Emergency Mine Evacuation
The Mine Safety and Health Administration is issuing an emergency temporary standard under section 101(b) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 in response to the grave danger which miners are exposed to during underground coal mine accidents and subsequent evacuations. The January 2006 mine accidents and fatalities demonstrate the need for the Mine Safety and Health Administration to take additional action that protects miners from the grave danger that they face when they must evacuate a mine after an emergency occurs. This emergency temporary standard includes requirements for immediate accident notification applicable to all underground and surface mines. In addition, this ETS addresses self-contained self-rescuer storage and use; evacuation training; and the installation and maintenance of lifelines in underground coal mines.