus standards.

Comments can be submitted online until 21 Dec 2020. 

More information is available here

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