This standard shall cover minimum requirements for reducing loss of life and property from fire and explosion in the following: (1) Underground bituminous coal mines (2) Coal preparation plants designed to prepare coal for shipment (3) Surface building and facilities associated with coal mining and preparation (4) Surface coal and lignite mines A.1.1.1 In the development of this document, the data in NIOSH Information Circular 9470, “Analysis of Mine Fires for All Underground and Surface Coal Mining Categories: 1990–1999,” were examined. Table A.1.1.1 shows the number of fires for underground coal mines, surface fires at underground coal mines, at surface coal mines, and at coal preparation plants, as well as the number of fire injuries and coal production for the time period from 1990 to 1999. Analysis of the data shows a general decrease in the number of fires over the 10-year period, particularly from 1996 to 1999, while coal production increased slightly. The largest number of fires over the 10-year period, as well as for each 2-year time period, occurred at surface coal mines. There were 164 injuries due to fire during the 10-year period, with the number decreasing significantly over the last 4 years. There were two fatalities in 1991. 1.1.2 This standard shall not apply to the following: (1) Flammable and combustible liquids produced in underground coal mines (2) Other equipment and processes, such as coal pulverizers, used to condition coal for firing in boilers at power generating plants or gasification plants or for utilization in certain special processes. Fee may be required