Regulacje i polityka gospodarcza · 17/10/2002

Testing and Evaluation by Independent Laboratories and Non-MSHA Product Safety Standards

This revised proposed rule would establish alternate requirements for testing and evaluation of products that MSHA approves for use in gassy underground mines. It is being published in response to comments received as the result of a 1994 proposed rule on the same subject. It would permit manufacturers of certain products, who seek MSHA approval, to use an independent laboratory to perform, in whole or part, the necessary testing and evaluation for approval. Testing and evaluation as used in this proposed rule means testing, evaluation, or both. This revised proposed rule would also permit manufacturers to have their products approved based on non-MSHA product safety standards. This would occur only after MSHA has determined that such standards are equivalent to its applicable product approval requirements or can be modified to provide at least the same degree of protection as those MSHA requirements. The revised rule, as proposed, should increase the availability of a wider variety of mining products having enhanced safety features by reducing costs and broadening the market for mining equipment.