The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, seeking to modify an existing safety standard at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company wants approval to use specific powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that are not MSHA-approved but are deemed intrinsically safe. They argue that these PAPRs provide better comfort and protection in hot conditions, especially for miners with facial hair. The company has outlined a detailed training and inspection plan to ensure these PAPRs are used safely.
Simple Explanation
Rockwell Mining wants special permission to use a type of safe breathing mask in their mine that's not usually allowed, saying it helps workers breathe better, especially if they have beards, but others worry about safety and fairness.