New Mine-Rescue Rules Issued
The nation’s underground coal mines must have better-trained and – equipped rescue teams within an hour away – cutting the maximum response time in half – under new rules issued yesterday by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration.
"This regulation will help ensure that no matter where or when a mine accident occurs, dedicated men and women will be readily available and properly trained to assist in the rescue of their comrades underground," acting MSHA director Richard Stickler said in a statement.
The agency said the rules apply to 653 underground mines with more than 50,000 employees and contract workers across the country.
The rules are required by a mine-safety law adopted by Congress after the deaths of 12 men from an explosion at the Sago Mine in January 2006 and two other high-profile accidents that year that killed seven more coal miners in West Virginia and Kentucky.
One of the key provisions is that mines must have rescue stations located no more than an hour away by ground. Previous rules set a two-hour response time. Each mine also must have two rescue teams and a person familiar with how to respond to mine emergency present during each shift. In addition, the rules require teams to practice 96 hours a year, up from 40.
The rules aren’t proving popular with the industry.
Kentucky Coal Association President Bill Caylor said outfitting a new rescue team with air packs and other gear costs between $200,000 and $300,000. At the low end of that range, 68 new rescue teams would cost the industry $13.6 million.
"The impact on the small guy is going to be considerable," Caylor said.
Mine operators have until May 8 to submit statements describing how they plan to provide rescue coverage. The rules give mines until Aug. 8 to have a rescue station within one hour of ground travel and to either purchase equipment or submit proof that they have ordered it.
Richmond is home to two mine companies, Massey Energy Co. and James River Coal Co.
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Originally published by The Associated Press.
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