Approval, Exhaust Gas Monitoring, and Safety Requirements for the Use of Diesel-Powered Equipment in Underground Coal Mines

This final rule establishes new requirements for the approval of diesel engines and other components used in underground coal mines; requirements for monitoring of gaseous diesel exhaust emissions by coal mine operators; and safety standards for the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. The final rule is derived in part from existing MSHA regulations, and provides protection against explosion, fire, and other safety and health hazards related to the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. The final rule also amends certain equipment safety standards in part 75 previously applicable only to electric-powered equipment to apply to diesel- powered equipment. The new standards are consistent with advances in mining technology, address hazards not covered by existing standards, and impose minimal additional paperwork requirements.