New federal rules for examining conditions in underground coal mines became effective Monday. The Mine Safety and Health Administration proposed the rules in December 2010. The rules were published in the Federal Register in April. The rules require operators to identify and correct nine hazardous conditions and violations of health and safety standards that MSHA says pose the greatest risk to miners. Those standards include ventilation, methane, roof control and accumulation of combustible materials. MSHA director Joe Main says effective examinations "are the first line of defense to protect miners" in underground coal mines.
