Blue Diamond Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) seeking to modify existing safety regulations. They propose using certain powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are not currently MSHA-approved, near pillar workings or longwall faces in their Bear Branch 2 mine in Kentucky. The company argues that these PAPRs offer effective and comfortable protection against coal dust and are necessary as other approved options are unavailable. They commit to training miners, maintaining safety records, and inspecting equipment to ensure safety compliance.
Simple Explanation
Blue Diamond Mining wants to use special air masks to keep workers safe from coal dust, even though these masks are not officially approved for use in mines. They promise to teach workers how to use them safely and keep a close eye on everything to make sure everyone stays protected.