Pennsylvania's diesel equipment program for underground bituminous coal mines

The 1961 Bituminous Coal Mine Act banned the use of internal combustion engines without the express written consent of the Secretary No internal combustion engines were approved for use in underground mines. In the early 1990's the Pennsylvania Bituminous Mine Safety Association Committee developed a plan to bring the interested parties together to discuss the use of diesels in Pennsylvania. Talks were held between the Pennsylvania Coal Association PCA, the UMWA and equipment manufacturers. These discussions led to the involvement of various organizations such as NIOSH, Penn State and other lesser know groups. As a result of these talks, a lam, was crafted for the controlled use of diesel-powered equipment in Pennsylvania coalmines. This law was passed in 1996 as an amendment to the Bituminous Coal Mine Act. The Draft Federal Law was used as a guideline for the initial Pa law and in fact, the Pa law references the MSHA law in a number of areas. The Pa law was passed by the legislatures with an enactment date in the future. Meanwhile, the draft federal law was modified resulting in the requirement of changes to the final approved law. The changes were developed through the Pa Technical Advisory Committee for immediate implementation. The Pa diesel program regulates emission standards and utilizes carbon monoxide changes to monitor DPM emissions. Maintenance and training programs are the backbone of the regulation. Article II established a technical advisory committee to evaluate issues in the interpretation and implementation of the act. The current Pa diesel fleet has not been without problems but the TAC has worked with industry and labor to craft standards that are acceptable to all parties. The number of diesel equipment being used in Pa mines is growing rapidly.