This is only the third time since 1978 that MSHA has pursued an emergency temporary standard which will take effect on publication in the Federal Register.

“This emergency rulemaking will require the use of proven technologies and techniques to help miners evacuate quickly and safely after a mine accident,” MSHA acting assistant secretary David G Dye said.

“We are using the emergency temporary standard to get help into the field as fast as possible. MSHA is moving forward on every front to better protect miners’ safety and health.”

The emergency temporary standard strengthens mine safety practices in four key areas: training, accident notification requirements for mine operators, self-contained self rescue devices and lifelines.

The emergency temporary standard makes the following health and safety enhancements:

Self-Contained Self Rescue Devices: Mine operators to maintain additional SCSRs for each miner underground;

Lifelines: Operators to install lifelines in all primary and alternate escape routes out of the mine;

Training: Miners to be trained in how to transfer from one SCSR to another, with this training to be reinforced during evacuation drills held quarterly; and

Accident Notification: Operators to inform MSHA of an accident within 15 minutes of its occurrence.

The move was supported by the National Mining Association, which said the regulations standardised practices that are already voluntarily employed at many coal mines.

“We fully endorse the direction MSHA has taken with these measures and look forward to working toward their effective implementation,” NMA president Kraig R Naasz said.

Meanwhile, a modified version of West Virginia's new mine safety law has passed unanimously through the Kentucky House Natural Resources and Environment Committee.

The legislation under consideration in Kentucky would subject coal mines to four inspections a year and fine operators up to $US100,000 for failing to report accidents quickly. It also requires extra oxygen supplies underground and tracking devices for miners.

Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania are also considering stiffening mine safety laws.