§846 Noise standards; promulgation of new standards; tests; procedures; protective devices

Summary

From the operative date, the noise standards in chapter 65 of title 41 that were in effect on October 1, 1969 apply to every coal mine, and each operator must follow them. Within six months after December 30, 1969, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must publish proposed mandatory health standards setting maximum noise exposure levels for all underground coal mines. Starting six months after the operative date and at least every six months afterward, a qualified person must test the mine’s noise as the Secretary of Health and Human Services requires, and the operator must report and certify the results to the Secretary and to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Operators may not require any protective device or system that the Secretary finds hazardous or that creates a hazard for miners.