---
title: "What does 30 CFR 75.400 require underground coal mine operators to do about accumulated coal dust and other combustible materials? Answer in under 100 words."
canonical: https://www.m-i-n-d.ai/minds/mining-safety/30-cfr-75-400-require-underground-coal-mine-operators-about-accumulated-coal
jurisdiction: "US Federal · MSHA · 30 CFR Part 75"
last_verified: 2026-08-26
license: CC BY 4.0 — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
attribution: "Source: MIND (m-i-n-d.ai)"
---

# What does 30 CFR 75.400 require underground coal mine operators to do about accumulated coal dust and other combustible materials? Answer in under 100 words.

For underground coal mines, 30 CFR 75.400 requires operators to clean up coal dust—including float coal dust settled on rock-dusted surfaces—loose coal, and any other combustible materials so they do not accumulate within active mine workings, including on diesel-powered and electric equipment located there. The rule was established to prevent coal dust explosions by eliminating fuel accumulations, via Federal Register entry 61 FR 55527 published October 25, 1996.

## Details / How it works

**Materials covered:** Coal dust (including float coal dust settled on rock-dusted surfaces), loose coal, and any other combustible materials.

**Locations covered:** Active workings—areas where mining operations are conducted or where personnel work or travel.

**Equipment covered:** Diesel-powered equipment and electric equipment located within those active workings may not have combustible material accumulation.

**Purpose:** Eliminating fuel accumulations mitigates the risk of coal dust explosions.

## Sources

- [1] U.S. National Archives, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 30 CFR 75.400 — Accumulation of combustible materials · https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-30/section-75.400 · as of 2026-08-26