Search Results for keywords:"Mine Safety and Health Administration"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Canyon Fuel Company, LLC to use an alternative respiratory protection method at the Sufco Mine in Utah. The company proposes using the Drager X-plore 8000 powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) to protect miners from dust exposure, as it offers features like constant air flow and safety in hazardous conditions. This alternative is proposed due to shortages of the currently approved 3M Versa Flo units. Comments on the petition must be submitted to MSHA by April 2, 2025.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard for their Coal Branch No. 1 Mine in West Virginia. The company wants permission to use specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) underground, which are not MSHA-approved but considered intrinsically safe by the company. These respirators, made by 3M and CleanSpace, offer constant airflow and protection, especially benefiting miners with facial hair or those who struggle with tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines detailed training, examination, and maintenance requirements to ensure the equipment is used safely.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC requesting to modify a safety standard regarding the use of non-permissible radios in mines. The current rule mandates the use of approved radios, but with manufacturers no longer making these, Peabody seeks permission to use a battery-powered Motorola R-7 Portable Two-Way Radio. The company argues these radios are safe and necessary for effective communication, which is crucial for the safety of miners. Public comments on the petition are invited until January 6, 2025.

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection regarding the safety and maintenance of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. This request, submitted under the Paperwork Reduction Act, aims to ensure necessary safety measures are in place, such as maintenance records and exhaust emission tests, to protect miners from fire and health hazards associated with diesel equipment. The public can comment on the proposal until January 9, 2025, focusing on the necessity and implications of the data collection. The information collection's purpose is to enhance safety standards and reduce the risk associated with diesel machinery.

Sunrise Coal, LLC has requested a modification to existing safety standards from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). They want to use specific non-approved respirators at their Indiana mines due to their benefits, such as providing a continuous flow of fresh air and accommodating miners unable to use tight-fitting masks. Sunrise Coal argues that their alternative methods ensure equal or greater safety compared to the current standards. Interested parties can submit comments to MSHA by April 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), part of the Department of Labor, is seeking public comments on an information collection related to "Main Fan Operation and Inspection" in certain types of mines. This effort aims to reduce paperwork and improve data collection practices while ensuring the safety of mine workers. The information collected will help monitor mine ventilation systems to identify and address dangerous conditions promptly. Public comments are encouraged and must be submitted by February 25, 2025, through various methods, including https://www.regulations.gov.

The Department of Labor is asking the public for comments on a new information collection about safety standards for roof bolts used in mines. This request is part of an effort to prevent injuries and deaths from accidents like roof falls in underground and surface mines. People have until April 21, 2025, to provide their feedback, and this process is part of a legal requirement to ensure public involvement and transparency. The department wants ideas on everything from the usefulness of this information collection to ways that it could be improved while reducing costs.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting to modify the safety standard regarding the use of certain unapproved air purifying respirators in their Coal Branch No. 2 Mine. This modification seeks to incorporate alternatives to the currently available NIOSH-approved respirators, specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 units, which provide continuous filtered air and suit miners with facial hair who cannot use traditional respirators. The petition argues that this alternative method offers protection equal to the existing standards, and the equipment will be maintained and operated under strict conditions to ensure safety. Public comments on this request are open until January 15, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC to allow the use of specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) near certain mining areas at the North Eagle Mine in West Virginia. These respirators, which are not currently approved by MSHA, are claimed to provide safety and comfort for miners, especially those with facial hair or who cannot use tight-fitting masks. The proposal outlines an alternative method to ensure safety while using these PAPRs, including regular inspections, training, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. The petition argues that this method will maintain or exceed the current safety standards for miners.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a modification to current safety standards. The petition concerns the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company proposes using alternative respirators, which they claim offer safety and comfort benefits over existing options, although these devices are not MSHA-approved. The petition outlines that the proposed changes will maintain miner safety and includes detailed conditions for their use, inspection, and maintenance.