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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) Tests.--At intervals not exceeding once every 100 hours of engine operation, a qualified mechanic shall perform equipment maintenance diagnostic testing of each piece of diesel-powered equipment in the mine. The qualified mechanic shall do all of the following:
(1) Verify the identification numbers on the equipment.
(2) Check the level of the engine lubricating oil.
(3) Check the level of the transmission fluid.
(4) Set the brakes and chock the wheels.
(5) Install the portable carbon monoxide sampling device into the untreated exhaust port coupling provided in the operator's cab.
(6) Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature.
(7) Check the intake restriction and the exhaust back pressure at high idle speed.
(8) If the intake restriction is more than the manufacturer's maximum recommended intake restriction, replace the intake filter with a clean one.
(9) If exhaust gas back pressure is above that recommended by the manufacturer, take steps to bring the exhaust gas back pressure within the manufacturer's recommended limit prior to beginning the test described in this section.
(10) Put the engine into a loaded condition. As used in this paragraph, the term “loaded condition” shall mean a condition in which the carbon dioxide values are representative of the MSHA lug curve values for that engine model and horsepower rating.
(11) Take the following steps:
(i) Start the exhaust gas analyzer.
(ii) Allow the engine to operate for a sufficient time, not less than 90 seconds, to insure proper carbon monoxide readings and record both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide readings.
(12) Install the exhaust gas analyzer into the treated exhaust port and repeat steps set forth in paragraphs (10) and (11).
(13) If the average carbon monoxide reading for untreated exhaust gas is greater than twice the baseline established under section 417(b) 1 or if the average carbon monoxide reading for treated exhaust gas is greater than 100 parts per million, the equipment has failed and shall be serviced and retested before it is returned to regular service.
(14) Comply with recordkeeping requirements under section 414. 2
(b) Procedures.--Emissions test procedures for this section must be submitted to the technical advisory committee under section 424 3 prior to being implemented for each engine and equipment type.
(c) Alternative procedure.--An alternative to the testing provided in subsection (a) may be developed by the technical advisory committee under section 424.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Pennsylvania Statutes Title 52 P.S. Mines and Mining § 690-418. Diagnostic testing - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-52-ps-mines-and-mining/pa-st-sect-52-690-418/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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