Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - Draft Program Policy Letter - Application of 30 CFR Part

DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT EFFECTIVE DATE: EXPIRATION DATE: PROGRAM POLICY LETTER NO.: FROM: JOHN F. LANGTON Deputy Administrator for Coal Mine Safety and Health MARK E. SKILES Director of Technical Support SUBJECT: Application of 30 CFR Part 75.334(b)(1) to Bleeder Systems Scope This Program Policy Letter (PPL) affects underground coal mine operators, miners and Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) personnel. Purpose The purpose of this PPL is to provide clarification for underground coal mine operators, miners and Coal Mine Safety and Health (CMS&H) personnel of the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) application of Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (30 CFR) Part 75.334(b)(1). This letter describes MSHA’s policy for evaluating the effectiveness of bleeder systems. Policy A bleeder system includes the area from which pillars are wholly or partially extracted (including the internal airflow paths), bleeder entries, bleeder connections, and all associated ventilation control devices that control the air passing through the pillared area. Bleeder entries are special air courses designed and maintained as part of the mine ventilation system. Air from separate bleeder systems are separate splits of air. 30 CFR Part 75.334(b)(1) states “During pillar recovery a bleeder system ...